Just on a couple of your specific Q's...
To get IR into cupboards etc you use a system that repeats IR on it's own wired network - like Xantech and others. You can also do this via some of the wireless RF based repeater devices , which are cost effective compared to a Xantech solution but Xantech addresses multiroom much better. Keene electronics have some interesting solutions too.
I use HomeVision (and C-Bus via a gateway) but I don't use the TV screens much at all . As you say they are rather basic in terms of appearance. I wouldn't suggest you use HV as a security system really though - I would instead recommend a stand alone system purposed for security and an ability to interface to that from a controller. Keypads for example are very difficult to support via HomeVision and programming entry exit delays and zone types can get long winded. Alarm system panels are inexpensive generally although capable ones (eg Comfort) along with it's optional UCM interfaces can be a very significant cost. There are even wireless alarm systems that you can interact with from HA controllers. (Visionic via an RFXCom unit for example).
If you wish to switch the appliance attached to a plug then yes you should star wire it. In practice there aren't many heavy current devices you'll actually want to do this for though. Table lamps are something you should star wire though - and then use one of the 2A round pin plug sockets at the wall so that you can't accidentally plug an appliance in.
K
To get IR into cupboards etc you use a system that repeats IR on it's own wired network - like Xantech and others. You can also do this via some of the wireless RF based repeater devices , which are cost effective compared to a Xantech solution but Xantech addresses multiroom much better. Keene electronics have some interesting solutions too.
I use HomeVision (and C-Bus via a gateway) but I don't use the TV screens much at all . As you say they are rather basic in terms of appearance. I wouldn't suggest you use HV as a security system really though - I would instead recommend a stand alone system purposed for security and an ability to interface to that from a controller. Keypads for example are very difficult to support via HomeVision and programming entry exit delays and zone types can get long winded. Alarm system panels are inexpensive generally although capable ones (eg Comfort) along with it's optional UCM interfaces can be a very significant cost. There are even wireless alarm systems that you can interact with from HA controllers. (Visionic via an RFXCom unit for example).
If you wish to switch the appliance attached to a plug then yes you should star wire it. In practice there aren't many heavy current devices you'll actually want to do this for though. Table lamps are something you should star wire though - and then use one of the 2A round pin plug sockets at the wall so that you can't accidentally plug an appliance in.
K
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