Perceptive Automation has announced the release of Indigo 5, a new update to its home automation software for Mac OS X.

Indigo 5 enables you to monitor and control lights, appliances, sprinklers, thermostats and other electrically-controlled devices in your home, using interfaces developed by a variety of manufacturers.

The centerpiece of the new release is the addition of a new Application Programming Interface (API) with Python support. Python is a powerful scripting language. The software’s developers claim that with Python support, customers won’t have to wait for Perceptive Automation to release new versions of the software to see support for new technology.

Several plug-ins have been included, with support for EasyDAQ relay devices, native support for iTunes servers, weather data integration, and control of DirecTV-based DVRs.

Third-party plug-ins are available to integrate Global Caché infrared and relay devices, some alarm systems, energy-monitoring devices, thermostats and smartphone-based location and proximity detection.

The plug-in support is accompanied by a new Python-based scripting environment, new usability features, a new condition editor, support for video cameras, improved support for Insteon devices and more.

Indigo 5 Pro costs $179.95; Indigo 5 Lite costs $89.95. Owners of previous releases are eligible for a discount. A 30-day trial version is available for download.