I downloaded the trial version of HomeSeer (
http://www.keware.com/) and have been really impressed with it. It only costs $40.00 and It will control most everything, X-10, IR, etc.
It will control lights, appliances, and audio/video equipment. It supports voice recognition technology. It has a built-in web browser, access to my home is only a click away. I can control my home via the web, from ANY computer with internet access!
Well, I love to tinker and HomeSeer currently does not have a telephone interface. So I decided to experiment:
I have an older Uniden 900 Mhz. cordless phone that I decided to experiment with. It has two-way intercom from the handset to the base.
I opened the base unit and attached 2 of the 1/8" mini plugs (from Radio Shack, part number: 42-2421). One to the Microphone and the other to the Speaker.
I then pluged in the plug that I attached to the base microphone to the sound card speaker output. Next, I plugged the the plug that I attached to the base speaker to the sound card input.
I opened the volume/mixing console in windows (C:\WINDOWS\SNDVOL32.EXE) and adjusted the recording and microphone volume.
I can now press intercom on my cordless phone and talk to, as well as hear from the HomeSeer (Genie). This allows me to control ALL of my X-10 components as well as the macros that I created.
I feel that this was the least expensive way to have voice control throughout my home.
I spent $40.00 for the program (HomeSeer) and $6.00 for the 1/8" plus from Radio Shack!
Hope this helps someone!
Happy tinkering...
Scott