Charmed Quark Systems Ltd.

The Charmed Quark Controller (CQC) is a software application running on a Windows PC providing the ability to automate the control of home sub-systems and manage media distribution. They have a strong and active following among people who are passionate about home control.

Per company spokesman: "CQC is cost-effective, highly scalable, multi-user and inherently networked with a powerful touchscreen design system, and handles automation and media in a single product."

CQC is available to do-it-yourself (DIY) homeowners with the time and knowledge to build their own automation system. A try-and-buy option gets you a software license for CQC to run on the "master controller" PC. Client devices (e.g. touch screens) or secondary PCs do not require a separate software license. Charmed Quark provides tutorials on CQC to assist you in building your system. Support is available through a Forum only, so going this route is very similar to using open source software, except you pay for the software license and a $95 annual maintenance fee to cover updates.

Most people will want to use a Charmed Quark Reseller or Integration Partner to create and install a custom-designed solution. To view the list of partners click on the "Links" button on the Charmed Quark home page.

Last Updated: 4/17/2010