i'm aware of X10 but don't think i want to go that route although i'm using some old radio shack stuff at the moment that is basically X10(compatible).

i was looking at smarthome.com and looks like they highly recommend the INSTEON devices. another thing i'm looking for, is a brand of component that would be compatible with my Harmony 880 remote.

any suggestions?

Insteon is also compatible with X10...that's what my buddy uses to control his lights with his Harmony. However, X10 is not Insteon...so this should help those partial to the Insteon system.<ul><li><a href="http://www.smarthome.com/2411r.html">Insteon IR Interface</a></li></ul>

I'm a *big* fan of Crestron's lighting products, but you need a Crestron control processor to make the most of their features. Their centralized lighting modules are the way to go, if you want to truly A) automate your lighting and B) get rid of the wall clutter/switches.

Lutron, on the other hand, has a range of products that work very well, have lots of color/configuration options, are highly "retro-fitable", and also play reasonably well with 3rd party control systems [IE, Crestron] if you want to integrate with one in the future.

Are you intending to control all the lights in your home or just a room or two? Are you intending to just replace switches, or eliminate banks of switches/centeralize?

not quite ready to do centralize and have the whole house automated as of yet. ideally, if possible it would be great to find a brand/technology that would be compatible with my harmony remote

I have many rooms in my house wired with it and it's fantastic. I've had to go through some hoops in the past with X10 to get my Harmony to work with it. I'm looking forward to getting the Insteon IR Receiver.

Home automation is an up and coming trend that the public looks for in residential houses, apartments, and commercial businesses. Home automation should protect the consumer, entertain, keep them comfortable, and accommodate every lifestyle.

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