No argument when it comes to selling high end lines. But
when you mention that a frim does Crestron you imply that it is a cut above the others. I am aware that many of these stores sell Crestron but moving boxes and providing custom installation services are not the same. Crestron is just an other universal remote to them. Once it struck fear into their hearts as the lunitics who own these places did not trust any system that required custom programming. Once they realized they had an other profit opportunity they begin providing poor Crestron installations, too. I will not hijack this thread--if someone wishes they can begin an other on why so many psyhcologicly troubled and needy individuals became owners of high end audio salons. We could also discuss why, even with legal backgrounds, they also could use lessons in morality and basic busniess ethics.

Stipulation: many of the clients who frequenct these establishments are as nutty as the owners. This was called the "carriage trade" by some of these owners and their attitude was to fleese their very affluent, if gullible, buyers. Custom: selling 2 center chanel speakers on every installation--and telling the client ( who purchased a Proton 27 inch TV--I am dating myself ) that this was what Dolby demanded. We never mounted a celing mount projector--the contractor did that. We installed the projector. Calibration, for example, was me with no previous knowledge of CRT setup trying to adunst a Runco ( Zenith ) and I supplied the test patterns. Forget about using the right wire or understanding RF. Then there is the store who has so poorly setup the Merridian system on display that Merridian cringes--but since they sell tons of it Merridian keeps its mouth shut. Or my favorite, consistantly sending only half the required gear to the installation and screaming that the installation was not completed it in one day

These stores do have money and evidently they have attained some degree of intelligence in finding and hiring Tom. But since Tom is independant he cannot be everywhere at all times. Perhaps his memo writing abilities have reached the point that he has overcome the egos that run these salons and he has introduced solid engineering to the cauldrun of black magic that previously held sway. And why water filled dialectrics on 4k/meter cable HAD to be included on every HIGH END sale, even when those wires were placed within walls or ceilings ( building and electrical codes are unknown and rarely complied with knowingly ). More important, then whether the installers were functioning alcholhics or not was that they were treated as trained monkeys who had to do as they were told and keep their mouths closed so even if a good one managed to find its way on to the staff ( as I did ) they are not allowed to do their jobs.

How many of the installers ever go to CEDIA? Might the number be less than 0?

The wisest recommendation would be to find a small installation firm with all of the insurance to perform the job. They will do a far better job and are much more knowledgable and honest.

Alan