Any suggestions for specific makes and models of windows which can be opened/closed electrically, and ideally automatically by the thermostat or home-automation system?

I have visited local window shops which generally offer to replace the hand-crank on an awning-style window with an electric motor.  But then I've read other forums (re home automation) where people say those add-on motors are unreliable.  Instead they say to buy 'engineered' windows ... but without ever specifying a make or model.  Are engineered windows just customized windows where you can specify an electric motor instead of a hand-crank?  if so, how is that any different than buying a less-expensive 'off the shelf' window and replacing the crank with a motor?

Thank you for any suggestions -- including possible controllers!

There's nothing wrong with replacing the crank with a motor. That's pretty much how all of the different makes do it.

Have you priced the crank/motor solutions at all? It might dent your enthusiasm for an "engineered" solution, which I am sure won't cost less.

Generally, the motors operate on 24V systems and can be controlled by off-the-shelf home automation systems like the X-10 either through relays or through inputs to the proprietary controllers.

Once you start automating them, you find yourself considering additional things like rain sensors and motorized locking mechanisms.

Actually, I had already been assuming that 'engineered' windows were more expensive, i.e., because they were custom. (Isn't that what 'engineered' really means?)

So you don't have any specific recommendations? For instance, should I stick with the Big Players like Anderson or can I buy windows from a local manufacturer? I'm in San Diego and there are lots of local window manufacturers here.

For instance, should I stick with the Big Players like Anderson or can I buy windows from a local manufacturer?

I think most windows have opening mechanisms made by Truth Hardware. Truth Hardware is an industry leader and I doubt there is to too much pressure for new competition in such a poor building market. Truth has a motorized opener system called the Sentry that they licensed from Win-Trol , the developer. Window companies that use Truth mechanisms can offer the motorized systems, but it appears to be such a hodge-podge of licensing agreements, it is hard to say what is up. Ultimately, if your chosen window has Truth Hardware, you can get an opener for it, but the price you will pay ranges from substantial to astronomical and products (generally, motor housings) may differ in cosmetic appearance.

Look up Truth Hardware and WIn-Trol, Inc. and see if you can piece something together from what they offer.