Current Approach

As I mentioned in my Connected by TCP post, I'd be doing things a little differently if I started my home automation implementation with what I know now.

Basically, here's the approach I'd take:

1. start with the Vera Plus controller
2. use Z-Wave switches and dimmers to control whole light circuits or outlets
3. add Philips Hue gateway and bulbs (White or White Ambiance) to fixtures that need separate control from others on the same circuit; integrate them with Vera

Once I had lighting controlled, I'd start with some additional implementations:

1. install the Nest Thermostat; integrate with Vera
2. add controllable door locks; integrate with either Vera or home security system
3. add Z-Wave water leak detection sensors
4. add Aeon Minimote scene controllers to control specific actions
5. install Ring Doorbell

Connected by TCP Lighting

When I started drafting this post, it would have had a very different bent, as I was impressed by the price point of the Connected by TCP system and had implemented it in a few areas of my home.

Unfortunately, development all but ceased in 2014, and support for the product ended in summer 2016.

TCP's Connected line is an example of bait & switch - they're now selling their products through Nimbus9 - which requires the purchase of a new gateway device as well as adding a $5 monthly subscription fee.  TCP's selling feature was that the system was without monthly charges and would continue to work indefinitely.

Thankfully, there have been some enterprising individuals who have managed to integrate the original TCP gateway with connected products like Vera or on your own Linux server (see http://home.stockmopar.com/updated-connected-by-tcp-api/ and https://github.com/stockmopar/connectedbytcp)

That said, Philips has added the "Hue White" line that has a similar price point as the TCP bulbs, not to mention being supported by a company that seems to stand behind their product.  Not to mention, a protocol that works more quickly and efficiently than the proprietary one TCP uses.

Additionally, there are many Z-Wave options that have come down in price and increased in accessibility.  If I was to do things over again with my home automation system, I'd certainly take some different approaches than I had in the past.  I'll be writing more about that over the next little while.