Geeking out your home

[Varg]

So I have my house up for sell and looking to get a bigger/nicer place. One of the things I always have dreamed of doing with a home is to wire it all up and geek it out (tastefully). What I am wondering is, have any of you guys done anything like this? What projects have you done, how did they turn out, what were the problems you saw? What aspects of a home would you look for if you were planning on doing this.
To give you an idea of what I would like to see:
Server setup in the office or closet somewhere
-tvs everywhere with some sort of front end to play media from server (1080p capable)
-security system , security cameras (alert me via email or sms on certain events)
-home automation (control thermostat remotely, turn lights/tv on or off at certain times or during certain actions- entering room etc)
-?? expandable for things I have not thought of yet

thoughts? experiences? my nerd level for wanting to do this on a scale of 1-10?

[thrun]

I haven't done it, but I know they make home stereo equipment that runs over CAT5, my cousin had his last house built and had a system similar to this put in.

http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/home-theater-audio-video-news/463-component-dvi-hdmi-over-cat-5-a.html

As far as your 'puters - if it were my network though I wouldn't wire anything, I would just use wireless with a repeater or two stashed in a closet here and there.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2091726_bridge-wireless-routers.html

[Jim Tressel]

It all boils down to 1 thing: Money.

If you're looking for a sleek, all-in-one experience and you have a little bit of money to spend on it, check out http://www.exceptionalinnovation.com/.

I got a job offer from them a couple years ago but I passed it up for the superior benefits package at OSU.  Their shit is DOOOOOPE!

[Varg]

I didnt know there was anything out there like that Thrun, might have to think that through- could be an option. Some will be wireless for sure, but I dont think you can do 1080p over wireless, could be wrong though.

JT- That is pretty much what I am looking for. That stuff looks awesome. I am more thinking of going the DIY route with the hardware but man that stuff is cool. The iphone integration is SICK.

[Kastil]

A professional Camera job can run you anywhere from $500 for a single fixed position camera at your front door with DVR set up to an easy couple of thousand if you go with the multi pan-tilt-zoom  options.   The wireless cameras you can pick up yourself are actually not that bad but are not truly wireless.  You'll still have to have it hooked into an outlet somewhere and, depending on the makeup of your walls, have to have the receiver antenna within 20-30 feet.  Good news is most DVR's nowadays come with remote view software and email alerts though they usually set you up with a registration that you'll need to pay to update every couple of months to keep it operational.

[Jim Tressel]

Kas...you know alot about this.  You finally back to work on your zombie bunker?

[Hawkes]

Don't do HD over wireless yet.... still not 100%.  I don't have my thoughts together on this, but I would check out the Western Digital TV Live box.... network ready.  Very cool little device for about $120... especially if you get a lot of movies from torrents.

Oh and don't go CAT5..... go CAT 6.

[ZONK]

I recommend www.monoprice.com for cables. Best prices and service. They offer pretty cheap HDMI cables prepared for in-wall installation.

Has anyone streamed HD videos over a wireless N network? I was cheap and only got a b/g router way back when, but wonder if the bonus speed of N would be more then enough speed for it?

[Stugots]

I can't help you with the geeking out...but as JT, Red and Turk can attest, I've got the Slobbing-out down pat.

[Kastil]

Kas...you know alot about this.  You finally back to work on your zombie bunker?

It's what I do.