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It is true that most things in life can be done cheaper. You can take a Honda for $19,000 put $15,000 into it and have it out perform an E46 M3. The difference, which is very hard to convey to most people is INTERGRATION and RELIABLITY. Having one system talk to the others, creating simple to use interfaces, fast response times with products that are backed by billion dollar companies. Systems like Lutron Homeworks (lighting control) and Crestron (automation) are the MOST EXPENSIVE systems you can buy. It comes back to the same two words. “Integration” and “Automation”. These guys know what automation is. In most cases, and maybe not yours, people want one touch easy to operate devices. Some of the brands you’ve listed allow us to create a seamless intergraded interface.
As for a Pronto vs. Crestron, I tend to disagree that they are the same. We install both and I can personally program both. There are some features you are lacking. For example, you don’t get 2-way communications of your thermostat control, mp3 server and lighting status. In addition, you can only control components via IR and have no capability of RS-232 control, which is most cases is very important. If you take a pronto and say a Crestron STX-1700CXP and put them side by side, you will notice that sequences between inputs and power on commands are MUCH faster with Crestron. The reason for this is because the Crestron Processor is bi-directional and knows if display is on, or off and which input it is on at all time. Crestron also can provide you with feedback on the volume level and light level of your theater. Our nickname for Pronto is “press and prey”. Because you can send an IR code and hope it gets there. Also, not all of the discrete input and power on codes are available via IR, some components only through RS-232.
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Sure.....to each his own.
I have been able to set up macro's for
one touch functions, and, as I stated, I am using wireless transmission (which it comes standard with IEEE 802.11b) via a network extender for the other items.
It was also surprisingly easy to set up, as opposed to an unreliable platform such as X10 that I have experience with.
I also have far more functions installed than what I listed as this thread was of a general nature in relation to pre-wiring, and I was trying to offer a 'real person' (read end user) perspective.
I don't for one moment suggest that a tricked up honda is any comparison to a BMW, however any professional that makes a living relying upon over engineered solutions for the sake of 'gee wiz' value in order to charge outrageous fees, is living in denial of the market.
In my case that saving may well run to several hundred thousand dollars.
Most professionals I have come across are secure in their knowledge of what can or cannot be done, yet are unable to consider new ways/simpler configurations/cheaper solutions. They are frequently dazzled by the
technical prowess of their specification, and miss the point entirely.
Is this arrogance or apathy? I leave that for others to decide.
You rightly mention 2-way communication of the remote, but I point out that I don't need to look at a remote to see if my lights are on..... as I said, technical prowess......
The end user wants his lights to turn off with a one touch remote. Do you spend $45,000 to do it or $12,000??? Whilst the billion dollar company may charge $45k because they have made each and every light switch programmable and therefore requiring significant labour, is it the right solution?
It is the very same attitude I found when taking the time to track down a simpler backbone than that offered to me, yet still interfaces with the Crestrons/AMX's/HPM's etc
The market will speak.
For example, I have noted that when looking for a video intercom that also operates as a telephone, able to be answered handsfree and operate the front gate (thus eliminating a wall phone and separate intercom) all the local 'professionals' claimed such a thing was not possible or didn't exist.
Needless to say when I went and found what I wanted I have arranged my own installation.
Cheers