I used to have an X-10 module that plugged into the wall outlet and activated an entire surge protector full of stuff. X-10 is the cheaper made, home automation stuff. Very fun to play with. If you have a compatible remote, you could use it for a single button press solution to, dim the lights, power on all your gear, start the popcorn machine, etc.....
I had X-10 compatible light switches and various appliance modules in my old house. I had a 3 button switch by the bed with one button for the morning that turned on my bedroom light, bathroom light, stairway light, kitchen light and started the coffee maker. I won a wireless, rotating camera from their web sight but I never got around to installing that.
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That is what you asked for right? Another addictive hobby involving electronic expenses...
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If I start this in the new place, I'll probably go with a better quality system. The X-10 stuff is cheap and fun but there is much better quality if you are serious.
