Why is that? THe app loads in seconds.. and once they are wall mounted, they rarely get used as anything but a savant interface.


Same.... Not sure what the point or problem is.


Why? you think apple is going somewhere?


They have their own switchers, Mounting hardware, IR/RS-232 interfaces, and software.... I sell plenty of Savant hardware....


nope. They work with Lutron.. Not sure why that would be an issue either...

none of its an issue ...
i just don't like the idea of having the iPad as the only controllers... especially on wall. people are dumb.... they will delete the app, or put it in a folder somewhere, or forget hot to launch it.

i love iPads as wireless control tablets ... but not as dedicated.
thats just me.

lutron homeworks is fine, i was just curious.
for me its easier to do everything under one companies roof.

People who are completely unfamiliar with how an ipad works and have no interest in the technology simply are not Savant customers. I personally dont see how they could be Crestron clients wither... Give em a URC MX900 and go on to the next job.



I love selling against attitudes like that....



Huh? I do Design, sell and install the Lutron systems as well...

The systems I sell are absolutely all purchased from "Under the same roof". That roof for me is "The Little Guys"... WHat brand lighting system is going with their Savant (Or AMX or Control4 system for that matter) is rarely an issue... and to be blunt.. Selling Lutron against Creston is really easy.

oh well.. in the end, they systems can do prettymuch the same thing in the end. If you are happy with Crestron. Stick with it.

With the I-craze that is going on in this country, I believe that it would be a selling point to a lot of people to use ipad as a control device. Alot of people will like the flexibility of the ipad but as Imaqt mentioned, if you install it in a permanent place, people will rarely use it other than what it is intended to be used for.

Just my opinion and thinking out loud. This thread has definitely increased my curiosity on Savant...in a positive way.

here's the point I'm trying to make as we are getting off track.

i love the iPad. i sell them with every crestron system we do.
the iPad is a full on crestron controller and it works great.

i like having dedicated panels on walls but thats just me. i also like having more options then just an iPad or iPod Touch.

either way, I've always been highly interested in savant, and I'm always looking for a reason to start using them.

i don't know enough about them and i should set up a meeting with them.


one thing keeping me away are the lack of a good low end system (prodigy).
i don't want to sell savant for mid-high end and something else for low end. right now i only sell crestron. no need to sell anything else as they cover all ranges.

the most attractive thing to me about savant is that the programming is mac based. i love that and pray for the day i don't have to run windows on my mac.

two way apple tv is not a selling feature for me. this feature can disappear any day with an apple software update and sounds like it would require future truck rolls to remedy.

Motech:

There are many things of which I haven't even scratched the surface yet so it's still very exciting.

Other than the core programming/configuration environment your macros are handled through Apple's automator which is very powerful. Using automator means you can even natively interface with other apps that are loaded on the system that use automator. As an example, you could launch a keynote presentation from within a macro.

If you need more flexibility you can also program with applescript. Applescript can be embedded within an automator workflow (macro) natively.

As Impaqt said earlier you can be as creative as you need to be. Custom buttons are a snap. By using Apples swipe I don't think I've come across a better interface. I've seen prettier but not better.

I know you are supposed to be able to program the system in perl as well but I personally haven't seen a reason to yet.

Their IP phone system will be launching soon as well which will be great for large residential and commercial jobs.

Do they have something that competes with Prodigy/C4 on the low end (not exactly/not yet depending on what you are trying to do.


In trying to compare Apples to Apples, Savant is only a couple of grand more than C4 for an 8 zone audio system with C4's HC1000 processor. I think Prodigy would be the least expensive. Savant has 4 streams of itunes audio built in, and home sharing, shared library streaming, apple tv 2 way. C4 has Rhapsody built-in plus an OSD, itunes 2-way (third party), their app store. I don't think Prodigy works with the iServer and if it did you would only have a single stream, can be expanded to a full Crestron system.

Savant & Prodigy/Crestron have the most flexibility without resorting to 3rd party hardware (specifically regarding AV distribution)

Obviously apples to apples isn't easy and it may not be what your client needs but it's the easiest way to get a baseline idea.

You make good point regarding only using one programming platform but it's really not that big of a deal. Even with Prodigy/Full Big Blue. If you find that you are using Composer and System Builder for your lower end jobs and Simpl for your higher end jobs, that's no different that using two different control systems (other than the hardware consistency)

but it sounds awesome, be honest.

i just called savant rep. they are not accepting any more savant dealers at this time. what a f'n joke.

ok no problem. ill just stay with crestron!
hahahaha assh0les.

Was that necessary?

I assume they really don't need any more dealers in your territory at the moment. It happens. The company I'm with now can't get Runco. It doesn't make Runco assh0les. Maybe talk to someone else. Especially if you do a lot of MDU work. I'm sure they are lighter on commercial than they are on resi. Even still, start the dialog so you can be more familiar and have the relationship. If the rep didn't seem helpful call them directly. I am absolutely sure they will be glad to talk to you : at least b4 the ah0le comment:-D

It's just business

the rep was rude. I'm perfectly happy with crestron.
they acted like i would be privileged to use savant.

i did enough business with crestron in our first year.
savant would be lucky to have me on board.

im not chasing anyone. they are new and need a loyal following.
to push people away now is just stupid.

if they want to be selective, then be selective, meet with dealers and approve them based on certain criteria. yearly sales etc, but more importantly, gauging the firms understanding of new technology and how to implement it best for customers.

that would ensure that they had the best dealers out there.

instead they pushed me away, I'm perfectly happy with crestron.

That's upsetting.

I have met and walked away from reps like that. Man they (manufacturers) need you more than you need them.

I bet it that got back to them the rep firm would be dropped. I remember just 6 months ago they were cold calling CI's in my area with special offers to bring you on.

If I recall correctly, Savant generates ~$20M yearly revenue v $500M for Crestron. Surprised they would not want more dealers.

Bill

"they don't want to flood the market"

Mo
their position makes a ton of sense in that if they have too many guys cannibalizing sales it is a bad thing. I see them having to adapt and hit that middle market solution as well. That's where they'll get traction.