Well I downloaded the 30 trial of HAL2000 and within a day, I bought it. It works well, not great but is improving with time as I add more processing. I plan on using 8 Shure SM-11 microphones through out the house. They will be connected to an Alesis Studio 12R mixer. I will be using an Alesis 3630 compressor/limiter and then going to the computer. I have this hooked to one mic in the office and it works 95%. The output of the computer will be hooked to a BBE 462 sonic maximizer to improve the computer voice (makes it more realistic). I then hook to a Samson Servo170 amplifier that will go into a Niles line level switcher. The output will come over the multiroom speakers. (My company sells and installs commercial systems so I get the inside scoop on the BIG BOY TOYS like recording equipment and sound processors.)
Currently I am using a Smartlinc Houselinc as the automation controller but plan to upgrade to a Homevision or JDS since they interface with the HAL2000. Do any of you have any experience with the Homevision? I know that Robert from RCI has had great success with JDS. “Hello Robert, Where Are You?” It seems that the Homevision will interface easier with the HAL2000 and has more features for less money. Programming seems easy for Homevison and it looks like it has enough memory to do some serious macros and IF, THEN, ELSE logic. Suggestions anyone? I will keep everyone informed of the progress.

Chris Couture

Well, here is the latest update.
I am installing the mics tonight. I have been using the system with one in the office. It works real good even at long distances. I am going with the system listed above except for a few changes. I am using an Alesis RA-100 amplifier and the 462 is a new part number of 482. I ordered my new computer yesterday and plan to dedicate the old one to the Homevision and HAL2000. So far the system works good. I have it turning on and off the stereo, tuning to specific channels on the satellite, turning on and off every light in the house and controlling the fans. I have it turning on and off speakers and closing the garage on cue. I can say "lets go to bed" and the macro starts. It's nice that you can program the HAL2000 to listen for anything, not just on, off, dim, bright, open or close. You could say something like "It's time to eat" and the diningroom lights would come on! I will keep everyone informed.

Chris Couture

Congrats on your successes. When I first got into Home Control, I downloaded HAL2000. I too was pleased with its abilities (but not enough to shell out 400 clams). I wanted a solution that I could tailor to my needs. There were several applications I wanted to do besides turning lights on/off that HAL couldn't do.

One example is a "grocery list". I'd like to say "Add bread to the grocery list" and have it added. When I was ready to go to the store I simply say "Print my grocery list" and walk to the printer. Alas HAL2000 couldn't do it (at least not that I saw), so I looked for some source code that would give me a starting point and let me add features that I need/want.

I never found anything that I could use as a good base for development. Did you happen to find any voice control (with X10 support) software that provided source code, or did you try HAL first?

Thanks,
Chris

Chris,
I do agree with you on the "hoops" you must jump through to control a simple task. I too would like a simple system that I could say "turn the bedroom lights on" and they would turn on. Instead I must wake the system up, say the function and then tell the system goodbye. By the time I have done this I could have went to the switch and done it myself. The problem is if it is left listening, it picks up too much clutter. As far as the shopping list, there are way too many variables there for it to ever be useful for me. I told it to add tacos the other day and it had me buying tampons? It can understand BEER really well but I don't need a computer to remind me to buy that! Anyway, some of the features that do operate well are the weather forecast, news and TV listings...more information based stuff. I also have had good luck with the device controls “Turn the fireplace on”.

I really didn't do too much looking before I choose the HAL2000 but I know that there are a few programs out there.

Here is the latest update on the system.

Instead of connecting the audio to the multi room speakers, I choose to locate speakers throughout the house for the HAL2000's voice. I have a plant ledge in every room and used small bookshelf speakers up there. The wife covered them with plants and we are both happy. The reason was because I use the multi room speakers for music (duh!). If I were to use them for the HAL2000's voice also, if I were to turn the stereo down with the volume controls in that room, the HAL2000's voice would be affected also.

That’s it for now.

Chris Couture