We are entrenched into the Apple ecosystem and I'd like to take advantage of Apple Homekit. Some of the devices I would like to deploy are:
-lights
-blinds
-locks
-garage door
Does anyone have any experience with any of these and can make recommendations?
Thanks
Thanks. So I'm assuming you're saying that it's not worth doing Homekit now given its infancy?
I get what Apple are trying to do with HomeKit, the problem is the reliance on other manufacturers to pick up the slack and get the products out there. If you look at who is currently supporting it, there are a couple of manufacturers and none of them are particularly dedicated to home automation or anything specific.
I program and install both Control4 and Fibaro in Perth and they have the advantage of dedicated hardware to run the automation system and scale to everything you have listed as your hit list. This is reason alone to look at a dedicated platform, purely for smooth operation and separation from average home networks. The last thing you want after dropping coin on hardware and installation is a 5 second delay to turn a light on. You can run either of them from an iPad/iPhone/Android device - Control4 even make a very nice 10" tablet (Android based now) if you want a dedicated controller. They allow remote operation for checking in when away from home or even if you just want to turn on the AC on your way home in summer, viewing cameras etc.
They partner with hardware manufacturers so get far deeper and more integrated control of those devices, eg AV Receivers, TV's, projectors, as well as excellent door entry and security systems, lighting, HVAC, a variety of pool pumps, sensors etc.
I have a now superseded Control4 processor & handheld remote running my TV, Kodi media player & sound system - because it's very easy to use, especially for my wife, kids, visitors etc. I am going down the path of Fibaro for lighting, roller shutters, garage & CCTV integration because in WA it's very hard to replace the wiring to the wall switches (which require a neutral for C4 lighting). Fibaro is also substantially cheaper for the hardware.
Thanks. I see Fibaro can be connected to HomeKit via HomeBridge - https://liferoome.com/blogs/thisisliving but this seems like a bit of hack than anything else.
At face value, managing home automation devices from the Control Center on an iPhone (& Siri) seems more appealing than unlocking the phone and opening an app (or using separate hardware devices), but I get what you mean about dedicated hardware.
Anyway, it seems like you know this whole area very well. How can we find out more? Perhaps you could do an OzBargain deal for us with Fibaro gear? :)
We are entrenched into the Apple ecosystem and I'd like to take advantage of Apple Homekit
Let me set you onto the path of enlightenment. https://stallman.org/apple.html
https://stallman.org/empire.html
http://www.fsf.org/
https://www.gnu.org/home.en.html
Don't worry in 5-10 years you'll be kicking yourself muttering Stallman was right!
i would love to have same when i will build next year. how much is the budget for this ?
Look at Fibaro for a start. Very affordable range of products and uses Z-Wave for communication between devices. Most of their modules retail for <$140 a piece.
Control4 for a better integration with your AV products like a theatre and TV/AV systems as they have their own remote control hardware as well.
Both of these require dealer programming, although Fibaro is definitely able to DIY.