what do you want automate?
I looked at x10 & thought it was expensive as the UK isnt a big marrket, our sockets arent massed produced.
lightwaveRF pretty much does everything as does z-wave (though expensive).
You may also want to look at zigbee, which is a recognised worldwide standard that allows anyone to design for it.

what do you want automate?
I looked at x10 & thought it was expensive as the UK isnt a big marrket, our sockets arent massed produced.
lightwaveRF pretty much does everything as does z-wave (though expensive).
You may also want to look at zigbee, which is a recognised worldwide standard that allows anyone to design for it.

I agree X10 is expensive for UK fittings, which was half the reason for posting on here to see other peoples thoughts/experiences..

Ideally I want a system that I can expand as I go, which allows things from light control to alarm systems, and single button activations..

I.e.

Alarm - Arm alarm, turn off lights, close curtains, lock doors, and allow to monitor status from remote locations..

Home cinema - Close curtains, dim lights, turn on correct equipment.

Bed time - Go to bed, turn off all lights arm zone 1 alarm lock doors, heating off

Maybe automated lighting based on movement around the house.. Sensors would be dual purpose (alarm and lighting)

Like I said I wont do all this from day one, but will add to it as time/money/location suits providing I can find a system that works and doesn't cost silly money..

Will take a look at zigbee, cheers for the suggestion

Regarding the IR light switch and TV HIFI etc, have you thought about just using a harmony remote? It should do what you want out of the box, although light dimmer location may require something to redirect the IR signal?

about hooking up one of these bad boys to your alarm system.

I wouldn't. Folk have done plenty of research into X10 type stuff and the encryption (if any is used) is pretty damn weak. I've read articles where they just drove around the suburbs that most of silicon valley folk live and hoovered a whole heap of what looked like alarm codes and other such joyous things.

Even those that didn't hook up such things the authentication behind it meant they had control over their house just by sitting outside in a van.
Edit: my bad it wasn't a van

http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2011/08/hacking-home-automation/

about hooking up one of these bad boys to your alarm system.

I wouldn't. Folk have done plenty of research into X10 type stuff and the encryption (if any is used) is pretty damn weak. I've read articles where they just drove around the suburbs that most of silicon valley folk live and hoovered a whole heap of what looked like alarm codes and other such joyous things.

Even those that didn't hook up such things the authentication behind it meant they had control over their house just by sitting outside in a van.
Edit: my bad it wasn't a van

http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2011/08/hacking-home-automation/

For anyone capable of doing it, breaking into my 1 bedroom flat isn't going to be worth their while.

Granted, if you lived in a mansion in California with a few supercars in the garage etc.. then perhaps you would need to worry but the sort of burglar that might target me isn't sophisticated enough. (plus I wouldn't be automating locks etc..)