Installer Configurable? Maybe if you had a super installer that went to training and only worked on Savant systems... Otherwise, I would still consider the programming of a savant system a specialized(Programmer) task.


Small systems can be on par with Creston/AMX Pricing.... Large systems like the one I'm dealing with end up substantially less. When you start looking at 20 $600 Touchpanels vs 20 $5k+ Touchpanels, that eats a TON of the budget up right there,


This is all about what people get used to doing. I really like the activity based layouts, they are easy for clients to get used too and provide all the control they could need within a couple clicks. And, of course, its very easy to add shortcuts to frequently used functions.



I did Crestron programming for years as well... and still have to jump into a program every now and then and from what I can see, I think the time involved in Crestron is on par with AMX still.

The only compromises are the ones your willing to accept.
Missing a Profile for a device? You can have savant make one if you have the time, or if you know XML, you can write your own.

Auto generated TP files? If you really hate them, you have free reign in photoshop to do whatever your heart desires.

The limitations on Savant are the exact same as Crestron and AMX... The programmers/installers Imagination, Training and Talent.

If this is the case then its not "easy" to configure so the only thing left is time involved for getting it programmed.

Another concern would be available Savant programmers. Crestron programmers are currently easier to find.

oh, configuration is indeed easy. Its the detail work that requires more patience and dedication. Its simply not realistic to send all your installers to training and have them kick out a system once a month.

as far as programmer availability... Anyone with an interest and understanding of computers could be trained to program savant.

My caution is based on expecting an "Installer" to remember everything if they are not installing Savant every day. Configuring the Lights, Security Systems, Thermostats, and other subsystems with 2-way feedback and control does require a bit more core understanding of the system.

Basic theaters systems could indeed be setup and got running by a decent installer with some basic training. Its the larger more complex systems that are going to get a lot more tweaked and streamlined by someone who has more time and experience.

Of course, my perspective may be different than many others as well. I work for a company that is much bigger than the average "Trunk slammer". we have many specialized positions around here and do a lot of different systems.

Could a small 3-4 person company use an "installer" as their Savant Programmer? Most likely. When you are working on 2-3 jobs at a time instead of 40 or so, its a lot easier to switch gears. Its a lot easier to send the "Installer" back for a day to do the programming of the system.

When i say installer i don't mean the guy that makes the home depot run or the guy who helps with plasma installations. I mean the lead tech that does the installation and deals with the client. He should fully understand the system and when you understand the system programming is very easy.

CCP is not something you just open and know. It takes time to learn but once you spend a few weeks with it your an expert whether its the only thing you do all day or one of the many things you do. There is no programming involved. You drag and drop and click and adjust settings until your done. I would wager that most of the programming done in CCP is done by installers.

Is savant like this? Or would one have to dedicate as much time learning it as they would simpl?

See, thats where we differ.... We have a "Programmer" set up all of our CCP based remotes before the remote goes out to the jobsite. only minor modifications are done onsite in most cases. But yes, All of our installers are quite familiar with CCP.
I put "programmer" in quotes because we do a lot more than just programming.. We assist in System design, Do walk throughs for jobs, Teach Clients systems, and even do the occasional service call.


I would say Savant falls in between CCP and SimpleWindows.

Its certainly not hard, but I wouldnt expect someone to pick it up quickly without a trip to Savant for training.

you guys should get a room.




I've been interested in savant forever. i mean . . why wouldn't i be. its all mac based. the software looked very interesting at quick glance. again - mac based, and you just drag lines in between the hardware ... thats the extent of what i know in terms of programming.

the hardware looks to be as expensive as the crestron hardware. when you say touch panels are $600 each compared to $5k each, I'm pretty sure its not a fair comparison. are the $600 touch panels iPads? because crestron has the same touch panels at the same price then.
for on wall touch screens we usually use a 4.3" $1100 panel.

I'm very interested in crestron, but for some reason it has not sucked me in yet.
flexibility, support, and long term confidence is something i like about crestron.
i don't like that they are using aging software and how slow they roll out new products , but maybe thats just because I'm spoiled by apple.

convince me to try savant, id love to go all mac : )

| convince me to try savant, id love to go all mac : )

Savant just started doing 2-way with the Apple TV 2 and it kicks ass :-)

Savant just started doing 2-way with the Apple TV 2 and it kicks ass :-)

Now that is kick ass!

Are they doing something new with this? The Apple remote app has had two way control/feedback from ATV for quite some time. Are you saying that Savant hasn't had this ? Interesting

The difference between remote app and savant having 2way is that your client doesn't have to leave the savant app to access appletv. That's a pretty big deal IMO.

You can buy iPads through Crestron? I didnt know that. Why do they sell anything else? Or better question.. How do they sell anything else?


25% of the screen real estate of an ipad for 25% more money.....(WHen you include the wall mount)

Or you could just do an iPod Touch on their permanent wallmount for 1/2 the money.


not sure what else there is to say that would convince you..... what objections have I not covered?

We're saying Nobody else has had that.

Let us know when the Apple Remote app will control Lights, audio gear, thermostats, security systems, and televisions....

The Original AppleTV protocol was not locked down and many programmers created modules for the popular control systems.. AMX, Control4, Crestron, all could get 2-way feedback and control within their environments. When the new version came out, Apple Locked down/Encrypted the communication so that Only Apple could talk to it.

So yeah.. Its a big deal...

Impact
I think motechs point was you can build an ipad only Crestron system for the same price or less.

Of course he was.... but....

I can order my ipads and ipod Touches right through Savant.

If we have a bad one, Savant will get it repaired/Replaced.

They dont pretend that the 5k+ Dedicated panel is somehow better and get upset with me when I sell ipads instead.

why do i have to buy the iPads from savant?

and I'm the biggest iFan there is,
but its not the end all solution to control.

you need devices that are dedicated to the control system.

crestron makes an in wall dock for the iPad that lets you use it as .. an in wall touch screen... but the issue remains that if you press the home button, its no longer a crestron controller for the moment. thats both good and bad.

i think its crazy to just rely on apples devices for your core business. i think its crazy of savant.

they need to have their own line of hardware... not sure why they discontinued it.



does savant have their own lighting system similar to lutron homeworks or crestron caen?