I believe that the only way to cost effectively provide the necessary interface is by using the television as a display and a standard infrared remote for input. Everyone already has these items and knows how to use them. It's then a matter of creating a system that presents the information in an intelligent manner. This is why we developed HomeVision, including both video output and infrared receive capability. This combination gives the user an easy way to determine all his options and select one.
All users have immediate access to the system's full power without any training.
The trend towards expanding use of the television is obvious. Home automation systems must follow this trend, because a nation of couch potatoes will demand that their home automation system work the same way. A computer could also provide this same sort of visual interface. However, there will always be a lot more TV's than computers in the typical household. Most users would prefer to use the TV than to trek to the computer to start the home theater system or dim the lights.