myhometheaterpc.com

Welcome to my site. It's not just Home Theater, it's not just Home Automation, it's Home Theater AND automation.

I'll show you how I used a single PC, CQC Home Automation Software, SageTV media software and extenders, VladStudio.com art, and some random bits/bytes to build out a comprehensive but easy to use and visually pleasing control system.

 
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How does this all work together?

So you've seen the architecture, you've seen the parts list, but that's just a bunch of pictures and equipment. How does this all work together?

It's pretty simple, really:

  1. Get a Stereo, HVAC, etc, with RS232, USB, or internet interfaces. There's a LONG list of options here, even the Sage HD200 is controllable over IP if you use the SageTV server to serve it.
  2. You may need to do some configuration of the device. If it's the Elk, there's a lot of setup. Sometimes receivers need some tuning too.
  3. If needed, run the appropriate wiring from your device to your server. Could be RS232 over CAT5, could be USB. If it's an IP controlled device, you just need to connect it to your home network. You can run RS232 wiring using CAT5 for 50ish feet or so, just get RJ45->DB9 adapters.
  4. Install CQC on your server.
  5. CQC knows how to talk to devices over RS232, USB devices typically present themselves as serial interfaces so go to the MyComputer.Properties.Advanced.Hardware tab to see what the COM address # is. Then, tell CQC what the USB, RS232, or IP address is.
  6. Setup CQC. Create front-end screens for manual control, or back-end triggers for automated control.

That's basically it!  Of course,