multi media and home automation help

maxitin

Honorable
Jun 15, 2013
7
0
10,510
Hi all,

This is my seconded attempt at this build so here it is with a bit more info
http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/17NmM

What I want to use it for:
1. Gaming (mainly eve online)
2. Watching 3D movies on 3D tv
3. Playing music around the house via wireless speakers
4. Turning lights on/off, closing curtains via x10 system including when away over the internet
5. X10 security system plus wireless cctv cameras with streaming to mobile when motion detectors are tripped.

I think that covers most things the pc will have to be on most of its life and I would hope to get a life span of at least five years plus for the mb and psu.

Never built a pc before let alone installed all the other stuff but should be a good project and learning curve, I would be grateful for all advice and would be interested in hearing from people who have used the x10 system with their pc and anyone who has a wireless speaker sound system in their home.
Or indeed any off the above.
 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
Just a couple of comments on the overall plan:

1. Everyone I've ever talked to about x10 systems ended up hating the thing.
2. Wireless cameras create just another vulnerability point. And wireless cameras still need a wire for power.
3. The motion detection is very tricky to get the levels right, especially if you are triggering email or streaming based on motion. Every passing cloud, the mailman walking past the window, spiders at night if they are outside cameras (they seem to be attracted to the IR) will result in a 'detection'.
 

maxitin

Honorable
Jun 15, 2013
7
0
10,510


Thanks for the heads up i have not looked to deep into the x10 or there security system as yet, i will of course take what you have said on board and if you can recommend any other system's i will take a look and check out any reviews.

What i need to know for now, is if the parts in the build i have put together are viable and will work well for what i intend to use the pc for and with the hope it will withstand a good few years of being turned on for most of the time.
 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
I'd think about splitting some of those functions out.

For a camera system, I have a standalone 4 camera LOREX system. I got it for around $160 a couple of years ago. Been running 24/7 since then. Look around and you can get one on sale.
DVR, motion detection. 3 cameras outside, 1 inside. Resolution not the greatest, but good enough that I could call my daughter while I was on vacation, and ask her why she hadn't fed the cat yet.