Yup, that's it....You're out there somewhere......lol

Life is simply a figment of your imagination.....

Im at an expo today in Memphis. Attended a class on the HAI product line. Looked pretty impressive. I was initially concerned about the powerline control (x-10 flashbacks), but was assured the UPB is much more stable. Granted I have little experience in this aspect, nor any product line to compare it to, but it seemed to be a pretty powerful system. lighting, hvac, security, cctv, touchpads, serial interface, remote monitoring (even of the CCTV), media center interface, etc.

Question, what does UPB stand for? I aksed the A*I reps at the show, and they were clueless. (They also told me the MX-800 and MX-850 were exactly the same, just branded w different model #'s for different distributors)

Is A*I the only source for HAI? Can it be obtained directly?

From the posts on here HAI seems to have a pretty good rep. There are soooo many choices out there, and Im just trying to narrow down which line I want to install/support.

Where would one get product/info on the GE/Caddx line?

Universal Powerline Bus
[Link: pcslighting.com]

[Link: caddx.com]

Treetop, thanks

For those of you familiar w the HAI line.....


If were not installing a system that has security, (but I DO like the other features of the HAI,) is there an HAI piece that doesnt do security? Or is it cost effective to just use it anyway, and have the security functions available for the client if later desired?

Short of Crestron, are there better options for all in one units w/o security? What are any possible shortcomings of the HAI verses other all in one units, again short of Crestron? From Alan posts, if appears that if Vanatge is used, this is mainly for lighting, and it still needs tied to a main system i.e. HAI or Caddx. But what if security is not needed?

Vantage is very much what you are describing. Obviously, it began as a lighting system and and that is it's first principal. However, they have evolved into more than just lighting and yes, you could very much use it as a control system alone. They make a Theaterpoint which is a box with 12 IR outputs, 1 built in IR receiver but expandable to 7, 2 serial ports 6 LV relays and 6 current sensing relays.

They have thermostats, touch panels, a wireless interface box. Indeed the C-box is processor that will "execute" programming for both lighting and A/V.

The theater C-Box combines both the features of C-box and theater point into one unit but you get 4 serial ports with the 12 IR ports and 6 LV relays. But it supports wireless out of the box. Of course, you can add multiple boxes for larger systems.

Vantage's GUI programming utility, Qlink, is not as simple as Lutron's but not as difficlut as Crestron's and forget about AMX if you have no previous programming experience. Vantage is very much making a push into the automation business and may indeed be a product you should investigate. Their lighting system is far better than any of the power line **it HAI interfaces but it is NOT a security system. HAI vs Vantage would be an interesting argument. Were I in the security business HAI might be the better product as I would sell it first as a security system and then up sell from there. Were I not in the security business Vantage has the more robust line. Wireless and wired lighting and automation system. They OEM their thermostats from the same place AMX does. And unlike HAI they do offer both b&w and color touch panels as well as wireless devices.

The only complaint I might make against Vantage is their touch panels are not up to snuff ( but they are touch panels. Think Audio Access for those of you who remeber that once great line. ) and their touch panel programming utility is not as robust as the big boys. But it may be just the ticket you guys are looking for if partnering up with an existing AMX/Crestron dealer is being ruled out.

Alan