Smarthome (Insteon) vs Control4?

Hi everyone, I was posting here for some advice, especially since I am new in the home automation field. I have been doing some research into two different products, Insteon and Control4. I know Insteon works out for DIY folks and Control4 obviously requires programming to be done by an authorized reseller. The costs are much higher in a Control4 system vs Insteon. Now, from what I have read, Control4 is a much more reliable system than Insteon (I could be wrong, I have found different topics in this forum that go either way on the reliability of Insteon). The thing that gets to me though is, I am a hands on techie type of guy and having to call someone to setup my Control4 system every time I either add a dimmer or a new TV or etc can be a bitdisappointing (compared to Insteon).

Now for the scenario:

I was looking into purchasing the HC300 model from C4, I found an online reseller called shophhts dot com that basically will ship out the product with the basic configuration of my gear and then ship it out to me and remotely program the rest of my dimmers when I install them myself. I am not sure if you guys think this is a bad idea or this is normal. I actually went the online route simply because the two authorized resellers in my area were charging me an arm and leg to configure this product (TV, A/V Receiver, Xbox 360, Playstation 3, DirecTv, C4 Thermostat & 8 Dimmers). Now if I go the Insteon route, well, it can all be done using a Logitech Harmony remote and buying the right hardware (at about half the price of a C4 system). So do you guys think I should just bite the bullet and go with a C4 lineup or am I obviously missing important info that I should look into? After reading a few months of magazines from Electronic House and online forums, I am not sure which route to go (and no, I do not have a budget for a Creston system lol). Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.

Sorry I did not get back to you guys sooner. Well, what I mean by an arm and leg, one dealer was charging me $240 an hour plus the equipment (MSRP) price. He would also have to double check that the dimmers were put in correctly since I would wire them ahead of time (not check the electricial work, just make sure they were wired correctly, sounds like he might be trying to tack on hours?). I have put in dimmers before, like the Lutron RF ones, so maybe this is a normal routine by the vendor? Now before you ask, there is nothing complicated with my wiring, I already had an electrician come out and install recessed lighting with switches and run wiring for my in ceiling speakers. One of the 8 dimmers will be a 3 way switch, everything else is normal.

The other dealer is charging me $180 an hour and MSRP for the equipment. From what I have seen on other quotes that people in the forums have provided, it just seems a bit high? I am not really looking at whole house lighting yet, I was looking to cover the first floor (I live in a single family home). Maybe in the future I could expand to the whole house, but for what I have budgeted, I was hoping to at least hit the first floor with C4. I figure the work could be cut down to just programming the controller and linking up with the dimmers I would put in myself (already spent enough money for the speakers and electrician).

In regards to the Creston Prodigy, I was looking at it, but C4 had my interest for a while, I might go the Prodigy route if I can get a demo of it or see one in person, but I would have to dig up more info. I have to look at Lutrons solution, maybe they might be the answer as well. So it seems the safe bet is avoid the online solution. You thought living in Miami would actually have better rates heh.

1 person

Miami, Florida