Rabe,
X10 devices is an older but reliable technology that uses household wireing 110-220V to control Light switches, power plugs and dimmer switches. I don't know of a control unit that has a USB interface, I know they have them with RS232 interfaces. Though that sounds like a neat project.
Bill,
Who on here has a UHP file for Hal, I'd love to look at it?
[:I]