Hello....I am in the process of a total remodel of my home. Totally down to studs, redoing wiring, plumbing, etc. We decided to prewire for home automation, and would like to be able to control everything...the "whole enchilada". We hired a company to do a plan for us. They are hoping to do the install, but we are suffering sticker shock. They wanted $30,000 just for the wiring. We had let them know up front that we are DIY types, so they also gave us a quote for if we do the wiring ourselves....over $20,000 ($12,000 of which was just for them to have a guy watch our guys for a week of cable pulling and make sure they don't mess it up). Anyway.....we have already paid for the plan, probably paid too much, but now want to make the best use of it. I see Crestron mentioned a lot in all of the forums, but have not researched it yet. My company is recommending HAI for security, Netstreams for Audio, Simply Automated for lighting control, and OnQ for Intercom/Video (at our front gate). They've also recommended 2 HP Digital Entertainment Centers, a Screen Play projector, MX3000 remote control and various other things to tie the system together. My head is swimming, and I have to make decisions very quickly. We have a guy doing the wiring ($7500 for wire, labor, and includes running the pipe for my central vac...pipe also included). He is running the cables according to my bought and paid for plan. I am confident in his ability to run the wires, and he's experienced in some of the installing, but not as well versed in the products and what's up and coming as the other guys.

Sorry this is so long, I'm thinking as I write....does anyone have any experience with any of the components I listed, in how they work together, or have any additional recommendations? In my research, I came across other things my guys didn't seem to address....lots of people use HomeSeer or other software? that seems to run or integrate things, I don't know where that would be installed...if it's software it must be a computer? Anyone who can compare HAI versus Elk for security? They seem to be neck and neck in the little I've found directly comparing them, with many leaning to Elk. My concern is how all of these components will fit together. The OnQ stuff seems fine for the video and intercom, but how do I integrate it with the security system, where can I see the video, only on the one display, or on my tv, or on the security interfaces? Someone said Elk has no infrared....can it be added or does it just not work by remote? I think the HAI might have video capability, but I've not been able to find anything that spells it out. Overall, I think I like the Elk, but the video would make a big difference for us.

Thanks lots to anyone who stuck with me through this whole thing, and thanks even more to anyone who knows anything about it and can help me!