Hi @androidnj
A newbie here, but already really loving the HE ecosyteem! Any issues I ran in to I could solve my self (searching the internet or by finding a work around), or asking the community for help. There is a learning curve, but which smarthome doesn't?
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I think it's great and versatile, because of the implementations of CSS you can make it almost anyway you want it. You want a static design? or and responsive (resizable) layout? CSS gives you that freedom. Or you can make a specific dashboard for specific device. Currently I'm working on a map (floorplan) layout.
There are also third party apps available, Fully Kiosk and smartly if remember correctly.
Show Off Your Dashboards! - #271 by stephack -
This I can not answer, which device you should use.
Have a look at this post:
Advice for getting started with Lutron Caseta -
I haven't done it myself but as far as I have read there are at least 3 options:
a) Using a camera with RTSP/Onvif protocol (and especially an MPJEG stream!). Place that MPJEG stream on your dashboard and link it to the website/app of the manufacturer. It's not fully integrated, but it's free..
b) Smartphone Software: TinyCam. Runs on your phone (but needs a permanent connection and maybe a subscription? not sure about that).
c) software: Blue iris. Placed on a server or VM. I personally think this is the best method because of the insane amount of controls you get. But it will cost some money.
- I don't have a garage door, but I'm confident there are a lot of zigbee/z-wave relays you can place to contol your garage door.
Hope this helps you decide 
