Does anyone use Savant remote control system here? I had it set up by my audio/video guys when I was in NYC. Now I've moved out of NYC to a different location... and it seems like this $1000 system can't go with me because it can be set up by authorized dealers only? Anybody have any ideas on this? It was such a mistake to get this thing in the first place since any change at all to it - like I got a new piece of equipment - could only be done by, apparently, by authorized dealers. And you gotta pay for that each time. Ugh. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Other remote controls systems I can set up to combine AV Receiver + Kaleidescape + Zappiti + AppleTV + PS5 + Nintendo Switch??
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Savant remote control system
- Thread starter DmitryB
- Start date
andy
Well-known member
Hey @DmitryB - I have a Savant system installed and yes, an authorized dealer needs to get involved for changes, which is super annoying! My remote actually started acting up a year or so ago, and it is to the point now where it is unusable. I have an Unfolded Circle 3 on order via kickstarter and plan to integrate that myself when it finally arrives.
Andy
Andy
I have Savant and love it. Have had it for about 10 years. I have bought several remotes on Ebay for much cheaper when mine have died. It is a pain to use an integrator but the system just works. Find an integrator you trust and can work with and it can be a great experience, but not cheap.
Unfortunately, it is a closed system and can only be accessed by trained dealers who then charge you while they call Savant support, wait hours for a response and then are told what to do my Savant. Creston may be similar but I've never owned Creston. Savant is bad enough.
MadScientist
Active member
Savant, like URC remotes, needs to be programmed by an integrator although I have heard of people who have the software that allows them to reprogram them when they get new equipment. I had a Savant remote for about a year. It was glitchy from Day 1 and as time went by it got worse. I switched to a URC remote and have been very happy. But again, it is a pain to get them programmed every time you swap out (or add) a new piece of equipment. YMMV!
MadScientist
MadScientist
The obscenely overpriced Savant remote has been plagued with a defective battery design resulting in expanding and leaking lithium batteries that are a fire hazard. They have been replacing the remotes at no charge to the customer for several years.
Yep, this is the problem. You want to add one component, you will pay hundreds of dollars just to get someone to reprogram the remote.
If you have the time and the skills to do it yourself and are DIY-minded in general anyways, then Crestron, Savant, etc. is clearly not the right choice for you.
If somebody approaches me asking for a control solution (we only do Crestron), then I can tell pretty quickly if it makes sense or not.
If somebody approaches me asking for a control solution (we only do Crestron), then I can tell pretty quickly if it makes sense or not.
I don't know much about Creston but I did own AMX and now own Lutron and unfortunately Savant.
Some relatively sophisticated customers want the ability to make changes without generating an expensive service call. Lutron provides some of this functionality (levels, timers, scenes, etc.) through their app but limits a customer's access to prevent them from making a fatal mistake such as reassigning a module to an inappropriate load.
I understand the desire to limit the potential damage a customer could cause resulting in a more expensive service call, however, there needs to be a middle ground perhaps through support agreements, etc.
Some relatively sophisticated customers want the ability to make changes without generating an expensive service call. Lutron provides some of this functionality (levels, timers, scenes, etc.) through their app but limits a customer's access to prevent them from making a fatal mistake such as reassigning a module to an inappropriate load.
I understand the desire to limit the potential damage a customer could cause resulting in a more expensive service call, however, there needs to be a middle ground perhaps through support agreements, etc.
BTW, not every dealer selling these systems has in-house programmers and project managers who understand the functionality. In my experience, many of the dealers are simply sales people or middlemen who rely on the vendor's technical support teams to program, configure and solve problems. In many of these situations, the homeowner may have more expertise especially related to customization and/or functionality.
I do know that Creston is similar to AMX and allows essentially unlimited functionality which is good but can be bad if the programmer is not the best. Savant, OTOH, offers little if any customization. It's take it or leave it. Our way or the highway. Profit margins for Savant are high so dealers are numerous and incentivized by sales and have little investment in providing something that works for the client.
I do know that Creston is similar to AMX and allows essentially unlimited functionality which is good but can be bad if the programmer is not the best. Savant, OTOH, offers little if any customization. It's take it or leave it. Our way or the highway. Profit margins for Savant are high so dealers are numerous and incentivized by sales and have little investment in providing something that works for the client.
I think Crestron Home as an alternative to the traditional custom programming can be that middle ground. Also for Control4, there´s a version of the programming tool with reduced capabilites.
Then he shouldn´t be a dealer. Crestron is trying to remove these kind of dealers. These kind of systems are solutions, not single pieces of hardware.
Savant rewards dealers based on sales, not service
Sure, that´s what they can count after all. But they should focus on overall customer satisfaction.