Q. I’m building a vacation home in the mountains of Arizona and would like to add some level of automation including a few light switches, a thermostat and an outdoor video camera. There are no hard-wired telco or cable systems in the area. However, we do have a (Verizon) CDMA tower nearby, and thus some level of WiFi using their device. Remote access would be ideal, allowing me to warm the place up before arriving or making the place looked lived in while we’re away. I understand that RF like Control4 could handle the thermostat and light switches, but I’m not sure about the video camera.  What should I wire for now while the walls are still open? Just a Cat5 for the video? Any other suggestions regarding this DIY project are welcome! - Bruce

The most cost effective and exciting solution to come along in years is 2GIG.  Incorporates a security system, thermostat and lighting control into a sleek and easy to use product.  Being Z-Wave, you can add products from a multitude of brands (check out http://www.zwaveworld.com for more ideas).  And no, I don’t work for 2GIG and this is not a paid endorsement. 

Control4 would be an excellent solution, it can communicate with several different brands of security systems as well as use IP-based cameras. The cameras, security, lighting and HVAC can all be viewed and controlled via 4Sight. From what I can tell however, is that 2GIG doesn’t appear to have any camera integration. That’s not to say that a separate NVR/DVR with web access couldn’t be used. I’m also not sure whether or not 2GIG is a DIY product, but I can confirm that Control4 is a professionally-installed solution.

Suggestion one:  Hire a local integrator to help.  Then allow their expertise to steer your product selections.

If you really want to dig in and spec stuff out yourself first, check out HAI (http://www.homeauto.com) you will find they’ve been at this longer than most and have everything you are looking for in terms of features.

I agree with Srankin that Control4 would be a great cost effective solution.  Our company has staff in Flagstaff and Scottsdale to help if you desire.  Control4 is not DIY, but it is cost effective and would be a great solution for you listed needs.