Thanks for the tip Shimmer. I did look at Homeseer and it does appear to be very comprehensive.
Is there a supplier for NZ compatible hub and devices?

I'm still going to pursue the Kinect interface and have high hopes for its future potential (on whatever system, or systems I go with) but to be honest I think I am going to give CastleOS a pass.
I'm not sure what their deal is but there are just so many issues making it just too hard:

 

• There are few comprehensive written instructions or guidelines. Everything is buried in the forums and can be very hard to find. A google search is more useful than their own website.
• It just appears to be glitchy and unstable based on the forum comments, with numerous device compatibility issues.
• Reading through the forums it has been around for at least the last 2-3 years and doesn't seem to have had all that much development.
• Support varies between great to sporadic to slow and non-existent. I don't know if Chris is trying to do everything by himself but I just wish he would see that if he got some decent instructions and tutorials on the website and was able to offer a timely and reliable support service CastleOS could go far.
• As home automation is on the cusp of an explosion due to long overdue interest from the big players I just don't see how CastleOS with its issues can put in the development effort to keep up. I hope they do.

For the time being I am thinking I will wait for Samsung Smartthings to release in AU/NZ which I believe is imminent. The newly announced partnership with Microsoft gives this system all the horsepower and potential in the world. Coupled with Windows 10 and Cortana I can't wait.