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Ghoop

22 posts

Geek

Topic # 8206 12-Jun-2006 21:56

Hi guys, this is my first experience with a forum so am very much a geek newbie.
My name is Glynn Hooper and I have had a long history of trying to simplify complexity although, as I have had to explain to my wife, "It's very complicated making things simple!" My current "hobby horse" is trying to convince people to install appropriate wiring in their houses to allow the integration of technology and provide the means to enjoy the benefits that are to accrue from the proliferation of affordable broadband services that we will soon receive now that Telecom is to relinquish its stranglehold on the local loop.
So any topics about home theatre, VOIP communications, security/surveillance and automation will capture my attention.

tonyhughes

Hawkes Bay
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Reply # 38354 12-Jun-2006 22:22

mmmm my house is covered with 802.11g wifi.
Because we are not pushing large files around the local network, 100Mbit ethernet is overkill, I dont need more than my ADSL is capable of. So for me, WiFi is a lot cheaper.

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Ghoop

22 posts

Geek

Reply # 38362 13-Jun-2006 07:53

I use WiFi also, but primarily for control purpose. Fact is if you ar wanting to stream DVD content from your server to two different places in your home, wireless won't cut it. Add to this 3-4 VOIP conversations with one video link, a computer down load and maybe some network audio streaming to the bedroom and the WiFi infrastructure doesn't have the bandwidth.
My advice to people building or renovating is to use CAT6 structured cabling to provide for the future. Use WiFi to "fill the gaps" or provide for couch control using PDA or PSP type devices.

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tonyhughes

Hawkes Bay
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Reply # 38366 13-Jun-2006 08:16

good advice :-P

JAMMAN2110

871 posts

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Reply # 38370 13-Jun-2006 09:04

Indeed it is, Welcome to GZ! - We have our weekly chat tonight, pherhaps you could join us one time. There is a thread on the site with a link to it geekzone.co.nz/chat.asp I believe, starts at 8 (be there early if you want the 'prechat chat') alternatively you can connect to it through your favourite IRC client at dal.net #geekzone
Im planning a DUAL CAT5 Link to my lounge room... MMMmmm Home entertainment :D

Ghoop

22 posts

Geek

Reply # 38373 13-Jun-2006 09:16

Thanks for the "heads up". If I can figure out how to use the chat facility I'll join in some time.

Dual CAT5 to the living room is a good start. If you have access to other parts of the house I would put dual CAT5 to all rooms. This provides the infrastructure for multiple VOIP phones off your PBX, the opportunity to stream music and/or video to other rooms and so on. I am happy to see that most services to deployed in homes are lining up to be IP addressable so once you have a network in place you can deploy a wide range of diverse services eg.

Touch screen (for control)
IP cameras
Network amplifiers (music)
Video clients (movies, DVD, TV recordings)
Alarm system
Access point (to fill the gaps)
PCs
Home automation (eg. Clipsal C-Bus)
VOIP phones

Then all you need is a central hub to provide a consistent user interface that is simple to use.. The future is already here!