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What's leading in home automation these days?

A

AnOutsider

Well-known member
Hey guys,

The missus and I are planning a new home, and naturally we want a K system to be a part of it. Right now we have a Crestron system through the house, and it's likely because of the software developed by our installers, but we don't like it much. The UI is odd, it's clunky and slow to use, and integration is more feeling like a HTPC than the leanness you expect from a K system.

We also got security cameras added, and the integration is near none. We have to use separate apps on our computers, phones and ipads to view them.

Surely there's a better solution, or "ecosystem" out there! What do you guys recommend? We'd like to tie in lights, audio, intercom, security cameras etc. The kscape video controls can remain on the TV, no sense using a wall-mounted touch panel as a remote.
 
Oh, and speaking of music. It seems K is just sitting still on that front. Think it makes sense to use a Sonos system for audio, and just use the K for video?
 
I think its still Crestron or AMX. Theres a system thats mac based but I cant remember it right now. I think we are going to see a big switch over to more tablet/phone control in the next few years so I would say its probably best to hold off on any big expenses on this- but perhaps tweaking the programming to get it right.
 
JerryL said:
I think its still Crestron or AMX. Theres a system thats mac based but I cant remember it right now. I think we are going to see a big switch over to more tablet/phone control in the next few years so I would say its probably best to hold off on any big expenses on this- but perhaps tweaking the programming to get it right.
Click to expand...

The system that JerryL is referring to is called Savant...

Recently I just moved into a new house and investigated a number of differing automation systems and went with Crestron...the key, as you note, is the integrator and their ability to develop an ergonomic and intuitive paradigm...I accomplished this by designing my own templates and then had the CI make them them come to life and, because they work the way I think, nothing could be easier...
 
I would agree that if your system is as messed up as you say then it is an issue with your integrator.

Asking what is the best system will give you any number of responses. We are AMX and Savant dealers so I would not recommend a Crestron or Control 4 system. Does that mean they are bad? No. Again it is the service provided by your integrator that really matters. Do yourself a favor and start with a CEDIA certified integrator, but then still do your homework. Being certified doesn't mean that you are talented either.

So it isn't just the hardware that makes for a logically designed, easy to use system.
 
So true. Btw- I should have said AMX also when I said Crestron. The truth is it really comes down to how its all integrated and programed. The Savant stuff is really cool also.
 
Yeah, I ended up finding the RTI software on eBay and fiddled around with it to get my remotes the way I want. In the end, I may do the same with the touchpanels. That, or do as someone said, and design it first, then have them code it
 
So, one other option you may want to look at is Homelogic. (I am not a Homelogic dealer.)
 
JerryL said:
So everything is really messed up for everyone then?! :D

Sorry, couldn't resist. :)
Click to expand...

Actually, the CIs were so impressed with my template that they asked whether they could use it elsewhere which I believe that they have...I spent 100s of hours designing and redesigning it to make sure that it was as intuitive as possible and the proof is in the pudding in that not one person has ever needed more than 3 minutes of training to be able to fully operate the entire house...
 
AnOutsider said:
Yeah, I ended up finding the RTI software on eBay and fiddled around with it to get my remotes the way I want. In the end, I may do the same with the touchpanels. That, or do as someone said, and design it first, then have them code it
Click to expand...

Very intuitive and very easy to program...I have programmed many remote control systems ad found this to be on of the easiest and most capability without needed tons of hands-on time...
 
Might want to hold off on any Homelogic purchases. Homelogic was purchased by Elan, which is now part of the AVC Group, which is owned by Harmon. Consolidation is occurring within AVC. The new product is called g!. If you want something along the Homelogic family but yet much more powerful.
 
glr-fti said:
Might want to hold off on any Homelogic purchases. Homelogic was purchased by Elan, which is now part of the AVC Group, which is owned by Harmon. Consolidation is occurring within AVC. The new product is called g!. If you want something along the Homelogic family but yet much more powerful.
Click to expand...

Meant Nortek not Harmon. Mark Terry is the new President of AVC Group and he came from Harmon.
 
I like "simple". Simple = IP. On a smart phone, itouch, ipad, PC, and/or mac. Absent that, you can't go wrong with RTI. URC isn't too bad either.
 
Sonos has probably the best example of "simple" control. And all the apps are free. This has become my 2nd favorite proiduct line. The 1st, of course, being Kaleidescape!
 
+ 1 on the Savant. I am in the process of building the system into my current home, while building a basement home theater. I'll try to post updates as I use the system on an everyday basis

http://www.savantav.com/
 
I met with my builder yesterday and he also mentioned savant. I think he said they're mac-based (unless that was another one). Gonna check them out.
 
Savant does get good reviews and there is another forum member using the system with his K. Overall, as I remember it, he is satisfied with the performance, but I do remember he mentioned a couple of negatives. Unfortunately, I cannot remember what they related to so hopefully he will see this a post a comment.

Like all of these control systems, the specific setup (equipment, network, etc.) will affect system performance. This probably accounts for the varied comments we see among owners, both positive and negative.


Jim
 
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