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Overview :

If you are reading this, then you already have a 'smart' home. Specifically, you probably have an X10 CM15a (since that is a requirement of this program). Therefore you already have the ability to add logic to your CM15a... which gives your home the capability to automate many tasks... which improves the way in which your home accomodates your lifestyle.

While this may be enough for some or most, we live in an internet world and these control units are mostly pretty dumb compared to our home computers (which often times are connected to a global communication network called the internet). That is the void which this program attempts to fill.

X10 Dispatcher is a Windows application which relays events raised in an X10 automated environment. It is a 'bigger-brain' sitting on top of the smaller-brain CM15a. So the CM15a can continue to be used for all the functionality you currently depend on it for, while X10Dispatch extends that automation to include computer automation and alerting activities. While it works well incrementing your home's functionality with alot of optional and independent features, it finds its real benefit or purpose as a sort of Agent representing your home network to you while you are away. Knowing that, you can choose which subset or all of the features which you want to make use of.

Some examples of its application are :

Have alerts sent to cell phone, pda or remote computer via Email or MSN

Monitor still-image captures from up to 4 cameras.

Monitor and control x10 network via MSN Messages

Monitor and control x10 network via Web

Control Applications such as Windows Media Player via X10 Remotes

Set up macros (list of actions) to run when an x10 event is heard

Be Alerted about Weather Advisories (such as a NOAA webalert)

Alerting when your power goes out (when used on a notebook or computer with a UPS).

Nothing is without consequence, and this program might not be for everyone. In general, these control devices (like the CM15a) are very efficient (low power), and usually very reliable. Computers vary in reliabilty, noise levels, and their ability to blend into your home environment like a CM15a would. In order to gain the benefits of this program, your computer must be left turned on, internet connected (for most alerting), and within about 6 feet of the CM15a itself (to connect via usb). If you have a loud computer, or it crashes alot, then you probably would not want to leave it on 24/7. If your internet connection is dial-up (which is rarely connected), or you have an unreliable internet connection then you probably do not want to rely on any alerting functionality.

On the other hand many people have quiet (or quiet-enough) computers, notebook computers, newer generation low-power computer devices, or they are 'power' computer users who are going to leave their computers on anyways. As computers get smaller, quieter and more powerful with every generation, they will be able to offer low-power, unobtrusive, and relentless 24-hour service that most people will probably take for granted as they would today with an Powerline control unit such as X10.