The problem is that there is very little actual technical discussion from EI. There were a few tidbits, but by-and-large, the majority of EI's technical claims refer to AMX/Crestron. Throughout the thread, they make claims like "we can do 95% of what AMX/Crestron can do". When asked to provide an equipment list for a simple system, they said "no comment"(not saying that my system is what made them leave, but I never did get a complete answer other than "let's take this off-line and have some kool-aid together"). If they are going to make claims like 95%, then they better be able to deliver 95%. More importantly, I want to know what 5% they can't do so I can ensure that 5% is not something that is crucial to my business.

Personally, I feel like they left for two reasons.

One was Other's exceptional post. If I was in management at EI, I would have that sucker printed, handed out to all the staff, and then discussed in depth at the next meeting.

Two was my system. I honestly do not think they can do that system. I understand that EI is based around MCE so it wasn't designed to control DVD players/tuners etc, but rather to have them built into the MCE machine. However, if this is the case, does this mean that I am not supposed to sell anymore DVD players/tuners/CD players/etc? Should I trade several decent margin, simple items for a low-margin integrated machine? This approach does not fit my business plan. I want to be able to sell seperate units where each unit fits the needs of the client. I want to have the ability to remove them if they need servicing without taking the whole system down. I want to be able to upgrade them when needed. As part of this, I want to be able to sell a system built with MCE as a source that can be used throughout the house, but I do not want it to run the house and be the ONLY source. An automation system needs to be built around being able to control devices, not replace them.


I think Josh's feelings were just an excuse to leave the discussion. I did get an e-mail from Emma about contacting them to get a system design(I think she thought that I was a customer). I would reply and ask them off-line to do the system, but at the bottom of the e-mail is a legal disclaimer about sharing the contents of that e-mail. If I get some info like pricing/specs, I am sure they will come with the same legal warning that I am not supposed to talk about them. Look at how secretive they have been about pricing so far. Come on guys, it's called MSRP for a reason. Open up, talk facts, and only talk about what YOU can and cannot do.