The following devices should be pretty easily controlled throug PC:
- The devices that are operated with normal IR remote controller. Make PC to learn the original remote control codes, and then use PC to send needed codes to the device when you need to control them.
- Simple apliances like heaters, cookers etc... Thigs that have a mechanical power switch that you can turn on all the time. Then just control the power to those devices through some suitable relay.
- Lighting instruments: You can relace normal lamp switch with relay contact, you can wire lamp though a relay, you can connect lamps to mains power through light dimmer that can be controlled with computer interface
- Existing home automation systems with button controls: Wire a set of relay contacts (controlled through computer) in parallel with the existing control buttons. Now you can use computer to simulate situation that user presses control buttons
- Any device with control buttons and you can open and modify for this: Wire a set of relay contacts (controlled through computer) in parallel with the existing control buttons. Now you can use computer to simulate situation that user presses control buttons
Some interresting reading
http://www.epanorama.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1636
