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Roomie versus Control4 (or other professional package)

post #1 of 3
1/3/13 at 10:02am
Thread Starter 
Roomie versus Control4 (or other professional package)

I'm a novice with theater control and setup. I'm hoping the experts can shed some light and whether a package like Roomie can perform most of the control used in home theater and surveillance that a similar-pro or pro package like Control4?

Correct if wrong please:
1). Roomie is an iOS application only and cannot be controlled without an iOS device where Control4 is an RF control to control box with an iOS license option add on (which Apple charges an excessive fee). I don't see any big drawback for Roomie unless wifi connection is lost or iOS device failures.

2). Have not seen any illustrations for Roomie surveillance support but have not read any limitations in this area either (Is Apple TV or similar for camera support needed?)

3). It appears Roomie offers the same peripherals as Control4 except RF remote (LAN/wifi to rs232 and IR) to add control of peripherals that do not offer complete IP control.

4). What am I missing other than DIY for Roomie versus must pay for support/install for Control4?

Logic tells me with the big price difference points, I'm missing something. Also, is that "something" needed for 90% of home entertainment systems?

Thanks a bunch,
Newbie lookin at Roomie.
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post #2 of 3
1/5/13 at 7:24pm
Thread Starter 
No experts?
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post #3 of 3
2/8/13 at 8:30am
Works fairly well. Pretty intuitive but like everything else, there is a learning curve. You will need to spend about $30 on the IOS APP and $110 for an iTach WF2IR blaster.

I use roomie and my MiCasaVerde unit to control my Home Theater and Lighting. Works about 90% of the time. I guess it will always be that way until everything is IP controllable. The 10% problem is all related to IR controlled devices. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't.

Overall, I like the product.

Support is pretty good, except for the fact that they always say ITS YOUR FAULT first. They do have some quirks but won't admit to it. For example, the built-in DirecTV guide is a little screwy. On the DirecTV world, you WANT to watch channel 4.1 instead of 4 if you want the Hi-Def version of local channel 4.

But in the Roomie World, you have to DESELECT 4.1 and use 4 instead .... Oh well, once you figure that quirk out, you are OK.

RECAP: For $30 bucks you cannot beat it. AND it gives new life to old iPad 1's that no one wants.
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