I "dabble" a little in wiring new homes with structured wiring systems. I also do whole house audio. I am currently building a new home and need some professional assistance.

I have installed systems such as Leviton Structured Media, Russound multi-room audio, and Lutron Spacer and RadioRA. I also know there are systems out there by OnQ, Phast, AMX and others that incorporate audio, video, and automation controls. My main questions are on pricing, reliability, dependibility and future stability on these later products.

1. Do any of you know of a competitively priced products that you would install in your own home?
2. Which systems have you installed that are completly reliable for continuous use by the consumer and allow some minor "tweaking" by the consumer?
3. In your experience of installing and service on these types of systems are there any you would not recommend?
4. I know AMX is supposidly phasing out PHAST Landmark systems, but is their any system that you would recommend that is fairly current in workings and can be easily upgraded to accomodate future expansion?

Again, I can piece the systems together that I have worked with in the past, but I am trying to minimize future problems of 1 system not working with a current or future need. Your input on this would be greatly appreciated!!

I am a dealer for UStec, Future Smart, ONQ and Leviton, in the past I had Phast and others that have come and gone. I have relied on UStec as the main structured product for my company due to the reliability, ease of use and quality of performance. This system does not incorporate security, audio distribution or IR (at least very well), but I find that the flexibility of using a structure specialized in one or a few areas is the most reliable and future proof way to design a system. Be careful with Radio RA due to the lack of range on transmitions. 40ft apprx. Look into Vantage if you are looking for a whole house solution to lighting control. Also, ONQ is low quality in terms of upgrading the system to accomodate future formats in networking. They currently will only support 10/100 networks with no solid plan shown for gig networks. UStec will support gig now and have a new panel coming out with a Server built in with gig router, 80 gig HD and processing onboard for ease of use and installation. Seriously look into this. Their modules are broadcast quality and their QC is second to none.

Mike Sickels
Genesis Home Technologies
Portland, OR

The lack of a network upgrade in the OnQ system is inconsequential. Most people will provide their own routing hardware in which case the OnQ enclosures are more than adequate. Structured wiring companies charge a premium for their network equipment which is a good reason not to use it.

Ditto on the "structured wire" router, at least twice as expensive as Net Gear from Comp USA. Actually, any of the "modules" you buy for a structured system are going to be way more expensive than individual components. In my own house, Big sheet of plywood with Siemons phone block, channel plus video splitters and IR router, and Net Gear router. Total cost around $200, although my builder customers still prefer to pay more for the cleaner looking systems. I have not had problems with Radio RA, but it is important to locate the repeaters strategically. Also Radio RA is limited to 32 switches, if that is ever a limitation.

Try lookin at gray fox systems. They are up and comming! The only problem I have had with any part of there structure system is there plastic cover for the panel. Which after a meeting with there engineers last week should be resolved next quarter.