Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Do you have cable or sattelite TV in your home?




Here is a review of x10’s video sender. This cool device allows you the ability to view all your favorite TV shows from your cable box, TiVo, DirecTV or even DVDs from your DVD player on a second TV without running new wires, adding extra boxes or paying additional monthly fees.



The Wireless Video Sender Platinum sends the video wirelessly up to 100 feet, through doors, floors, windows and walls! All reports have shown that the quality of the video and audio is pretty good. I put it to the test and found the results to be satisfactory. I set up a video sender in my garage and have been enjoying cable TV out there while I work. The quality is amazing. The good news is that the equipment is compatible with Direct TV, TIVO, Dish Network, MSN TV, and most of the other name brands on the market today.


You can change channels, adjust volume, play, pause and more from anywhere in the house. That means if you have your cable box or TiVo in the family room and want to watch it on your upstairs TV and change channels as you lie in bed, you can. The Remote Sender will wirelessly transmit video to a second TV anywhere in the house and let you control it all by remote no matter where you are!


The setup is easy- Simply plug the sender into your cable box, TV, DVD player, etc. Then, plug the receiver into a second TV anywhere in the house and you're done.


The range on the video sender claims to be significant. I set my sender up at the farthest spot from the main source and had no problems.


The video sender is legal. You don't need a "black box" or anything like that. Once you set up the sender, you do not have to pay any extra fees.



Here are some of the highlights of the video sender as advertised:


Legally send cable TV, TiVo, DirecTV and more from one TV to a second TV anywhere in the house


Save money - No outlets, additional cable boxes or extra monthly fees


No holes to drill or wires to run - works through doors, floors, windows and walls


Built-in Remote Sender lets you control it all by remote from anywhere in the house - send cable from your living room to your bedroom and change channels from bed


Easy 5-minute setup - includes both coaxial and RCA cables - you choose which to use!


New, round, platinum design matches the rest of your home entertainment equipment


Great quality video – the signal is stronger than ever so you don’t lose video quality


Small, compact size so you can fit it anywhere






The sender also comes with a 5-in-1 Universal Remote for free.



This remote will control 5 of your electronic components – TVs, DVD Players, VCRs, Stereo’s and will even control all of your X10 devices.


Overall, the video sender is a great solution for individuals that do not have cable hook ups in areas they would like to watch TV or a DVD. For 49.00, you get the video sender, receiver and a remote control. You can’t go wrong with this package. This includes free shipping, a 30 day money back guarantee and a year of support, 24/7.


X10 Captain


www.x10captain.com

Inexpensive ways to protect your home and business with x10

Inexpensive ways to protect your home or business with X10.

Do you want to keep an eye on your home or business even when you’re miles away? Do you want to make sure that you’re family or any other valuables are protected and secure? Do you want to know right away if something seems amiss? Do you want to have this ability without having to spend a fortune? All of that can be done with a wireless security web camera.
Wireless cameras have been around for some time now. The cost range can be significant from different manufacturers. Fortunately, X10 has come up with some great solutions for consumers. All of the new cameras offered today are not only high quality but are also inexpensive compared to other companies.

These wireless cameras are easy to install and set up. The software that comes with the device allows you to view up to four live video feeds from four different wireless cameras with an interactive software program called i-watchout. This software allows you the flexibility to pan, tilt and zoom your cameras from anywhere in the world you have internet access. You can also share video with friends and create up to four secure guest accounts. The personalized web address allows for you or anyone else that you choose, to access the camera for remote monitoring. All you really need is an internet-capable computer and you are ready to view and control your wireless cameras in minutes.

There are several options for your camera setup. You can set the cameras to work autonomously or at your command. One individual I know purchased a sentinel camera, one of x10’s higher end models, for their business and set it up to operate continuously during business hours and on motion sensors after business hours.
There are 3 recording options available for your cameras. The first option allows you to record video at the rate of 1 gig per hour. The second option is to purchase a special VCR recorder from x10 that enables a max recording time of 1048 hours before having to swap out the video tape. The third option is to use a standard VCR and that provides you with 8 hours of recording time.

Keep your home and business safe by watching over it from anywhere that has access to the internet. A wireless security web camera lets you keep a keen eye on your surroundings – anywhere from your living room to your bedroom or to your office. Keep your family safe and secure even when you are miles away.

In addition to security cameras, X10 offers a Security system that can be setup to monitor your home without having to pay installation fees or a monthly fee from a security company. The security system monitors all windows, doors and has sensors to monitor movement. The good news is that you will never be charged for false alarms as the alarm companies often do. Anytime your alarm goes off, you can designate at least 4 contacts that the system calls in the event the alarm goes off. Compare this to monitored, expensive alarm companies that will call the owner and the police but only after a period of time. By the time you or the police are notified, your home could have very easily been looted or vandalized by then.

This security system can be programmed to call you, the neighbor or someone close by that can take immediate action if an alarm goes off. Combine this with your security cameras to monitor what is taking place when the alarm goes off and you have a system that can offer you peace of mind.

There are several package deals available all for an affordable price. Your security cameras can be utilized to watch your home, see who is approaching your property, who is stealing from you at work, or simply to watch over the baby’s room. The possibilities are endless. As inexpensive and practical as these cameras are, I could not imagine not owning one. To further help automate your home, X10 offers automation systems that allow you to view and control your lights and appliances wirelessly from home or across the world. All of these great products help to make life a bit easier.

X10Captain
www.x10captain.com

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Home security E Book


Click Here!


Here is a great source for everyone on Home Security.

Cool products to help enhance your smart home

TigerDirect

automation for pets

Smart Pet Products

Smarthome, Inc.

cool tunes

Apple iTunes


Click here to view and listen!

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Web Based PC control of your home

How about taking your home to the future with x10?

This is a great package deal. The ability to control your lights, appliances and security cameras via the internet while you are at home or across the world. Pretty cool...

Look for software: iwatchout and myhouse on line software. This can be bought seperately or in addition to the equipment needed to turn your home into a smart home.

www.x10captain.com

Energy savings- saving money on your utility bills

7 secrets to saving money on your utility bills with X10


Have you ever had a utility bill in your life time that caught you off guard? Does your bill fluctuate during certain times of the year? Have you ever thought about trying to reduce your bills? Saving money is certainly not easy without a discipline. If you have an active home and a busy life style, it is almost impossible to save money without making a tremendous effort to control costs. It is makes it even more difficult if your family, relatives, or kids don’t see things your way. Simply turning lights off when not in use may help but there is so much more that can be done. For those home owners or renters out there who truly want to save money and see immediate results, we have some X10 secrets to offer you that will produce results without much effort, time or money.

If you took the time to calculate and break down what some of your utilities are costing you, it may shock you to know that your small appliances and lights are just as much a culprit as your heavy appliances are in expending energy. Fortunately, you could be saving hundreds of dollars a year if not more by making some inexpensive changes to your home.

Outside of utilizing some basic energy saving tips that you may have learned over the years, investing a little money and time in automating your home can save you money! I am here to tell you from experience that I have seen it. In this article, I want to explore and reveal some interesting facts as well as guide you to ways you can save money utilizing X10 home automation.


Here are some facts to consider:

Fact: The average American household spends roughly $4300 annually on energy bills…a number that increases every year. Half of that energy goes toward lighting, household appliances and home electronics like computers, TV’s and stereos. Fact: All forms of electricity use contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, the average home produces twice the greenhouse gas emissions as the average car. Fact: Cutting off electricity to your consumer electronics when they’re not in use will save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Device
Average Monthly Use
Light Bulb(60W)
108 hoursper bulb
10 Light Bulbs(60W)
1080 hours
40 Light Bulbs(60W)
4320 hours
Outdoor Floodlights(150W)
360 hoursper bulb
Porch Lights(60W)
360 hours per bulb
Computer Monitor(231W, 2.1A)
250 hours
Air Conditioner (6000 BTU)
420 hours
Air Conditioner (9000 BTU)
420 hours
Fan (Portable)(324W, 2.9A)
35 hours




Benefits of automating your home with x10

Energy Savings- The obvious

An energy efficient new home can provide substantial monthly savings. You will notice substantial reductions in your monthly bill. If you were to add it up per year, the numbers are shocking! Yet, not everyone takes advantage of the potential savings.

Comfortable Living

Some common problems associated with a home that is not energy efficient can be fixed immediately by automating your home. Heating and Air conditioning inefficiencies can be troublesome and expensive. If you can control the environment in your home automatically, you can remain comfortable all year round and avoid large bills due to forgetting to make manual adjustments to your thermostat. Also, controlling and manipulating lights and appliances to function and operate at a fraction of their capabilities not only saves energy but provides for a useful and comfortable environment to live in. I will discuss this more in detail later.

Health & Safety

People spend a large portion of their time indoors. Indoor pollutants can cause many health problems. Energy-efficient homes include ventilation strategies that provide fresh, clean air.

Increased Home Value

Homes built with durable materials and attention to construction quality will have fewer problems and better hold their value. Further, according to ENERGY STAR, studies conducted since the early 1970's have consistently concluded that energy-efficient homes earn a higher resale price than average homes. By




automating your home, you maintain the integrity of your home by saving wear and tear on your home’s vital appliances.

Conservation

Homes are responsible for 15% of our nation’s greenhouse gas emissions. Conserving the amount of energy used in your home reduces air pollutants.


Automating your home does not have to break the bank. Besides the practicality of owning an efficient home and saving money, wouldn’t it be nice to have your home take care of things for you, automatically, without you having to lift a finger? That is what home automation delivers. There are many different ways to create a smart home and save money. Home automation integrates many different products enabling your home to function more efficiently, improve functionality, conserve resources and enhance your lifestyle.

As the cost of resources continues to rise and the price of electronics continues to fall, home automation systems will prove to be even more cost effective now and in the future. The combination of the modern consumer’s thirst for convenience and increasing economic advantages will propel home automation more into the mainstream. With X10 products, you can cut your costs all while reaping the benefits of a smart home.
Where is your money going?
Let’s take a look at where your money is going and break down where your energy use goes. The highest energy use goes to heating and cooling your home. This accounts for forty-four percent of your total use. In second place are the appliances. The dryer and refrigerator are right up there at the top. These account for thirty-three percent of your overall use. And bringing up the rear is your water heater, which accounts for fourteen percent of your energy use. So it’s going to be best if we use the "Whole House" approach to controlling the energy costs and uses.
Is your Air conditioner and heater breaking your bank?
Do you feel like you're constantly adjusting your thermostat, trying to keep it low enough so you don't run up a high bill? You want to be warm enough in the winter, but without paying a fortune each month to the electric company. Remembering to turn your thermostat low before bed is a hassle, and what about when you leave the house in the morning, or go out of town for a few days? You may not always remember to turn the thermostat down before you leave, and then you're heating an empty house.
Well, now your heat is under your control! You won't have to rely on your thermostat alone anymore, and you can stop constantly adjusting the thermostat depending on when you go to bed, whether or not you're in the house, and so on. There's no need to worry about high heating bills in the winter and the heater turning on when you're not at home and heating the house when no one is there – not anymore. With X10's Thermostat Controller, all the control is in your hands!


With the Thermostat Controller, you can make sure your heating bills stay low. X10's Thermostat Set-Back Controller works like a lit match placed beneath your thermostat, fooling it into thinking it's much warmer than it is, even at night when the air gets colder. The Thermostat Set-Back Controller is great for when you're out of the house, too; before you go, set your thermostat low and keep your Thermostat Set-Back Controller on just in case. Setup takes just a few minutes, too, so your Thermostat Controller is ready to use almost instantly. You'll never have to worry about your empty house being heated again.

• Your Thermostat Controller regulates your central heating so you don't pay too much each month
• You can set back your Thermostat controller by 5, 10, or 15 degrees to best fit your needs
• The Thermostat Controller works with any regular thermostat
• Can be adjusted manually, and also works with your X10 Appliance Modules for easy operation
• Easy setup means you can start saving money and energy almost immediately!

Use the Thermostat Controller with ActiveHome Pro
Here is another option that combines your Activehome software that you can access anywhere in the world via the internet with the Thermostat controller.
Control your heat remotely! ActiveHome and the Thermostat Controller work together to let you have control of your home's central heating – even when you're not there.
Did you forget to turn the heat down before you left on vacation? With ActiveHome and MyHouse Online, you can access your home automation controls from any internet-connected computer! Whether you want the heat down during the day or overnight when you take a trip out of town, you can adjust your Thermostat Controller remotely to suit your needs. Perhaps you own a summer home at a ski resort – of course you wouldn't want the heat on all the time, but when you're on your way there you'll want to know you'll be welcomed by a warm house. With ActiveHome and the Thermostat Controller, you can make sure you're always welcomed by a warm home, and you can control it right from your PC!
ActiveHome and the Thermostat Controller combine to give you the ultimate in home heating control. You can set your Thermostat Controller to activate just when you need it to, or take charge and control the system remotely. X10's ActiveHome and the Thermostat Controller mean you'll never come back to a cold house again!
When it comes to heating and cooling your house, the experts ask that you "set your thermostat as low as is comfortable in the winter, and as high as is comfortable in the summer." Keep your heater and cooler vents clean, and make sure that curtains, furniture, or other things that may get in the way do not block them.


Some homeowners have the fancy programmable thermostats that can turn the temperature up and down depending on when the homeowner’s going to be home. Some of the higher end equipment can be pricey. If you are cost conscious like me, this can be done using an X10 device called the ActiveHome Pro macro.
In the mid '90s, X10 introduced the first PC-based home control kit called Active Home, enabling programmed routines to execute automatically through a serial port interface module plugged into a power unit. This amazingly functional tiny white whole house transceiver box enables the user to control every function right from their computer either manually or automatically.
The Active Pro program can be programmed to turn the heat/air-conditioning down as soon as you leave the house, and then up again just before you arrive home. This macro can even allow for weekends, and holidays when the family will be home longer. For information on programming macros, see the How2 article "How to Create a Personal Reminder that’s Smart. But we’ll go over some of the simple steps here first of all. http://www.x10.com/news/howto/0320_reminder.htm
Now to control your thermostat you will need the Thermostat Setback Controller, model TH2807. The Thermostat Setback Controller installs underneath your existing thermostat, and then plugs into an appliance module.
To set the macro, the first thing you need to do is run the ActiveHome Pro software from your computer.
From there, click on the "M" (macro) button on the far right side of the interface. This will bring up a separate box with options for creating macros. The interface will give you a list of the various appliances that you’re running through your computer.
Click on the icon that says "My appliance" on the right hand side of your screen.
Drag that icon to the left side of your screen. When you do this, you will see a dialog box that will ask you "What type of macro do you want to create?"
Tell it that you wish to create a standard macro.
Now go back to the standard ActiveHome interface.
There you will see a list of the macros you just created.
Click on the empty black box below "My appliance." This will bring up your timer settings.
From there, make your choices. You probably get home between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm, so let’s set the heat to go up at 6:30. To do this, either drag the green arrow above the "time" bar until you see 6:30 in the black box to your right, or just type in 6:30. Be sure and make sure you have AM or PM set.
From there, set the dates that you want this macro to run. You can run it January through February, or January through December, or just for a couple of weeks. It’s entirely up to you. (Just a reminder, green is the start date, and red is the end date.)
Now click "Okay."

From there, you will be asked if you want to save changes to the macro. Just say, "Yes." It is simple, easy to setup and use.
Your home lighting: Energy hogs?
The next on our list of energy hogs is all of our external and internal home lighting. I have heard hundreds of stories of individuals that own a house full of children. How many times can Mom stand to scream, “turn off the light when you leave the room!” Heck, how many adults simply forget to turn the lights off when they leave the room. We are all guilty of this at some point. What would seem so insignificant actually makes a difference in the long run. Forgetting to turn the porch lights or garage entryway lights off in the day can generate high costs. In most of our homes, we don’t need the lights until we need them. In other words, we don’t need them on if we’re not in the room!
Use Your Lights ONLY When You Need Them!
ActiveHome installs on your computer in just minutes and works with X10 lamp and appliance modules and the power line to send on and off commands. The key to ActiveHome is in the amount of options you have to control the lights and appliances which you now turn on and off manually at different times of the day and night.
Downloading groups of commands into an interface module is easy and allows multiple events to occur in a specific order based on your preferences. For example, you could program routines to occur automatically. A good night routine or macro could turn on all security lights on just before dark. A wake up macro could turn the same lights off at sunrise, maximizing power usage and saving energy. You can even send commands with the PC turned off by simply plugging the interface module into a wall outlet.
Another way to save energy is to only turn on security lights when approaching or leaving your home or office. X10's Key Chain remote is the perfect option for helping you stay safe and conserve energy usage at the same time. The Slim Line Wall Switch Controller can be mounted near your headboard and provide a convenient way to turn on security lights or bathroom and hallways lights. I have all of my landscape lighting and a fountain set up to come on automatically. I can adjust them manually as well thru my computer if desired.
Another excellent option is to put your lights on x10 motion sensors and set up your lights to with simple appliance modules to turn lights on and off as needed.

Using photocells and motion sensors on outdoor lights as an easy way to increase home security and save money. The devices save energy because you no longer have to run these lights all night long. X10 Motion Sensors are a great addition to your ActiveHome system and also work in conjunction with macros to create a sequence of events only when motion is detected. If someone approaches the backdoor, the X10 sensor triggers a set of commands to turn on porch lights followed by kitchen and hallway lights as well.


5 minutes after the last motion is detected, all porch lights automatically shut off. It's easy to see how the powerful combination of ActiveHome and X10 Motion Sensors can make a difference in helping to lower your power bills.
Plug-in Modules do ALL the Work (No in-wall wiring required)
X10's lamp and appliance modules are designed to easily plug into almost any electrical device and use the existing AC wiring in a home or business to remotely send on and off commands. The modules can be controlled using handheld remotes or through the ActiveHome software. Lamp modules handle up to 300 watt bulbs and can also brighten and dim. You can also easily take control of any lamp with a socket using our screw in lamp module known as the X10 Socket Rocket. Appliance modules can control radios, fans, small kitchen appliances and craft tools with a much higher wattage rating that can even work with small electric motors.
I will go over the steps to set this up briefly, and you can refer back to the article http://www.x10.com/news/howto/0213_hawkeye.htm for more detailed instructions.
To have the HawkEye turn the lights on at any time, you need only follow the next steps.
Set up the HawkEye Motion Sensor where you want it to see you. For example, if you want it to turn on the lights any time you enter the living room, then set it up near the living room entrance.
Then plug the lamp module into an AC outlet.
Plug the lamp into the lamp module.
This can also work with all of your appliances. Just use an appliance module (model AM466 or AM486).
Instead of keeping the porch light on all night, use the EagleEye motion sensor so that the porch light only comes on when it is needed.

X10’s Mini Timer- A simple way to save money

Similar in operation and function to the Active Home Pro, the x10 Mini Timer is small yet packs a punch when delivering a lot for the price and size.
The X10 Mini Timer can help you drastically reduce the amount of energy you use on a daily basis.




Modules that shut off lights when they’re not used drastically reduce your energy costs. Some appliances - like televisions - continue to use electricity even when they’re turned off. Add a Mini Timer and Appliance Modules to these appliances and reduce the amount of energy you’re wasting by disconnecting power to them while you’re asleep or at work.
The x10 Mini Timer comes in different packages deals offering the customer a wide variety of choices to choose from. To see the best deals, click here.
Some Useful links to find out how you can save money on your electrical bill

Hot Tub Timer
Conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions Find out more...

Controlled Air Purifier
Save energy and operate your purifier by remote control Find out more...

Small Business Lighting
Save money by controlling your lights! Find out more...

Timed Bathroom Fan
Reduce moisture and save electricity Find out more...

Water PumpsSave energy, control your ponds and fountains. Find out more...

Timed Block Heater
Save money; Maximize fuel efficiency Find out more...

Controlled Air Humidifier
Operate the humidifier while you’re away Find out more...

Pool HeaterDon’t waste energy and money where you don’t need to. Find out more...

Water CoolerWater Cooler Energy Conservation. Find out more...

Restaurant Lighting SolutionCustomer friendly lighting in your restaurant. Find out more...

Office EquipmentRegulate lighting and energy use on cue. Find out more...

Copy Machine Energy ConservationSave Energy at Work. Find out more...

Fax Machine Energy ConservationSave Energy at Work. Find out more...

Electric Blankets and Energy ConservationProgram the MiniTimer to shut off your electric blanket. Find out more...

Pool Heating Device

Are you spending a fortune heating that swimming pool to the ideal temperature? Don’t waste energy and money where you don’t need to. The X10 Mini Timer is your answer to heating the swimming pool and hot tub in a way that’s energy and cost efficient. Get the energy savings you’ve been looking for at home by using the Mini Timer to control electricity to your pool heating device. How does it work?
Just plug a Heavy Duty appliance module into the outlet used to power your pool heater and the X10 MiniTimer will control it with Timed Events, easy touch controls and the PalmPad remote.
· Save money on your electric bill
· Conserve energy efficiently at night and during the wintertime
· Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
· Consolidate your pool controls with lighting and appliance controls

The practical application of these techniques will help you save money in the long run. The nice thing is that you can continue to build your smart home and see reductions in your monthly bills over time.






A Bonus to saving money
Now, you have seen some of the benefits of using x10 products to save money. As an added bonus, I am including some other tips, tricks and info on what other benefits x10 has to offer. You will find all kinds of useful information on my website, including this bonus material, articles, FAQ, information, videos, forums, a help section plus a whole lot more to help my fellow enthusiasts.
X10 Captain’s Home Automation Tips and Tricks and Ideas:


Tip 1: By setting your x10 dimmers to ramp on slowly, you'll avoid the shock of a sudden harsh light in a darkened room. Click here

Tip 2: Did you know you can watch multiple surveillance cameras' on any TV in your house or view your camera over the internet? Click here

Tip 3: Set up your Home Theatre to have lights dim when you are ready to watch a movie. Click here

Tip 4: Set up a sensor in your bathroom to allow lights to come on at 25 or 50% power to allow your eyes to adjust. No more fumbling around for the light switch. Then the light will automatically go off after a period of time. Click here

Tip 5: Need a high end zoom camera for your business or home that can pan, tilt and record all activity to a vcr or your computer? The Sentinel is the way to go. Click here

Tip 6: Give your family a way to contact someone in an emergency with the personal voice dialer. Click here

Tip 7: Set up a master control box in your bedroom that controls all lights or appliances. Did you forget to turn off a light all the way on the other side of the house? Or, if you hear a noise, you can hit a switch or two and turn on any light in the house for added security. Click here

Tip 8: If you plug your Christmas tree lights into an outlet that can't be reached conveniently, plug the lights into an x10 appliance module, and you'll be able to turn them on and off remotely with a wireless Controller or automatically.

Tip 9: Set up your Landscape lights to turn on automatically. Anyone who has landscape lights already has this BUT what about having the ability to manually adjust them from inside your home or over the internet when you are away from home?

Tip 10: Installing motion sensors with your wireless cameras on your front porch with sensors allows you to record and view who is on your property on TV or over the internet. Click here

Tip 11: With x10’s video sender, you can view any DVD, DVR, VCR, satellite, or cable signal from one source on another TV across the room without hooking up any wires. Set up and watch


TV in the garage, kitchen or even your bathroom and even control what you watch with a remote control that is offered for free. Click here

Tip 12: Before you enter your home, use a keychain remote control to turn on the lights in your home before entering.

Tip 13: Set up a webcam which you can use to talk to your friends, family and business. These cameras are much better quality than most of the ones you have used to IM. These pan, tilt and zoom all while offering an incredible quality picture.

Tip 14: Easily program any X10 device to turn on or off with your wireless remote keypad or automatically using x10’s Active Pro software. Do you want to set the coffee pot up to turn on just about the time you wake up? Choose something you would like to control and have fun with it.
Tip 15: Wireless camera uses ( just to name a few):
Front door – See who's there before you leave your comfy chair.
Baby's room – Make sure the baby's still happily asleep.
Backyard – What are the kids up to outside?
Driveway – Keep your house safe from prowlers
Business- Keep an eye on the cash register

Get online from anywhere in the Pan & Tilt your camera left, right, up and down - FOUR Pan & Tilt Bases included
Watch over your home and control your cameras right on your TV, as you sit on the couch
Never miss a moment - motion-activated PC recording ensures all the evidence is recorded
See everything 24 hours a day - two low-light cameras included
See everything in full, vivid color - two full-color cameras included
Easy to set up - get it up and running in less than 30 minutes
View all four cameras LIVE

Tip 16: Save money on your electric Bill




Use the Thermostat Controller with ActiveHome. Control your heat remotely. ActiveHome and the Thermostat Controller work together to let you have control of your home's central heating – even when you're not there.

Did you forget to turn the heat down before you left on vacation? With ActiveHome and MyHouse Online, you can access your home automation controls from any internet-connected computer! Whether you want the heat down during the day or overnight when you take a trip out of town, you can adjust your Thermostat Controller remotely to suit your needs.

ActiveHome and the Thermostat Controller combine to give you the ultimate in home heating control. You can set your Thermostat Controller to activate just when you need it to, or take charge and control the system remotely. X10's ActiveHome and the Thermostat Controller mean you'll never come back to a cold house again! Click here

Lights and appliances can be set up to come on automatically which saves you money. Click here

Tip 17: Set up a complete home security system that monitors a potential problem and calls designated contact numbers to alert the home owner. No expensive set up or monitoring fees, no false alarms. Supplement this with out door flood lights and you have a home security system which is just as good as any expensive system on the market. Click Here

Tip 18: Installing a camera in a location where low lighting conditions can occur? Cameras are available with low light IR sensors.

Tip 19: Installing a new switch or relay? Be sure to cut the power at the main breaker box before attempting to modify any 110V power component.

Tip 20: Lose the original remote control to your TV? Universal remote controls can be programmed to gain back full control of your orphaned device.



X10 Captain’s review of what you can do with X10


There are literally hundreds of uses for x10 automation. I have been using x10 products for over 20 years and always find new ways to use them. User-friendly interface means anyone can master simple home automation and create new routines. It all depends on your needs and your imagination.
Ignite the Passion: Create the perfect mood for a romantic evening with the simple push of a button. Just one touch can dim the lights, turn on soft music, start the indoor water fountain or aroma lamp. With your imagination and Active Home Pro, the possibilities are endless. My impressed neighbor shouted, "The lights dimmed, like in a big theater!" Bring the fun of a big-theater experience to your movie night! Watch how impressed your family and friends will be when all your lights dim as the movie begins. You'll even bring a new level of excitement to intermission as you light the path to your kitchen with the touch of a button.

While our guests laughed in the hot tub, we strolled into the garden: When it's time for outdoor parties and bar-b-ques, ActiveHome Pro is there ensuring the garden lights, hot tub, pond and fountain are all operating, and making sure the fun goes on well into the night. Turn lights on and off on demand or set a timer for night lighting.
Vacations are a time to relax, knowing your home looks occupied: Why leave a home dark and deserted when you're on vacation? ActiveHome Pro can ensure a fun and worry free vacation by turning lights on and off at different times, making your house look occupied.
Never enter a dark house again: We've all come home late at night to a dark house. Is someone hiding in the shadows? Before you step out of your car, use ActiveHome Pro to illuminate your yard, porch and inside lights, ensuring a safe place. ActiveHome Pro can even turn lights off for you a few minutes after you've gone inside. Once inside, with just one touch of a button, you can turn ALL of your lights on or off if needed.
Set up wireless Cameras for easy monitoring: You can set cameras inside and outside the house to monitor the baby, or to know who is approaching your home. Easily record what your camera monitors. Even monitor your home when you are away from home through the internet!
With Active Home Pro, Home Automation is easier than you ever thought possible

Have you ever experienced one-touch Home Automation? Once you do, you'll never go back! Imagine every room in your home timed to your schedule, and total control right in the palm of your hand. Whether you want to never touch another light switch or just control every light and appliance in your home by remote, X10's ActiveHome Pro home automation system is what you need! Imagine your home working for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It knows where you're going to be and when you're going to be there – whether you want to be welcomed in the morning by a brightly lit kitchen and fresh pot of coffee, or lulled to sleep by your favorite jazz station before you go to bed, you can easily program your ActiveHome Pro home automation system to meet your needs!

No more fumbling with car keys in a dark driveway, you'll get out of the car and watch your lights come on all the way to your door and through to the hallway and living room. Come home to a cool house in the summer with fans that come on automatically an hour before you get home, or a well-lit front porch in the darker winter months. Once you've set your ActiveHome Pro home automation system to do what you want, you won't even have to think about it! How you control your home is up to you! Never want to touch another switch? With ActiveHome Pro's PC home automation, you won't have to. You can create customized home automation routines according to your schedule, so you can wake up to dimmed lights and soft music, come home after work to a brightly lit house, and go to the bed without thinking about turning off all your lights – they'll just turn right off for you.


Of course your routine can't be the same all the time, and that's why you'll also get a 5-in-1 Platinum Remote, which lets you control your ActiveHome Pro home automation modules and your whole entertainment system (TV, DVD player, stereo, etc.). Forget to turn off the kitchen light before you sat down to watch that DVD? Remember mid-movie that you didn't turn on the porch light for the kids? Don't get up – you can do it all with the 5-in-1 Platinum Remote! *You can even take your home automation system with you with the Credit Card Controller! It goes right on your keychain, so you don't even have to enter the house to trigger your home automation modules. Perfect for weekends, you can simply get out of the car and turn on your house lights before you even hit the front porch. It really is that simple! *Program a timer or macro and your home automation system will remember it, so you can control your entire home by remote.
*Control lamps, appliances, and wall switches with X10 home automation modules – you'll never have to touch a light switch in your home again

*ActiveHome Pro's dawn/dusk controls do the thinking for you – your night and morning routines can automatically adjust for the changing times of sunrise and sunset throughout the year, so you won't have to worry about reprogramming your driveway lights when it starts getting darker in the winter.

*Home automation control is in the palm of your hand with the Credit Card Controller – the ideal keychain remote, it lets you control up to 4 lights and appliances, so you can turn your lights on before you even enter the house.

*Brighten and dim lamps that couldn't before – perfect for romantic dinners in, or a soothing wakeup with low lights in your bedroom.

*Timed home automation routines are great for the holidays! Set up your home automation system for amazing timed holiday lighting displays – you'll be the most impressive house on the block!

*Use your ActiveHome Pro home automation system as basic home security! ActiveHome Pro can automatically adjust scheduled timers to turn on lights for a random number of minutes when you're not at home, giving your home that "lived-in" look.

It's easy to track home automation routines – ActiveHome Pro software lets you sort by rooms, so you can easily see what's scheduled to happen, and when Home automation software is easy to expand with plug-ins, so you can have the completely customized system you need.

*Set up cameras inside and outside your home and record and view video. Monitor your home while away from home.


I will be adding more Tips and Tricks in the days to come. If you have any tips, tricks or information to add, please email me at benstern@x10captain.com

Taking your home to the future with x10 electronics

Take your home to the future with x10Captain.

Many years ago, popular television shows and movies gave viewers an opportunity to imagine what the future would be like. Cartoons and movies predicted automated homes, robots and flying cars. Today, many of those imaginative perceptions of the future have become a reality. Although flying cars may be a long ways away, having a smart, futuristic home is quite common place today.

For some time now, home owners have had the ability to remotely control their lights, appliances and view images of their home or business via wireless cameras. New technology has made it possible to take that one step further; To view and control cameras at home or across world, as well as control all of your appliances, lights, and anything else requiring electricity, via the internet.

This article focuses on two major areas: Advanced home automation with ActiveHome pro and Web Based home control with Myhouse online and Iwatchout software.

Advanced home automation with ActiveHome Pro

Have you ever experienced one-touch Home Automation? Once you do, you'll never go back! Imagine every room in your home timed to your schedule, and total control right in the palm of your hand. Whether you want to never touch another light switch or just control every light and appliance in your home by remote, X10's ActiveHome Pro home automation system is what you need.

Imagine your home working for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It knows where you're going to be and when you're going to be there – whether you want to be welcomed in the morning by a brightly lit kitchen and fresh pot of coffee, or lulled to sleep by your favorite jazz station before you go to bed, you can easily program your ActiveHome Pro home automation system to meet your needs.

No more fumbling with car keys in a dark driveway, you'll get out of the car and watch your lights come on all the way to your door and through to the hallway and living room. Come home to a cool house in the summer with fans that come on automatically an hour before you get home, or a well-lit front porch in the darker winter months. Once you've set your ActiveHome Pro home automation system to do what you want, you won't even have to think about it!

How you control your home is up to you. Never want to touch another switch? With ActiveHome Pro's PC home automation, you won't have to. You can create customized home automation routines according to your schedule, so you can wake up to dimmed lights and soft music, come home after work to a brightly lit house, and go to the bed without thinking about turning off all your lights – they'll just turn right off for you.


Of course your routine can't be the same all the time, and that's why you'll also get a 5-in-1 Platinum Remote, which lets you control your ActiveHome Pro home automation modules and your whole entertainment system (TV, DVD player, stereo, etc.). Forget to turn off the kitchen light before you sat down to watch that DVD? Remember mid-movie that you didn't turn on the porch light for the kids? Don't get up – you can do it all with the 5-in-1 Platinum Remote.

You can even take your home automation system with you with the Credit Card Controller. It goes right on your keychain, so you don't even have to enter the house to trigger your home automation modules. Perfect for weekends, you can simply get out of the car and turn on your house lights before you even hit the front porch.

Some of the benefits and uses are:

• Control lamps, appliances, and wall switches with X10 home automation modules you'll never have to touch a light switch in your home again

• Set up timed events and you'll never have to walk into a darkened room when your home automation system knows you'll be there

• User-friendly interface means anyone can master simple home automation and create new routines

• Wireless so you'll never have to trip over extra wiring, the ActiveHome Pro home automation system even works when your computer is off – simply program a timer or macro and your home automation system will remember it, so you can control your entire home by remote

• ActiveHome Pro's dawn/dusk controls do the thinking for you – your night and morning routines can automatically adjust for the changing times of sunrise and sunset throughout the year, so you won't have to worry about reprogramming your driveway lights when it starts getting darker in the winter

• The 5-in-1 Platinum Remote is the universal remote you've been waiting for – not only will it control your X10 home automation modules, it'll control your TV, stereo, DVD player, and so much more. You can take advantage of your whole entertainment system with one ergonomically-designed remote, and even work your home automation modules, all without leaving your couch.

• Home automation control is in the palm of your hand with the Credit Card Controller – the ideal keychain remote, it lets you control up to 4 lights and appliances, so you can turn your lights on before you even enter the house

• Brighten and dim lamps that couldn't before – perfect for romantic dinners in, or a soothing wakeup with low lights in your bedroom

• Timed home automation routines are great for the holidays. Set up your home automation system for amazing timed holiday lighting displays – you'll be the most impressive house on the block.

• Use your ActiveHome Pro home automation system as basic home security! ActiveHome Pro can automatically adjust scheduled timers to turn on lights for a random number of minutes when you're not at home, giving your home that "lived-in" look

• It's easy to track home automation routines – ActiveHome Pro software lets you sort by rooms, so you can easily see what's scheduled to happen, and when

• Home automation software is easy to expand with plug-ins, so you can have the completely customized system you need


Web-Based Home Control

Experience internet-based home automation and video monitoring with my House Online and I watchout software. Now, you can take command of all of the exciting automation functions of ActiveHome Pro (controlling your lights/appliances & monitoring your X10 cameras) from work, vacation or anywhere in the world! You can even receive email alerts of activity at your home, view & control your X10 cameras in real time, and get snapshots of camera video sent to your e-mail!

As an airline pilot who spends a lot of time away from home, I can testify that having the ability to view and control my home when I am gone gives me peace of mind. I specifically set up my lights to come on at various times, set my thermostat to maintain the most efficient temperature until I am ready to come home and set my cameras up to keep an eye on things when I am not there. Some examples of other things you can do are:

· Warm up the Hot Tub before you head home

· Turn on Fans or the AC to cool your house down after a hot day

· Receive an E-Mail Alert with an image from your front door cam to see that your new gear has arrived

· Light up your house for security when you know you'll be late

· Watch over the contractors building your new deck

· You'll enjoy your vacation more and relax knowing you can quickly and easily check up on your house at anytime. And, if you own a vacation home, now you can link it with your primary residence. Just imagine being able to see and control everything from either location.

When you're home, myHouse Online extends your ActiveHome Pro control and camera monitoring to ANY computer on your home network. If you are in the kitchen, on the deck, in the bedroom, or your home office, you have the ability to control everything you desire.

Get peace-of-mind while you cook or clean up in the kitchen now that you can watch over everything at a glance. Before bed, take one last look around the house and set your house lights to the night time scene with one click.

Even you kids can join in the fun with their PC connected to your myHouse Online home network. Give them access to see certain cameras and to control things only in their room.

Since you have complete control over everyone's access you can ensure all of your critical timers, macros and settings remain untouched.

X10 Cameras and iWatchOut Software

Now, with just a click of your mouse from anywhere, you can see and control every camera in your X10 home surveillance network. You can even let the Grandparents who live across the country peek in on your son or daughter's birthday party. And, when you're home, any PC with internet access on your home network can become a virtual camera control center.

Imagine peeking in on your napping child without making a sound. Then, switch to your backyard view and make sure the hired help doesn't mow down your freshly planted roses. With myHouse Online and iWatchOut, you'll be able to switch camera views with ease or jump to autopilot and scan them all.

You'll even be able to pan and tilt the cameras you have mounted on Motorized Camera Bases or target them at one of your preset locations - all with just one click. If you're lucky enough to own a Sentinel camera, you'll be able to control the powerful 44X Zoom too! You have access to multi-Camera viewing with Pan/Tilt/Zoom Control, all on one screen.

With myHouse Online you're free to access and control your home from anywhere via the internet anytime you like and you won't be charged a separate monthly fee.

Business owners and rental property owners

Business owners or rental property owners can benefit from Iwatchout and myHouse Online. I have helped many individuals set cameras up to keep an eye on their business when they are not there. There are a few options here I want to discuss.

Active home macros give you the ability to record video either on demand or at certain scheduled times. For instance, you can have a camera record activity during business hours and set up a sensor to come on after that only when movement is detected. There are many possibilities. The options for recording video are as follows:

· Record using a standard 8 hour vhs tape
· Purchase a special VCR that records over 1000 hours of video
· Utilize your PC to record video at the rate of 1 gigabyte per hour


Summary

As technology continues to grow, so does the ability to bring your home closer to the future. The possibilities are endless. At x10captain.com, you will find an abundance of information, resources, articles, tips and tricks on home automation and security. You will also find a number of other products there such as affordable security systems, voice dialers that help the elderly, wireless video transmitters that send video signals to another TV and other entertainment products.

A small investment in home automation equipment can serve to save you money on your utility bills, offer you personal and home security and help create your smart home of the future.


X10captain
www.x10captain.com

x10 captain's tips, tricks and home automation and security ideas

X10 Captain’s Home Automation Tips and Tricks and Ideas:


Tip 1: By setting your x10 dimmers to ramp on slowly, you'll avoid the shock of a sudden harsh light in a darkened room. Click here

Tip 2: Did you know you can watch multiple surveillance cameras' on any TV in your house or view your camera over the internet? Click here

Tip 3: Set up your Home Theatre to have lights dim when you are ready to watch a movie. Click here

Tip 4: Set up a sensor in your bathroom to allow lights to come on at 25 or 50% power to allow your eyes to adjust. No more fumbling around for the light switch. Then the light will automatically go off after a period of time. Click here

Tip 5: Need a high end zoom camera for your business or home that can pan, tilt and record all activity to a vcr or your computer? The Sentinel is the way to go. Click here

Tip 6: Give your family a way to contact someone in an emergency with the personal voice dialer. Click here

Tip 7: Set up a master control box in your bedroom that controls all lights or appliances. Did you forget to turn off a light all the way on the other side of the house? Or, if you hear a noise, you can hit a switch or two and turn on any light in the house for added security. Click here

Tip 8: If you plug your Christmas tree lights into an outlet that can't be reached conveniently, plug the lights into an x10 appliance module, and you'll be able to turn them on and off remotely with a wireless Controller or automatically.

Tip 9: Set up your Landscape lights to turn on automatically. Anyone who has landscape lights already has this BUT what about having the ability to manually adjust them from inside your home or over the internet when you are away from home?

Tip 10: Installing motion sensors with your wireless cameras on your front porch with sensors allows you to record and view who is on your property on TV or over the internet. Click here

Tip 11: With x10’s video sender, you can view any DVD, DVR, VCR, satellite, or cable signal from one source on another TV across the room without hooking up any wires. Set up and watch TV in the garage, kitchen or even your bathroom and even control what you watch with a remote control that is offered for free. Click here

Tip 12: Before you enter your home, use a keychain remote control to turn on the lights in your home before entering.

Tip 13: Set up a webcam which you can use to talk to your friends, family and business. These cameras are much better quality than most of the ones you have used to IM. These pan, tilt and zoom all while offering an incredible quality picture.

Tip 14: Easily program any X10 device to turn on or off with your wireless remote keypad or automatically using x10’s Active Pro software. Do you want to set the coffee pot up to turn on just about the time you wake up? Choose something you would like to control and have fun with it.
Tip 15: Wireless camera uses ( just to name a few):
Front door – See who's there before you leave your comfy chair.
Baby's room – Make sure the baby's still happily asleep.
Backyard – What are the kids up to outside?
Driveway – Keep your house safe from prowlers
Business- Keep an eye on the cash register

Get online from anywhere in the Pan & Tilt your camera left, right, up and down - FOUR Pan & Tilt Bases included
Watch over your home and control your cameras right on your TV, as you sit on the couch
Never miss a moment - motion-activated PC recording ensures all the evidence is recorded
See everything 24 hours a day - two low-light cameras included
See everything in full, vivid color - two full-color cameras included
Easy to set up - get it up and running in less than 30 minutes
View all four cameras LIVE

Tip 16: Save money on your electric Bill

Use the Thermostat Controller with ActiveHome
Control your heat remotely. ActiveHome and the Thermostat Controller work together to let you have control of your home's central heating – even when you're not there.

Did you forget to turn the heat down before you left on vacation? With ActiveHome and MyHouse Online, you can access your home automation controls from any internet-connected computer! Whether you want the heat down during the day or overnight when you take a trip out of town, you can adjust your Thermostat Controller remotely to suit your needs.

ActiveHome and the Thermostat Controller combine to give you the ultimate in home heating control. You can set your Thermostat Controller to activate just when you need it to, or take charge and control the system remotely. X10's ActiveHome and the Thermostat Controller mean you'll never come back to a cold house again! Click here

Lights and appliances can be set up to come on automatically which saves you money. Click here

Tip 17: Set up a complete home security system that monitors a potential problem and calls designated contact numbers to alert the home owner. No expensive set up or monitoring fees, no false alarms. Supplement this with out door flood lights and you have a home security system which is just as good as any expensive system on the market. Click Here

Tip 18: Installing a camera in a location where low lighting conditions can occur? Cameras are available with low light IR sensors.

Tip 19: Installing a new switch or relay? Be sure to cut the power at the main breaker box before attempting to modify any 110V power component.

Tip 20: Lose the original remote control to your TV? Universal remote controls can be programmed to gain back full control of your orphaned device.



X10 Captain’s review of what you can do with X10


There are literally hundreds of uses for x10 automation. I have been using x10 products for over 20 years and always find new ways to use them. User-friendly interface means anyone can master simple home automation and create new routines. It all depends on your needs and your imagination.
Ignite the Passion: Create the perfect mood for a romantic evening with the simple push of a button. Just one touch can dim the lights, turn on soft music, start the indoor water fountain or aroma lamp. With your imagination and Active Home Pro, the possibilities are endless. My impressed neighbor shouted, "The lights dimmed, like in a big theater!" Bring the fun of a big-theater experience to your movie night! Watch how impressed your family and friends will be when all your lights dim as the movie begins. You'll even bring a new level of excitement to intermission as you light the path to your kitchen with the touch of a button.
While our guests laughed in the hot tub, we strolled into the garden: When it's time for outdoor parties and bar-b-ques, ActiveHome Pro is there ensuring the garden lights, hot tub, pond and fountain are all operating, and making sure the fun goes on well into the night. Turn lights on and off on demand or set a timer for night lighting.
Vacations are a time to relax, knowing your home looks occupied: Why leave a home dark and deserted when you're on vacation? ActiveHome Pro can ensure a fun and worry free vacation by turning lights on and off at different times, making your house look occupied.
Never enter a dark house again: We've all come home late at night to a dark house. Is someone hiding in the shadows? Before you step out of your car, use ActiveHome Pro to illuminate your yard, porch and inside lights, ensuring a safe place. ActiveHome Pro can even turn lights off for you a few minutes after you've gone inside. Once inside, with just one touch of a button, you can turn ALL of your lights on or off if needed.
Set up wireless Cameras for easy monitoring: You can set cameras inside and outside the house to monitor the baby, or to know who is approaching your home. Easily record what your camera monitors. Even monitor your home when you are away from home through the internet!
With Active Home Pro, Home Automation is easier than you ever thought possible

Have you ever experienced one-touch Home Automation? Once you do, you'll never go back! Imagine every room in your home timed to your schedule, and total control right in the palm of your hand. Whether you want to never touch another light switch or just control every light and appliance in your home by remote, X10's ActiveHome Pro home automation system is what you need! Imagine your home working for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It knows where you're going to be and when you're going to be there – whether you want to be welcomed in the morning by a brightly lit kitchen and fresh pot of coffee, or lulled to sleep by your favorite jazz station before you go to bed, you can easily program your ActiveHome Pro home automation system to meet your needs!

No more fumbling with car keys in a dark driveway, you'll get out of the car and watch your lights come on all the way to your door and through to the hallway and living room. Come home to a cool house in the summer with fans that come on automatically an hour before you get home, or a well-lit front porch in the darker winter months. Once you've set your ActiveHome Pro home automation system to do what you want, you won't even have to think about it! How you control your home is up to you! Never want to touch another switch? With ActiveHome Pro's PC home automation, you won't have to. You can create customized home automation routines according to your schedule, so you can wake up to dimmed lights and soft music, come home after work to a brightly lit house, and go to the bed without thinking about turning off all your lights – they'll just turn right off for you.

Of course your routine can't be the same all the time, and that's why you'll also get a 5-in-1 Platinum Remote, which lets you control your ActiveHome Pro home automation modules and your whole entertainment system (TV, DVD player, stereo, etc.). Forget to turn off the kitchen light before you sat down to watch that DVD? Remember mid-movie that you didn't turn on the porch light for the kids? Don't get up – you can do it all with the 5-in-1 Platinum Remote! *You can even take your home automation system with you with the Credit Card Controller! It goes right on your keychain, so you don't even have to enter the house to trigger your home automation modules. Perfect for weekends, you can simply get out of the car and turn on your house lights before you even hit the front porch. It really is that simple! *Program a timer or macro and your home automation system will remember it, so you can control your entire home by remote.
*Control lamps, appliances, and wall switches with X10 home automation modules – you'll never have to touch a light switch in your home again

*ActiveHome Pro's dawn/dusk controls do the thinking for you – your night and morning routines can automatically adjust for the changing times of sunrise and sunset throughout the year, so you won't have to worry about reprogramming your driveway lights when it starts getting darker in the winter.

*Home automation control is in the palm of your hand with the Credit Card Controller – the ideal keychain remote, it lets you control up to 4 lights and appliances, so you can turn your lights on before you even enter the house.

*Brighten and dim lamps that couldn't before – perfect for romantic dinners in, or a soothing wakeup with low lights in your bedroom.

*Timed home automation routines are great for the holidays! Set up your home automation system for amazing timed holiday lighting displays – you'll be the most impressive house on the block!

*Use your ActiveHome Pro home automation system as basic home security! ActiveHome Pro can automatically adjust scheduled timers to turn on lights for a random number of minutes when you're not at home, giving your home that "lived-in" look.

It's easy to track home automation routines – ActiveHome Pro software lets you sort by rooms, so you can easily see what's scheduled to happen, and when Home automation software is easy to expand with plug-ins, so you can have the completely customized system you need.

*Set up cameras inside and outside your home and record and view video. Monitor your home while away from home.


I will be adding more Tips and Tricks in the days to come. If you have any tips, tricks or information to add, please email me at benstern@x10captain.com

Monday, November 12, 2007

camera systems

Hello all,

Here are some pretty cool camera systems I have found to be worth the money.. check them out here.

Surveillance Cameras Complete Systems

x10captain