[Hai-users] Re: Software Pick - HAI vs HAL2000

[Dan Butterfield]

Darren and Jody Bzdel <buzzman at sasktel.net> Wrote:
> I am currently expanding my home automation to include lighting and have
> planned to go with HAI and UPB.  While I am ordering equipment I wanted to
> also purchase PC software and would appreciate feedback and experience 
> from
> the group.  My requirements are:
>
> 1) Control of the automation equipment and programs.  Also compatible with
>    PDA wireless device.
>
> 2) Video monitoring (home camera RG59 and 2 wire-18guage to 10 locations
>    wired)
>
> 3) Email event output
>
> Nothing much out of the ordinary, wanted to know opinions on HAI vs Hal
> solutions.  I also have a Nuvo home audio 6 zone configuration, but I
> assume they both interface to audio devices.
>
> I am leaning towards HAI as I have not been disappointed with the products
> I have from them currently.

I personally find HAI +HomeSeer to be a good combination of a high 
reliability dedicated automation/security/HVAC controller (HAI) and an 
extremely flexible expandable PC automation platform (HomeSeer).  They're 
pretty well integrated also, to the point that I use HomeSeer's web 
interface to HAI (via it's HAI plugin) more than I use HAI's weblink.

- Dan Butterfield