Advice for a new project. This should be simple but i need most simple method.

[Phillip Smith]

Hi everyone I am new here and i am not sure if i am posting on the correct forum nevermind the correct section. So excuse me if I am not.

Hi I would like to make an automated cinema experience.

What i would like to do is set up a device where you press a button.
The lights connected to a normal power socket would immediately dim then a video with sound would start playing then after a certain amount of time power would be supplied to a different socket running a smoke machine.

The problem is I don't have a clue how to do this! I was thinking maybe a computer that when booted automatically runs a program to do this then somehow plug up power sockets up to the computer.

Then a thought a rasberry Pi or similar might be a better option?

Any advice would be much great.

My only experience of programming is Easy AMOS on an amiga years ago and some basic logic at school so simple stuff is required.

 

[Electro nS]

check out arduino microcontrollers , they are very very very easy to program and control relays to cut off or On AC power . and can be connected to computer using USB cable .

 

[schmitt trigger]

A Rasberry Pi would be an overkill, unless you want also fancy display.

I also think that the Arduino is your best option, and there are dozens and dozens of inexpensive and easily available accessory boards.