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[medic5678]

would it be possible to control activehome pro with external programs.?  i'm thinking you could use dragon naturallyspeaking to recognize voice commands to start programs, which could in turn initiate smarthome macros.  has anyone given any thought to this? 

[Brian H]

Some here are using BVC, Bill Voice Commander.
I am sure they will give you more details.

[Tuicemen]

What version of windows are you running?

[Knightrider]

I quite enjoy BVC
on Windows XP.
Sincere-ly,
knightrider (BSV)
FF/EMT

[HA Dave]

Yep. Like Knightrider I also use BVC (and have for years). I have an old YouTube Video that shows a bit of the setup:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apZF77tsZlI

[kenrad]

I use a few different methods of VR for x10 stuff, first I move to Ihosue which does all that AHP does and more, plus it has its own VR,  I also use Tuicemens PC Companion and android companion that allows for VR from an android device, I was also a lover of BVC but moved away from it when it had issues with WIN 7

  Ken

[medic5678]

i an probably going to run xp pro to keep things a bit simpler.  will be running a dedicated security/automation computer.  in addition to active home pro, i'm going to be using it for some backup/video recording (have 8 cameras - 4 on dvr, 4 ip).  i'm willing to run another os though.  i'm putting quite a bit of $$ towards this effort, so i don't mind investing in whatever i need to for success. 

[gg4000]

BVC is a must have!!! You can program voice commands not only to control X10, but also start programs on your computer.
I would sit at my table and say A little dinner music please, and Frank Sinatra starts.

I do use it on Win 7 but never saw any problems. Once in a while, it might not hear me. So I have to repeat it. That is most likely a noise problem.
I did add a funny part. If she does not respond, I would say the B word. That one she hears!!!
Her response is the FY words. 
Then I would say I love you, and she would say I love you too.
Ain't marriage grand? 

[Tuicemen]

Since your going to use XP as your OS you have lots of options however you can't control ActiveHome Pro by voice (open it change screens etc) however you can perform X10 functions via voice. It will then open other programs based on x10 signals it sees.

BVC will do the voice recognition for you and pass x10 commands for AHP to act on. However there hasn't been much movement by the developer in some time.
You'll most likely wish to use several thirdparty programs to get everything you want.

Ihouse will handle most of your needs for voice. It is actively being developed
and intergrates with many other programs well.

Check the Thirdparty Add-Ons or Software section for all available and links.
 

[gg4000]

I remember you telling me about IHouse. I think the server was down at the time. I just installed it today, and WOW!
Is there a way to use it with the CM19A?

[ITguy]

I remember you telling me about IHouse. I think the server was down at the time. I just installed it today, and WOW!
Is there a way to use it with the CM19A?

Absolutely!  Just go to the System=>Local Settings=>x10 page and un-check the box for controller detection.  This is required because, unlike the CM15A, the CM19A doesn't "respond" to iHouse.  Unchecking the box tells iHouse to just assume the controller is there.  That's all you should have to do.

Please join us over at the iHouse forum if you need any help.

ITguy

[gg4000]

YES!!!!
Thank you Thank you Thank you  

It's working....

I just animated the ceiling fan picture on gickr.com
Now the fan looks like it's moving when it's on.

[ITguy]

Now the fan looks like it's moving when it's on.

Very cool idea!  There's a user sharing area over at the iHouse forums if you'd care to share. 

ITguy

[gg4000]

OK