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HomeVision |
HomeVision-Pro |
Products
Our original product is the HomeVision home automation controller, and it is used by about 80% of our customers. HomeVision-PC is a reduced-feature version that is appropriate for only a small percentage of our users. We also offer a series of accessories that expand HomeVision's (not HomeVision-PC's) capabilities. Both HomeVision and HomeVision-PC are offered in U.S. and international versions. Finally, our newest product, HomeVision-Pro, is our most powerful controller and is the controller of choice for most experienced users.
To best understand our products, we suggest you review them in the following order:
- HomeVision controller
- Accessories
- HomeVision-Pro
- HomeVision-PC controller
Most of our documentation is for the HomeVision controller, and once familiar with it, you'll know if it meets your needs. You'll then be able to determine which, if any, of the accessories might be appropriate. If HomeVision and the accessories are the type of things you're looking for, you should then look at HomeVision-Pro. You may find it's extra power better suits your needs than does HomeVision. If you decide you don't need the extra power or any of the accessories, and are willing to leave a PC running at all time, take a look at HomeVision-PC. It will then quickly be apparent whether HomeVision-PC is suitable for you.
If you're in the process of selecting an automation system, review our article "Comparing PC-based and stand-alone home automation systems" for some tips. Also see our comparison to other home automation systems.
Choosing between HomeVision and HomeVision-PC
The vast majority of users prefer HomeVision over HomeVision-PC, as it provides much more power and can run "stand-alone" (i.e., without a computer running). HomeVision-PC may be preferable for you if all of the following conditions are met:
 | You've selected a PC-based program (such as HAL2000, HomeSeer, ECS, or others) to be the "brain" of your system. |
| You don't need any of the accessories (which work only with HomeVision and HomeVision-Pro). |
| You're willing to have your system dependent upon the PC (i.e., your system will go down if the PC crashes or shuts down). |
| You're on a budget and can't afford HomeVision (HomeVision-PC typically sells for about $200 less than HomeVision). |
Peripheral Devices
HomeVision, HomeVision-Pro, and HomeVision-PC are central controllers, or "brains", of an automation system. In order to implement a complete system, you'll need peripheral devices to control. For example, most users will want light switches, thermostats, security systems, audio/video systems, infrared distribution systems, and similar devices to be automated. HomeVision/HomeVision-Pro/HomeVision-PC can control these types of systems, but it does not replace such systems. Thus, users will need to obtain X10 light switches, thermostats, etc., from other sources and interface them to HomeVision/HomeVision-Pro/HomeVision-PC (see our compatible hardware page for details on some of the available products). Our documentation and web pages provide a great deal of information to assist you in selecting and using such products. See our example system diagram to see what a complete HomeVision system might look like.
Comparison
The table below shows the main differences between HomeVision, HomeVision-PC, and HomeVision-Pro. This is by no means a complete listing of the products capabilities (which you can find here).
| HomeVision-Pro | HomeVision | HomeVision-PC | |
| Includes all required software | Yes | Yes | No |
| Can run without a PC | Yes | Yes | No |
| Contains real-time clock | Yes | Yes | No |
| Maximum schedule size | >8000 lines | >8000 lines | None |
| Number of macros | 255 | 255 | 0 |
| Number of flags | 255 | 255 | 0 |
| Number of variables | 255 | 255 | 0 |
| Number of timers | 255 | 255 | 0 |
| Number of scheduled events | 255 | 255 | 0 |
| Number of periodic events | 255 | 255 | 0 |
| Infrared transmit method | Built-in connector and terminal block |
Built-in LED and connector |
Built-in LED and connector |
| Infrared receive method | Through emitter or jack | Through emitter | Through emitter |
| Infrared output zones | 1 built-in (8 with expansion board) |
1 built-in (8 with expansion board) |
1 built-in |
| Digital inputs | 8 or 16 (switch closure or voltage inputs; user-selectable) |
8 or 16 (switch closure or voltage inputs) |
8 or 16 (switch closure or voltage inputs) |
| Digital outputs | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Relay outputs | 8 SPDT relays | 8 relay drivers (requires external relays) |
8 relay drivers (requires external relays) |
| Analog inputs | 4 (20 with expansion board) | 0 (16 with expansion board) | 0 |
| Digital temperature sensors | 64 | 0 (64 with expansion board) | 0 |
| # of serial ports built in | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Spare serial port for future use | Yes | No | No |
| USB port | Yes | No | No |
| Support for RCS X-10 thermostats | Yes | Yes | No |
| Supports RCS serial thermostats | Yes | Yes | No |
| Supports GE (CADDX) NetworX serial security system |
Yes | Yes | No |
| Data log (ASCII or binary data) | >65,000 bytes | >65,000 bytes | No |
| Status LEDs | 43 | 7 | 7 |
| Connects directly to Sylva I/O boards |
Yes | No (requires expansion board) | No |
| Connectors for future expansion board |
Yes | No | No |
| Enclosure type | Hinged case, 14" X 13" X 3" |
Desktop case, 5.6" x 6.6" x 1.5" |
Desktop case, 5.6" x 6.6" x 1.5" |
| EXPANSION CAPABILITY: | |||
| Maximum serial ports | 4 | 4 | 1 |
| Maximum outputs | 48 | 48 | 16 |
| Maximum digital inputs | 96 | 96 | 16 |
| Maximum analog inputs | 20 | 16 | 0 |
| Add-on telephone control | Yes | Yes | No |
