Gentlemen,

I'm sorry that I waited so long to respond. I've read the responses you gave and thank you for caring so much to encourage and bash this initiative (some of you suffer from lack-of-vision syndrome).

My history is such:
From first becoming interested in electronics in 1986, I have been piqued with design. In my college days, I've "invented" what some may consider a whole house audio/video and home theater system. I was not aware of CEDIA, the CEA, or HANA at the time. I have a personal interest in architecture lasting over 17 years that I feel this industry satisfies. My educational background in electronics started in the Essex County Technical and Vocational school system, Essex County Community College, New Jersey Institute of Technology, and DeVry University. After graduating in 1992, (yes, I may be a lot younger than many of you) I've worked in the corporate and personal computer industries as an independent consultant, working on everything from AS/400 ot Banyan Vines to Novell Netware. I have held A+ certification from Microsoft and Powerbuilder. I have served as a CNE for clients such as Newark City Hall (NJ) and TD Waterhouse (before Cooper was a partner). For four years I served in the Marine Corps in Security Forces and as a grunt. After leaving the Corps, I joined the Army Reserves where I serve as a Drill Sergeant to this day. I am probably in the extremely low percentage of attending only a HALF DAY of the three-day CEDIA Designer I test prep and still passing!

Unbelievable to most of you, I simply enjoy this industry and want to see it validified. Most potential clients and adjacent industries out there see us as trunk-slammers, no better than hustlers. Creating a standard should cause architects and builders to see that our industry in trying to give them something solid that they can hold and feel. My father is a salesman of legend. He taught me that the most difficult sale is to sell an intangible. Comfort, convenience, and safety are intangibles, but they are what we tell clients every day!

This standard was created in an attempt to get everyone on the same sheet of music. Yes, I'm tired of fixing someone else's installation! Yes, I'm tired of clients cutting corners then saying "but you said my design could do that" after the fact and it's too late! If anyone can suggest a better way to achieve this goal, either step up or step back! The wiring is the least common denominator of any install. Wireless technology is not as fast or dependable to use so freely. Builders are willing to spend a little more for wires, so let them! At least this way they can be introduced to the RIGHT way without giving to much too soon. Architects are concerned if they cannot be a part of the total design process. Give them that too. They can also be shown the RIGHT way without having to go through extensive classes and subcontractors for answers.

The certification portion is there to keep YOU in the loop. for those who took the time to download my submission from my website, you will see that the termination and certification portion is reserved for those with at least a CEDIA Installer Level II education. The report that comes back from the certification is your quality control point. I intend on a larger organization to administer this as a regulation, namely the real estate industry!

Most of the conversations I've had with the manufacturers mentioned have only been surface level, as I've made mention to you, my fellow integrators at the same time I'm talking to them. How fast they adopt this will depend upon YOUR participation! If I can't convince these manufacturers, architects, and builders that this standard has a number of integrators that understands it, and can install their products with it, then it will not work!

For those who responded with cynical mention of some retardedly high priced electronics, don't you think that such an install requires a LOT more than just special wires? How about extra floor support? How about dedicated power lines? How about not thinking in such a small fish tank? This standard is an attempt to broaden our entire market! Lower prices mean more projects-even if your client decides at the last minute not to install the 7.1 receiver for the 5.1. All is not lost! You can sell that gear AFTER the fact without having to open up their walls again! Don't be stingy just because you can't sell that piece that will bring you a 50% markup!

This wiring standard is to be offered for FREE (that's right, free)! I have invested nothing but my knowledge and a vision. I am attempting to develop software that will make this design more automatic, but I'm still testing it for validity. I have said before that I love this industry. By establishing something that will outlast us all, I have contributed to keeping us all in business. Thank you again, and keep responding!

Wesley Mullings
Designer
Digital Lifestyles, LLC
973-985-4032

P.S. For those who feel that this will make their business model or practices obsolete, I encourage you to beat your architect or builder to the punch-master it before they do.

This message was edited by Wesley Mullings on 11/06/03 09:38.