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narc
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| Posted: January 23 2007 at 17:17 | IP Logged
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For the most part, PowerHome and Girder seem pretty similar. Girder with Insteon costs about 2x as much as PowerHome.
My question is this: are Girder and PowerHome the same TYPE of application? Am I comparing apples to apples?
From what I can tell, the major _DIFFERENCES_ are:
PowerHome
- VBScript and JScript
- UserInterface designer
- Incredible Intsteon support
Girder
- LUA script
- CallerID
- Weather support built in
Many other things seem similar. I have used both trials, and find PowerHomes interface to be a little bit easier to understand.
All comments appreciated, please convince me to buy PowerHome :)
- jason
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TonyNo
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| Posted: January 23 2007 at 17:52 | IP Logged
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I would not think of Girder and PH being in the same category.
In my head, Girder is a just utility used to control other applications via an IR remote.
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narc
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| Posted: January 23 2007 at 19:12 | IP Logged
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So perhaps I should list the features that they BOTH have:
- OSD
- Home automation control
- Macros
- Plug in archtechture
- Scripting
- Web interface
- Multimedia controls
I'm really leaning towards PowerHome, I just want to be 100% informed.
- jason
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narc
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| Posted: January 23 2007 at 19:16 | IP Logged
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I should add that PowerHome has an AMAZING Insteon feature set. I love it. There is no way to demo Girders.
- jason
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dhoward
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| Posted: January 23 2007 at 23:47 | IP Logged
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Jason,
Welcome to PowerHome!
Keep in mind my answers will naturally be biased, but I'll try to answer as accurately as possible.
PowerHome and Girder started out as totally different programs, but more recently seem to be evolving towards a similar goal as you're aware.
Let me also say that I have the utmost respect for Ron (the Girder guy) having just got back from the CES show where we were both displaying in the Insteon pavillion. Ron was kind enough to give me a ride to my hotel after the show when cabs and shuttles were almost impossible to obtain (Ron, if you're reading this, once again, thanks...it was great displaying alongside of you).
Now, in all truthfulness, Im not all that familiar with Girder other than what Ive read. Ive briefly looked at it a couple of times, but never spent any real in-depth time with it. The NetRemote interface looks very nice and I know that it now has support for Insteon as well as other automation interfaces including IR control. I believe one of Girder's real strengths is in the ability to record keystrokes (Windows Messages) for later playback and control of other Window's programs. Girder is probably the best in this regard. They've got quite a following in the HTPC (Home Theater PC) crowd and forums but seem to be newer at the Home Automation side of things.
Concerning PowerHome, I feel strongly that it is the BEST Insteon network and configuration tool currently available. On top of that, it is a very capable Home Automation control program with alot of flexibility. PowerHome's feature set is still a little green (by my own standards), but Im working hard on changing that. The next release will include version 1 of the generic plugin interface to be followed shortly by the controller plugin interface. Once the plugin interfaces are out, support for many more options should be available shortly. The first plugin will be a general email processing interface. I'll also be working on an Instant Messaging Interface and a Caller ID interface. Z-wave and UPB support will be coming as well Global Cache. As you're already aware, scripting is available via Windows Script Host (VBScript, JScript, etc.) and you can create your own custom dynamic webpages. Improvements will also be coming in the User Interface design with toggle buttons and status indicators. Also in the works are more advanced voice recognition features.
I realize that I probably havent been much help in your decision, but it will probably most depend on what your requirements are. If you are primarily interested in a highly flexible, powerful, Home Automation control software with the BEST Insteon support available, then I would definately choose PowerHome  . If you could let us know what are your top requirements, I could probably let you know whether PowerHome will fill your needs or not.
Hope this helps,
Dave.
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narc
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| Posted: January 24 2007 at 01:24 | IP Logged
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Dave,
Thanks for the candid response. It is exactly what I was looking for... confirmation that the 2 programs are similar yet different.
Quote:
| Let me also say that I have the utmost respect for Ron (the Girder guy) |
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Well put. Glad to hear it.
Here is what I am interested in:
- Insteon automation (macros, triggers, events). PowerHome wins this hands down.
- IR control of other applications, perhaps triggering scripts, perhaps using SendKeys or sndmessage.
- CallerID event triggers script execution.
- I need to be able to interface to my own devices. I have multiple serial devices connected to my automation server that send serial messages up when a contact closure occurs. My own protocol, so there is not other support for it. I'm happy writing a VB app that opens the comm port, parses it, and passes the results on to Powerhome. Sockets would be fine.
- Socket server that responds to events on the network. Particularly, binding to a port listening for UDP packets, and triggering scripts when they arrive.
I look forward to your thoughts on all of this.
- jason
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TonyNo
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| Posted: January 24 2007 at 07:02 | IP Logged
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For IR control, several IR devices are supported (USB-UIRT is what I use).
CallerID is supported currently with a macro I posted here on the forum.
Serial communication is supported, so no need for VB.
I also believe you are covered on the socket server stuff, too.
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nadler
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| Posted: January 24 2007 at 14:40 | IP Logged
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I use TonyNo's Caller ID macro (found elsewhere in the forum) and it works great and was easy to impliment.
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dhoward
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| Posted: January 24 2007 at 19:25 | IP Logged
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Jason,
I think Ive got you covered on all counts.
Insteon automation and setup...I agree with you...PowerHome wins .
IR control...PowerHome is more than capable. With a supported IR controller, PowerHome should have no problems controlling other IR devices or responding to incoming IR commands to control other applications. PowerHome supports sending keystrokes (not as good as Girder mind you...I personally think they are the best at this), launching applications, switching windows, sending Windows messages, etc. PowerHome should have no problem launching, finding, and controlling Windows applications. You can also use the DCC (Distributed Control Client) to control these applications on remote computers.
Caller ID is not a built-in within PowerHome yet...but Tony and others have accomplished this easily (and published their macros) using the built in COM routines.
Interfacing should be no problem. The current Windows Messaging interface and Socket Server interface will give you plenty of control with your own VB apps. With the very soon to be released next beta and the new generic plugin interface, you'll get an even tighter level of integration. With PowerHome's built in COM functions, you wouldnt even need external VB applications with most control available using the built-in PowerHome functions.
Based upon your goals, I would say that PowerHome is more than capable of meeting them. I wish I could give you more info on whether Girder is capable of performing them or not, but Im not that familiar with it's capabilities. I know Girder now has Insteon support and the Lua scripting so I would suspect that it could probably handle this. From what I know of Girder, I would also expect it to handle incoming IR control. I have no idea though on it's capabilities for COM port interfacing or interfacing with other custom applications or if it has something similar to PowerHome's Socket Server. I know that plugins exist between Girder and other applications so I would suspect that some level of interface support exists.
If you find the PowerHome interface easier, then I would probably definately choose PowerHome. One thing for sure, most people have a love/hate relationship with the PowerHome interface and if it's not offensive to you then that must be a good thing  .
Dave.
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narc
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| Posted: January 25 2007 at 01:00 | IP Logged
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Quote:
| One thing for sure, most people have a love/hate relationship with the PowerHome interface and if it's not offensive to you then that must be a good thing. |
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The interface has been a bit difficult to learn, but that is only because it is so diverse. There is a lot of power available.
I spent the day playing with the demo. I have a USB-UIRT and had no problems getting it to work (other than my own stupidity). I created some macros and formulas that ran VBS. I played with the ph.functionname functions and REALLY like that feature. That is simply awesome.
I have made up my mind, PowerHome it is for sure. I will post my additional questions in a new, unrelated, topic.
- jason
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dhoward
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| Posted: January 25 2007 at 12:35 | IP Logged
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A wise and noble choice .
Dave.
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Topic: PowerHome vs Girder
