Racks (19" or mini) : Don't understand the concept

["noughtomate" <bjassal@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hi folks,

I've been gradually building up my Node Zero since I moved into my=20
house a year ago. I have my Comfort alarm, CCTV IP server, NAS servers=20
and WiFi router all under the stairs. And wifey is happy as there's=20
less LED's blinking in the lounge!

However, after coming back from the Smart Home Show, I feel I need to=20
move on the rack mounts - The Abitana and IPHomeNet solutions look=20
tempting. But as it's alien to me, there are quite a few concepts I=20
don't understand.

I eventually plan to add Sky, Cat5 data and wired IR distrbution to=20
Node Zero.=20

The concept of a one rack solution (perhaps with add ons) that covers=20
all of these seems to good to be true.

Can I really distrbute all my Media, IR and control distribution with=20
one rack ?

I find it hard to beleive that paying say =A3500 for kit that allows all=20
media, IR and control distrbution will cover for all eventualities.=20
For example, CAT5 Video distrbution normally costs an arm and a leg!=20
How comes these rack mounts can do it cheaper ?

What I want to clarify is the true capability of using these racks and=20
the cost benefit.

Also, would it make my existing Node Zero investment redundant ?

You can probbably tell, I'm not from a Networks background so any=20
advice would be useful!

Cheers