I started with X10 because of it's incremental scalability and carrier-signal-through-the-house wiring, but eventually outgrew the reception. (for those not washed, X10 communicates from a sentral controller, there is a limit to the distance and how much line noise there is between the devices). Then I began to replace the X10 units with INSTEON (which is mesh networking) and it is a beautiful thing. Controlled with a Mac Mini running Indigo, I have voice, wall switch, and iPhone control of individual lights, lighting moods, HVAC, security, pet feeding, litter box (yes, both input AND output covered!) even the computers themselves. Too much to go into on all of the intelligence the system controls based on weather, occupancy, etc, but it's very very cool. Cannot complain. What really does it for me on this system is the easy incremental scalability. Just add more as I need them - window curtains next. Oh, and it halved my electric bill.

There's a DRM scheme that isn't proprietary?