xmas-box: Arduino/ioBridge internet controlled Christmas lights and music show

Step 7 Alternatives

During my research I stumbled upon a few mentionable resources. My requirements became more tight since I wanted a computer-free solution, a stand-alone application and that is why I went with the WAVE shield . Another possible way is to get a cheap mp3 player and build an op amp low filter to detect beats on the music, but then again the WAVE shield is actually pretty inexpensive so it worked out better.

Beat detection
One of the easiest ways to do an Arduino based light/sound show is by using a combination of Proccessing + Minim+ Firmata. All you need is to have serial communication from your pc to your arduino.  These instructables rely on Minim's beat detection and could be adapted for Christmas lights:
LED Dance Room
Music Synchronized LED Pumpkin

Relay board fabrication
You can follow the Arduino Christmas Light Controller Instructable if you prefer to build your own relay board. Note that this will be using mechanical relays instead of SSRs.

Internet communication
Another alternative for the web control part is to have a secondary Arduino with a Ethernet shield or a wi-fi shield (it will be absolutely necessary to have a second Arduino board). But as a side note I really like using the ioBridge module. Their servers manage all incoming/outgoing connections and the Data Feeds and APIs offers great flexibility.

Commercial/Hobby products
diylightanimation.com (Linx)
animatedlighting.com (they got a Christmas In A Box 4 channel for $500!!)
Ligh-O-Rama