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Pluto: Linux-based Do-everything System
tazzzzz writes "Ever wanted an easy-to-configure, whole-house, internet-accessible, Linux-based VOIP PBX with video, PVR, firewall/router, security system, MP3 player, file server, personal web server, home automation (lights, thermostat) controller? I just came across the Pluto which claims to do all of this (and more, of course!). It'll set you back $15,000 if you're living in a small bachelor pad, but you didn't need that car anyway, did you?"
I should have given some more info knowing that the site would be slashdotted...
For that price, you get the Pluto Core, which is the Linux-based server. You get some number (unclear to me how many) of media distributors (PCs with DVD drives and network interfaces) that hook up to your TV and the Core to show video and play music. You also get "Orbiters", which are hand-held devices to which you can stream video from your security cameras and control the Pluto system.
So, we're not talking one Linux PC. It's a whole system of stuff. I've requested more pricing info, because I'm curious how much you have to pay for the various parts. $15K is a lot of money, but this can give technically unsophisticated folks a usable "home of the future" sort of setup.
Kevin
I happen to be a developer on this project.
It is not just one machine. The system setup is different based on each customers needs.
Since I don't work in sales or marketing, I can't give you a full rundown, but the product does scale based on the customers specific needs.
It can do everything the Pluto adverises except home automation, but some X10 devices would take care of that.
not.
sorry, but home automation is much more complex than you think it is.
how about the fact you need to interface tons of input sensors and occupancy sensors (not motion detectors) plus be able to RELIABLY control the important things like heat? a RS485 thermostat is $300.00 for the el-cheapo one. the X10 thermostat from RCS is an absolute piece of junk.
plus you can easily overwhelm your X10 system in the house if you have lots of modules and command consoles.. oh and you had a $200.00 bridge and repeater installed right? X10 doesn't work work a crap without that.
Let's add in the weather station so the house can wake you 30 minutes early because of the snowstorm last night or alert you that the cover on the hot-tub has blown off because of high winds.
a few X10 modules and misterhouse is NOT a home automation system.
I strongly suggest you go and have a demonstration of a real home automation system, thne you will know what it really is.
Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.