With the size and scope of your project, you really need to find somebody knowledgeable, locally, to come out and view the project first hand and discuss options with you. Once all of your want list is taken into account, though, you may find that this will be a good chunk-of-change. While your intentions may be all good and pure, I would never design and/or install a system that allows of eavesdropping (for whatever reason) on occupants of areas that are considered to be private spaces.

The DMC3/4 isn't the system you'd want regardless, since it's a model made to replace an old unit. The unit you would want would be the DMC1, which is meant for a new installation. And apparently that system wouldn't do the things you're wanting anyway. 1. There is no "isolated" paging function. 2. The music sound quality will leave a lot to be desired. 3. Intercom to the gate will possibly be an issue, if the distance is lengthy. And your budget number isn't going to get you there either..... Really sounds like you need a custom installation company that can point you in the right direction, as well as recommend some various options that WILL get the job done. I'd recommend Russound for the sound/paging, with a Viking Telco unit for the gate. Possibly you can find if a CEDIA member in your area? Link below. Here is a link that might be useful: CEDIA

A comment on the debate of wifi vs. wired - we live in a 6,000sqf 1860s home. It's built very solidly, which has proven to be quite the problem with the wifi signal. Not to mention all the interference and channel problems with having 8 security cameras on the network. And everything could be ground to a halt when my sister showed up with her multiple baby video monitors. Regular boosters did nothing to help with the signal. And while there were tweaks one could make to tings like the cameras to get things on different channels and working, it was constant work and trial and error. The final solution, after countless tech people worked on it, was wireless access points in various spots all over the house. But all those access points had to be connected to a switch next to the router. So a tech guy came and ran ethernet cord all over the house, some inside the walls, some outside the house. All to get these various spots wired. All in the pursuit of reliable wireless. I completely agree that wifi is the future. Heck, it's the present. But I would expect a lot more clarity around how this company is planning on delivering "robust" wifi to the entire home - and surrounding the home, since I also expect to be able to use my laptop on my patio. Because as wifi keeps getting better and faster, we are using it more and more and the data keeps getting bigger and bigger. I would want wired protection to ensure that my wifi could keep up with the growing demands placed on it. As for the debate over cat5e or cat6 cables - I am no expert. But I remember being on this board about 15 years ago, and people talking about how cat5 was a nice "future-proof" solution, but not necessary as the less expensive cables could keep up with the workload just fine. I think people always underestimate how quickly technology keeps evolving. I would personally throw the best cord you can afford at it right now. Because, having had a lot of Ethernet wires run outside my house, I can attest that you will regret missing this opportunity while the walls are open.

You could buy a clock radio or tabletop CD player or boombox type device to play your music. You might also find that the BlueRay/DVD player connected to your TV will play sound CDs through your TV's sound system. Turn it and the TV on, stick in the CD, see what happens. Lastly, any PC with an optical drive (DVD/CD) will play sound CDs. So, lots of choices besides sitting in the car.