3. Application overview

The UnitedHome software is an integrated home automation solution developed by Listman Technologies that allows a user the ability to control home electronic devices and systems, from your PC, TV or PDA. The goal of UnitedHome was to connect a variety of devices found in a modern day home and then utilize a single, simple user interface to control them. Currently it appears that the software is available through the integrators, distributors and/or VARs that Listman deals with so you'll need to contact Listman to see how else you can get a hold of their software. I actually remember hearing that the software bundle was cheap so it may not hurt to call them up to see if you can get a hold of it.

3.1 UnitedHome Specifics:

The UnitedHome software is comprised of a number of pieces which includes the following components (using Listman Tech's words)

3.1.1. PC Control (PC Butler):

UnitedHome software turns your PC into command central for your home.Not reviewed in this article

3.1.2. Television Control (TV Butler):

Connect a CPU to your TV and use a wireless keypad to control your system. This is the piece that I will go into today.

3.1.3. Wireless Control (PPC Butler):

Use a wireless device such as a PDA, or Pocket PC to access and control your electronic components and systems remotely from any room in your home. Not reviewed in this article.

3.1.4. Internet Control (Web Butler):

When you're not at home but have Internet access, use Internet Explorer to connect to your home. UnitedHome provides password-protected access to all of your home's controls, just as if you were at home. Not reviewed for this article.

3.2 The technology details

Listman Technologies has primarily focused on developing software technology for the Microsoft Windows OS. Utilizing a combination of the Universal Plug and Play (UPnP),home networking protocols, and powerline carrier standards they have come up with a set of protocols that Listman has dubbed as UniPlay. UniPlay is the system by which Listman Technologies integrates all home related components.

What is particularly impressive is the fact that Listman Technologies has a great deal of experience in Windows embedded OS's and has brought that experience over to the home automation market. Listman provides drivers for the myriad of home automation devices that they work with. This is particularly good news for myself since I own a number of X10 automated devices. Since X10 doesn't exactly offer the best in application software, I was looking forward to playing with whatever Listman had to offer in the UnitedHome application.

If you want to find more information about their technology, check out their technology overview page found at: http://www.listmanhome.com/about/tech.asp

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