the EHX expo has finally matured into a viable show. as the wireless revolution has gripped the computer industry with 802.11a networks, imagine using similar technology to automate your entire house. the company presentation i attended from vantage controls used $20 dollar self powered buttons, programmed from the internet to set up various lighting scenes, dimming modules, scripts, and talking with pressure or contact switches, the sky’s the limit in the amount of control.
the program currently runs in windowsXP, but it’s a one time use thing to upload the control language to the modules wirelessly, and then you have a fully customized house, without ripping into a single wall. the hardwired system is better, but when you have legacy plaster, the fully functional wall may be very difficult to open. on new construction it’s easy, but this is the first system for old construction and remodeling.