System with best ipad integration?

Hi all - long time lurker, I have plans to add a security system and would like some of the basics - exterior lighting control, thermostat control, sprinkler/irrigation control and cameras (front door first and perhaps one on the driveway / rear door). If anyone has a recommendation for a nice camera (IP Megapixel etc) please let me know. I dont mind spending 4-500 for cams, more if I have to. I'm also not sure of what back end system I should use for the camras - I've looked at Vitamin D which looks awesome and is quite cost effective. Thoughts / Concerns?

I use Microsoft Mediacenters for AV playback so I'm not looking for whole house AV. Media is stored on a Qnap nas. I've been looking into the M1Gold setup - since it seems like a very powerful system and a great foundation for automation, security etc.

The topic sounds kind of funny but one of the main requirements of the setup is ease of use and the way its interfaced. We have 2 ipads (one for me and one for the wife) and the interface is very slick. I'd like to move to a system where wall mounted ipads replace the typical alarm panel and provide access to the functions mentioned above. I'm trying to come up with a list of systems that have good ipad interfaces or addon's that would tie into a backend system. so far it looks like either HAI or Elk is where I'm leaning at the moment. Thoughts / Concerns?

I know I probably won't find 1 appliction that does it all - and I'm ok with that, since the ipad supports multiple apps - or webapps I'm ok with a sprinkler app, a security app, lighting app etc. Ease of use and the interface quality is really what I'm looking for. I'm essentially trying to simulate a Cortexa type interface (although I'm not really wow'd by their ipad app).

I also know that the wireless ipad isnt as reliable as a traditional alarm panel would be - however keep in mind that my wifi network is on UPS and isn't consumer grade. I'll also probably have a seperate wireless network (on a seperate channel) just for the automation system. Reliability shouldnt be an issue.

I've played with the Live Cams HD app for the ipad (asuming it would show cams around the house) and its really slick. The interface is slow for remote cams but cams on the same network would be much faster (assuming).

Live Cams HD - http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/live-cams-hd/id352795601?mt=8

I also have a Brueltech power meter which would also be nice to tie into the ipad interfaces. I think thats doable but I havent really looked into it yet

I guess thats it - just looking for advice and any experiences people have had using ipads (and the interfaces). Anyfeedback is appreciated.

Thanks,
Andrew

There are SO many options out there, just look at the list of apps and iPad mounts I just posted online. Both HAI/ELK are the favorites in this field. The eKeypad Pro app is pretty cool (iPad version will be released soon), supports various hardware device besides the ELK M1 (such as the ISY controller), so you really do have tons of options.

As for the cameras, are you looking for indoors/outdoors? I am currently reviewing the Logitech Alert cameras, and they work pretty well (but aren't perfect). I believe HAI offers a megapixel camera as well, which supports integration with their other products, which is something to keep in mind.

I can confirm that the initial launch of eKeypad Pro on the iPad will support The Elk M1, ISY-99, Brultech entergy monitors and a large collection of IP cameras.

In my testing of Megapixel cameras, there are a lot of excellent cameras but I have been very impressed with GVI Securities. They have a model 201B box camera that produces VERY nice images even in nearly complete darkness with no IR illumination. 1.3M pixels, 0.001 lux, local SD storage and dual Analog and IP Output.

Link to the camera details

Do you have any snapshots of that camera in action? Where did you get it, and how much?

I believe it is about $500 after you purchase a quality lens for it. It is available a lot of places, just do a google for it.

I am away right now, but I will upload some images later tonight.

If you are going to have a security system, cameras, lightning, music, etc, have a look at HomeSeer and the new HSTouch. The HSTouch app is a drag and drop interface creation tool and it comes with a pre-built template. This will allow seamless integration of all of your hardware in one app.
http://store.homeseer.com/store/PI-IPHONE-...er-P769C98.aspx

Mobotix has the best quality images i have found so far. They blow away others that have 2x, 3x the MP they have. Their sensors are top notch. Great outdoor cameras and they have a hemispheric for 360 viewing. probably double what you wanted to spend though (maybe ebay has some cheaper or something).

Sony are great also but again expensive.

You may want to take a look at Vivotek for your price range. They are a good bang for the buck and their api is very open to 3rd parties so many companies already support them. For outdoor use i know many people who pop them in a housing with blower and are fine for years.

Hey all - thank you all for the details and info. I'm deff going to check out eKeypad, they seems to be fully embracing the ipad as a control point (as well as the ipod/iphone). They also seem to support all of the systems I'm looking into - at least initially.

I'm also looking for a slick irrigation solution - I currently have a hunter system with a basic\standard controller, I'd love to be able to tie it into the ipad solution. I'm interested in keeping the hunter controller for the time being (1 project at a time). Are the rain8's the typical system most people implement? What I'm thinking of is having a blueprint of the house lot - with each section eluminate when its active... I think that would just be awesome Especially since any of the ipads would be able to kick it off, or see its status.

Anyways - feel free to keep commenting if you have advice or experiences to draw from. I'm going to look into the items I mentioned, as well as the Mobotix & Vivotek cameras. I think it'll probably be after the first of the year before I have the budget for these projects - but its time to begin planning and there's just so much to try and wrap my head around.

Thanks again,
Andrew

I see the ekeypad is going to integrate AV control as well. How is it going to do this? Will it handle this stuff itself or will it integrate itunes?

The AV control will provide control of whole house audio controllers and receivers. Remote control of an iTunes/AppleTV device is on the roadmap, but lower down the priority list. This aspect has faced some startup delays in the past but it is still on the roadmap.

jaysonc said:

The AV control will provide control of whole house audio controllers and receivers. Remote control of an iTunes/AppleTV device is on the roadmap, but lower down the priority list. This aspect has faced some startup delays in the past but it is still on the roadmap.

Click to expand...

Jayson,
Thanks for the info.
Is this brand specific? How will the interface work? Is it only for IP enabled systems?

Lou