Scott, I think the point is that if all you use are preprogramed modules and you just clip them together, then some one needs to program the modules for all your equipment. You are 100% dependent on them, you cannot help yourself. If they are unwilling or unable to help you (i.e. no time for that old VCR, or that brand new 30k projector), then you are the one that is screwed. I agree it is not about the gear but the service (anyone can go on the internet and get a device cheaper) but if you cannot get a controller to work with the gear in place then what service are you offering.

went to the website, did not notice anything truly revolutionary. And since there is no info, can't say if it would be any easier (or not) then what is already out there

I must say the website is not showing all the products, but I did talk to the sales rep. and he sent me some info. I do understand the issue with being stuck with hardware not being supported. Sometimes we as integrators have to be more involved with the manufacturers. Giviing product feeeback and suggestions will help you form a relationship. There are quite a few of these companies popping up looking for dealers. Now is the time to form that close relationship.

Yeah, spend a bunch of time with one of these startups and watch them crash and burn in a few months.......

I'll stick with AMX thank you.

THeir IP COntrol is just as powerful as any of these PC's and I can modify it to suit >my< needs.

Sorry Scott, nice try on the lecture. Your response proves the point I was trying to make and rebuts yours. If you are designing systems that are not within your control and don't fit your clients lifestyle, as well as, are a "breeze" to put together, what services exactly are you trying to sell? At that point you are tantamount to a reseller of gear....tell me the industry is changing with that rationale.

I am not going to put anything with Microsoft on it into my customers home at this time. I don't want to deal with the upgrades, security updates and possible liability that may fall on me for secutity holes. I have never seen any of these issues with AMX / Crestron/ Vantage/ Lutron/ Dedicated-micros, and certainly not ELAN :).
I recently pulled the computer/DVR systems from my customers homes. The babysitting these machines was killing me in labor that I did not account for.
I find no fun in security updates on microsoft machines and that is not why I am in this industry, so I choose not to go down that path. Anyone else feel this way or I am the only one?

I would agree with you whole heartedly, that's why I strictly use a Mac at home. I did not see any indication that Control 4 had anything at all to do with a Microsoft based OS - only the fact that one of the developers at Control 4 was part of the PNP team at M$. I would imagine that their OS would be some sort of Unix or Linux based system - most likely a similar military grade Unix like AMX is. Wouldn't it be cool if it was a Sun/Java based system?!

There is an article at Residential Systems this month.
[Link: resmagonline.com]

This message was edited by oxjox on 07/24/04 11:22.

Cookie cutter systems will work for the majority of clients. Crestron or AMX for the smaller percentage.
Choose your poison. There is room for both. Or an Integrator can do both. Larger companies will be able to manage both. I come from the crestron camp, but I do see a value in a bundle system. Bundling has worked for many industries. It is not being right or wrong. It is knowing demand and what you can supply. There is a demand for both.

Hello,

Control4 will be hosting a developer’s forum at CEDIA.

If you’re interested please contact me at [email protected]

See you at CEDIA

Jim

Gentleman Control 4 has the greatest opportunity to change the way we do business of any company I have seen in years. I suggest you make time to see it at CEDIA and if you are not going I suggest you give them a call before your competitors do. Jeff

I appreciate all the comments here, and certainly agree with some FAR more than others...

I may be stubborn, and ignorant...but PHAST, Landmark, and a 60 percent failure rate on DMS keypads and MLC''s left a VERY bad taste in my mouth (the MLC's were usually because the sparky was an idiot, but we had a fair share DOA!)

I am VERY interested in Control4 and I wish them the best...it IS time to take that next step...

BUT...

We'll see if they really CAN implement, at this time, the same processes and theories that XPlore failed at, and CorAccess is barely floating by on, before we sign on...

bottom line is customer satisfaction and ultimate support down the road...so far Crestron, and PARTS of AMX, have proven to be the only true TRULY stable players in the TOTAL CONTROL market...

we'll see

good luck!

Anyone here get invited to the NASCAR stock car race?

Thanks for the input Jeff :) Good to see you here!!

I have registered for the Control4 class being held at the Expo. I feel it is at least worth the time to check it out and see where the industry may be (is) heading. You may not make a killing (or a wise decision) jumping on the band wagon from the get go, but as long as you can comprehend what's going on and you're willing to keep an open eye on the trends, you should at least have your foot in the door when the time comes to adapt.

I would recommend checking out age 24 of the August 24th Issue of TWICE. There is more information in that article than I have seen to date regarding products, implementation and distribution - Best Buy here they come!

Hi Jeff,

While I do generally respect your opinion can you elaborate a little more on their behalf?

As with many new things in this industry unfortunately I am under an NDA (non-disclosure) but I will tell you that I do not see this product as much competition for Crestron, AMX, Lutron and such as much as I see it as a completely new opportunity. I was also burned by the Phast fiasco but I believe that its founders had little to do with the direction AMX took it and nothing to do with its demise. As with any new product line everyone should do their own due diligence, beat it up, test it out. That is an obligation that you have to your company and clients. I am not saying everyone should just start selling Control 4 but I am saying everyone should pay attention and put themselves in a position where they have "first refusal" rights. This product is very wide in it's scope and gives you the ability to bring many of the things that currently can only be done in very expensive custom new construction and or major remodel and allows you to work in much less expensive existing homes. Simply put it opens up a whole new market 100's of times larger than our existing custom market. When you talk about distribution I'd have to ask how clean is the distribution on Crestron and Lutron in your market?? I hope this helps. Jeff

oxjox - It's nice to be here

CresNut - Why is it that you only "generally" respect my opinion? All this time I've been thinking I was perfect. Humbly yours, Jeff