[karavite]

Though centralized and automated audio/video equipment is pretty much limited to the upper crust budgets, this is a field that is expanding.

For the life of me, I cannot understand why Apple's digital hub strategy has not expanded to provide affordable and really cool options for home automation. Why can't iTunes serve up music via wireless to little audio stations and speakers throughout the house? Like in my shower? Why can't iPhoto let me view my photos on my TV? Why can't Sherlock be available to me in any room (on some cheap device with a pen interface or something) so I can see what movies are playing at my local theater and/or to use as yellow pages? Why can't I network a set of iSights or other camera's and have be able to serve up these images across the house and/or use it is a video intercom system? Why should I buy some expensive device as a internet radio receiver that lets me select any station from any room in my house when I have a computer that can access the same sites? I could go on and on.

This stiff IS coming to all of our homes. Many people do this sort of thing with available hardware and software, but it isn't always easy to accomplish regardless of expense. Only Apple could make it "plug and play." Apple has almost ALL of the pieces, but has not put them together yet. Somebody will very soon, and if it isn't Apple it will be a shame.