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QWebL Home Automation Software Integrates with Media Center - Chris Lanier's Blog

QWebL Home Automation Software Integrates with Media Center

Recently QWebL announced their intentions to bring their home automation software to Media Center and other platforms including touchpanels, phones, and more.  A week or so ago they also announced a contest in which they are giving away two $1,000 American Express gift cards for video entries on your frustrations with remote controls for your home and/or your dream feature in a home automation system.

I’ve recently had a chance to see QWebL in action, and I can really say that they are doing things differently than anyone else on the market.  As I’ve been trying to write more about home automation, I was wondering what everyone would like to see in home automation software.  Not only will it let me better know what to cover, but those who are smart can take the information and record it in a 1-5 video for a chance to win $1,000 (and if you don’t, I will).

From a consumer standpoint what do the existing Media Center applications do right and wrong?  For you custom installers out there, do you currently use Media Center based home automation systems (Life|ware, mControl, Cortexa)?  What do they do wrong?

According to the countdown on their website you have 3 weeks 3 days 22 hours 57 minutes 29 seconds (as of my typing this) to enter the contest that QWebL is holding, and I think around the same time you will get to see what QWebL is about.

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Published Fri, Jul 25 2008 13:05 by chrisl

Comments

# re: QWebL Home Automation Software Integrates with Media Center

Coming from a former CI, I think the thing that I dislike about the market as a whole right now is that there is really only one Media Center based automation app that supports higher end components, and that’s Life|ware.  If you are using Lutron, Crestron, Vantage, etc then Life|ware is the only option.  If QWebl does higher end stuff, that would be great.

Sunday, July 27, 2008 8:28 PM by brandon

# re: QWebL Home Automation Software Integrates with Media Center

To the previous point, I think the high end market is saturated with control systems. The only room for growth is for the affluent middle class market. The DIY or really low end control doesn't have enough features because of cost to satisfy the customer's perception of "home automation".

I think someone needs to figure out the middle class market.

Monday, July 28, 2008 8:48 AM by Luke

# re: QWebL Home Automation Software Integrates with Media Center

I agree drivers, drivers , drivers.  The company has to create quality drivers of industry standard euipment manufacturers and not cheap hobbyist light switches.  If these guys are just creating software, they are already dead in the water.  You have to do both software and hardware or you will have alot of unhappy customers trying to figure out what fits what.

Monday, July 28, 2008 1:02 PM by Scott

# re: QWebL Home Automation Software Integrates with Media Center

I believe the mid market has a solution it is called Control4.  People just need to see a value for it.  Home Automation is not marketed properly to the mid market.  Companies have to have a common goal.  You can't integrate a companies product that is not aiming for the home automation market.  They will change direction and leave you high and dry.  The biggest challenge is integration.  Life ware is having trouble with MCE, because it wasn't created to be a home automation device.

Monday, July 28, 2008 8:03 PM by Scott

# re: QWebL Home Automation Software Integrates with Media Center

this is who the qwebl.com domain is registered too http://www.parkstonehomes.com/.  it is a high end developer trying to develop an automation application.  doubt this will be any better tha lifeware or mcontrol as far as WMC is concerned but we'll see what the whole package has to offer.

good luck qwebl.  let's see how you can differentiate yourself in the market.  always looking for fresh automation ideas.  

Tuesday, August 05, 2008 12:15 AM by Rob