Another one of my hobbies is home Automation - I have an old website archived will have to stick it back online when I get chance but I spent 5 years building an Automated home.
It included full house video / audio distribution / CCTV / Automated blinds, gates, home cinema All lights and appliances were controlled by voice or remotely over the internet or by mobile
I am trying to get my old site back online - honest the stuff I did is like 5 years old and was on a budget - all my kit was low end and custom built - If i could start again now WOW - in a low end budget whole house autmation is a breeze - appliances/lights and audio video any room a breeze the hard stuff is blinds, gates and stuff like that - I had pc connected room stats that cost £5 each that were connected to my hub and would control heating and fans's depending on room stat.