thinking about Crestron system HELP :)

Crestron and AMX have good products.. but they are legacy systems and over priced for functionality...


With the advent of superior networking standards...


I have commited fully to TCP/IP Systems..


The hardware is 1/4 the cost.. and is pretty stable... you can get full GUI control and customization in much less time and cost than Crestron.


Look at www.premise systems.com


A PC, and touch screen or (tablet PC) some networking components and a few other things you can control it all... if you use recievers with RS232, you can get full bi-directional control... and make some incredible macros..


PM if you would like to learn more..


ADS

Very true. Pretty stable won't cut it in many cases. I see home automation split up into 2 different categories. You first have the basic intermingling of systems. The light system might control your whole house audio, etc. in each room. But on the wall you still have the normal light switches, a keypad for your stereo system. You have the thermostat's around the house, you have the alarm control panels by all the doors etc. Those are your primary ways of controlling your devices. Then you have your secondary level of control via the systems that try to control each other, as well as computer based control systems. Many of the HAI type systems also fall in this category. The basic level of home automation. Which is fine in most cases, and all that many people can afford. In this case "pretty stable" generally works. Your whole house wont stop functioning if your windows box gets a blue screen of death. Your normal light switches will still turn on and off your lights.


But there is also the second level of home automation where 100% uptime is required. You cut out most of the middle men, and your left with your control system being your primary interface to all of the systems. The lighting, audio, video, etc. systems are all integrated into touch panels. I would still recommend having a couple alarm controls, etc. by doors in case the system isn't working, and you have no way of disabling the alarm. But in most cases all you would have on the walls are touch screens or button panels in each room. These systems provide much more integration, and have a lot more capabilities. But they are that much more important in a homes environment and 98% uptime won't cut it. You don't want to have to run down and reboot windows each week. A full control system from Crestron or AMX is much more desirable in situations like this.


Crestron is however beginning to support TCP/IP as well. They now offer some devices that you can connect to over tcp/ip rather than standard cresnet cabling and serial cables.

regardless..


The issue is 1 bi-directional control...


and two is cost of proprietary hardware


I guarantee... this system will come in cheaper with a richer feature set.. end of story..


with regards to your notations about stability...


unfortunately we run in a world of windows.. from banking to internet... exluding linux ofcourse


but XP has done wonders for any stability issues..


I have the system.. and it works great.. and I have many.. many more features...

You are correct. I looked in your profile and noticed the following:


Biography -med student

Location -atlanta, ga

Occupation -student, entreprenuer \\



This is my basis on which I judged your credentials in the AV field.


Next time I'm over I wouldn't mind seeing your system in action but like I said before .........


Like always, I stand by my statements until I'm handed the crow (well cooked) with BBQ sauce.



Dave

I'll second your opinion Dave...


But I'll go on to say that one must install SEVERAL of these so called "Legacy" systems before they judge the best that is available today.


The reason d4lions calls it a legacy is because he doesn't understand it. How many has he sold to know what they can do? The AMX Netlinx protocol is the most advanced system I've seen to date. I'm a dealer for AMX and Crestron and prefer AMX due to their superior support of TCP/IP. I have looked at many of these start up outfits and none of them come anywhere near AMX. We're talking the difference of an entry level theater in a box system to the top of the line theaters available. The integration available with AMX is outstanding to say the least and there in nothing Board Room about it. It is completely state of the art. People always get on here touting some start up company and how it's better than all the rest. It's really nothing more than a corporate sales pitch. What a joke!


Have you seen the capabilities of a new AMX Modero touchpanel?


What about the new integrated Netlinx controller that RETAILS for around $1,500?


Get your facts straight before bad mouthing the premier solutions that you or your "clients" can't afford!


Brent Huskins

Media Design

Tony,


The reason I prefer AMX when it comes to TCP/IP integration is that they fully support it and embrace the technology, where as Crestron supports it but doesn't tend to utilize it as well. Like I said, I do both and they both have their advantages but Crestron is still a little too reliant on Crestnet whereas AMX is completely moving away from Axlink and all the new gear is TCP/IP - including the new viewpoint wireless touchpanel soon to come out - 80211.(b/a/g). This wireless panel will be a show stopper at CEDIA this year - as far as automation goes.


Also AMX has a mini controller as well in the sub $1000 range and have for a while.


I think we both agree...these little start ups don't have a prayer without some serious backing and advanced product development.


Brent Huskins

Media Design

That's not my company.


I'm in Fort Worth and have been in business since 1993 and yes I'm a direct dealer for both AMX and Crestron.


My full company name is Media Design - Architects of Electronics


I'll post some specific examples of Crestron situations where I've ran into some TCP/IP integration issues later, such as easily having a true webserver fully integrated, as can be done with AMX gear alone - no PC, etc.


QQQ - You might want to edit your post to remove the link since it doesn't apply. I carry quite a few more lines than the Houston guys that copied my name. The've been in business for 7 or 8 years. Names are only protected per county in Texas.


Brent Huskins

President/Owner

Media Design - Architects of Electronics

Benbrook, TX (DFW Area)