LinuxMCE - open source Linux media software - VIDEO

"Turn on your TV, switch to the appropriate input for your VCR" can be done on windows or linux with the aid of a IR-Blaster, and a bit of software help.

The follow you room to room, is based on bluetooth proximity, so you'd need to carry some sort of bluetooth device (IE-Cellphone) with you from room to room. It's also a feature of Asterisk PBX (called follow-me, see www.nerdvittles.com)

lowering the lights, or switching devices off-on, is done with X10 devices. They work pretty well if you don't have a lot of fluorescent bulbs, and other line noise generators in your home.. Otherwise, you'll need to install EMI filters, and special high voltage switches/controllers.

Making a setup that controls everything in your home isn't as easy as the video implies, but it's certainly doable, and not as expensive as most would believe.

By the way... My wife was upset when I started working on my smart-home setup.. Now she never watches commercials and never has to worry that she missed her shows, the robots vacuum and sweep the floors on schedule, the lights automatically adjust, the bathroom glows in the dark when she walks in at night, the faucets glow with color showing the temp of the water, even the garbage can lid opens and closes by itself when her hand comes close enough.

My wife is addicted to it, and my electric bills have fallen in half.

Oh, and the kids love the two wall 3D theater/game/Media room with Frets of fire, Stepmania, PCSX2, Mame, etc.

I like the look of the UI a lot. I already have a dual boot Windows/Ubuntu box laying around, so I'll be giving this a go this weekend (assuming it's actually legit)

Ummm, sorry buddy but you are flat crack-smokin'!

Is it better than MCE? I won't debate that, but will it "automagically" cook toast, operate my vcr, lower my lights, wipe my butt and turn on the fan when I fart.....No freakin' way!

C'mon, I like Linux/Open Source solutions as much as anyone...in a lot of cases more. But lets not make false promises about these type solutions thinking for a minute that some Microsoft product lover isn't going to check out our story!

....turn on your TV, switch to the appropriate input for your VCR, follow you room to room...What EVER! They didn't even have that functionality on STAR TREK!

jeesh!

smooter