Security DVR + iNet + X10 = Easy Home Automation (Video)

Video no longer available.

25-year electronics veteran Conrad Lee noticed that commodity multi-channel security DVRs have both more channels than a typical household needs and more capabilities than their makers advertise -- at least, with some creative re-use of their video feeds. With a home-grown controller hooked up to an otherwise unused video channel, a run of the mill security DVR can be used as a command center for household items, like lights, locks, thermostats, cameras, or whatever else you think of) by means of controls both old-fashioned (the ubiquitous X10 devices, some of which you probably have stashed in a drawer) and new (Z-wave). He showed off his system at last month's Maker Faire -- take a look (video below) at what his clever hardware re-use makes possible, and at Lee's controller. It means giving up one (relatively) inexpensive channel, to gain capabilities that would cost quite a bit more in a ready-built system, like smart-phone control and pan/tilt control for cameras. (Alternate Video Link)

Pretty clever use of available I/O options

[whyde]

I have to hand it to this individual for definitely thinking outside-the-box and hooking up three types of systems using interfaces you'd not expect to be used in this manner, and coming up with something which is (at least in his case) useful.

This was very gratifying to watch.

x-10 modules

[Anonymous Coward]

Yes, I have lots of those 30 year old x-10 modules, but they don't work with CFL or LED lights. I've tried disabling (trace cutting) the local on feature and using appliance modules. They work a little better that way, but aren't reliable. I finally gave up on them, but I have lots, because they're cheap at garage sales. I can't bring myself to toss them.