ControlThink Forums

Hello, I am a mobile/.net programmer and was wondering if I can get ThinkRemote yet?  Otherwise I am going to just try and create my own cellphone automation, or website automation. 

Also, in Zwave... how are cameras handled?  I haven't seen any z-wave cameras, but saw a lot of stuff for x10.  I want to get video streams from camers in my house, and of course put them on the web or my cell phone.   I saw the hawkings camera, but that seems to just be a wireless camera that hooks into a z-wave gateay..  not sure how I would get the video from it programatically.

Any thoughts?

Hi digiben,

Yes, ThinkRemote is a product under development.  Please sign up on the beta, and we'll get you involved soon.

Z-Wave is a low-bandwidth protocol, so video is not sent via Z-Wave.  For that, IP cameras are usually used--although in theory an IP camera could use Z-Wave for pan/tilt/zoom.  You need to build a codec or other code to receive the images from cameras for sure.

Chris

 Hey thanks Chris.  I signed up for the beta the other day.  That would be great to try out.  I was going try and just write my own cell interface since I have experience doing mobile development for Bank of America and mobile banking / payment processing apps. But then I saw your ThinkRemote option and I might not have to if it is somewhat customizable.

I am excited to receive my package for the starter kit.  I noticed when I bought it, it gave an Orem address, then I saw your NY address.  That's funny because I just moved from NY city a few months ago , and a year before that I was in Provo finishing up a business degree :)

For cameras, what would you recommend to integrate with a custom application doing Z-Wave technology?  Maybe X-10 camera packages? Or this Hawking camera package I was seeing?  Or would it just be easier to buy an IP camera and figure out how to write my own?

 I am going to setup my system to allow voice technology so you can control everything by voice using the new SAPI 5.3 libraries.  If you want, I can develope a nice voice technology option as a plugin or something for ThinkEssentials and other programs you might have.

Thanks again,

 Ben

digiben,

Without endorsing any particular camera, I would get a Panasonic BLC series camera.

P.S. You might want to consider applying for our open Software Engineer position at ControlThink.  We have filled almost all the openings--but you never know :)

Chris

Any update on this project?  It's been a year... :-(