For Those Who Didnt Catch It

[lsiberian]

I just don't get how people don't get this stuff. But maybe that's why I'm a techie. I mean one would think logic was a more common trait.

 

[krzywica]

I just don't get how people don't get this stuff. But maybe that's why I'm a techie. I mean one would think logic was a more common trait.

And thats the most common mistake people like us make. "If I can figure it out and it logical then anybody else should be able to figure it out as well".

I always go back to the Poster on my coworkers wall...

 

[son-yah-tive]

I like when I hold the Remote backwards, pushing buttons wondering why the new batteries arn't working.

 

[lsiberian]

And thats the most common mistake people like us make. "If I can figure it out and it logical then anybody else should be able to figure it out as well".

I always go back to the Poster on my coworkers wall...

That picture is just awesome.

 

[krzywica]

That picture is just awesome.

Yeah we both have to work with "users" every day.....so that statement holds great weight...

 

[MidnightSensi]

This is only an issue with devices that don't have discrete codes in my experience. IE if the device does not have "toggling" buttons and each key has 1 function.

Thats the issue with some of the receivers and other equipment today. They have so much fluff on them that they have to make these remotes with shift keys and all sorts of other nonsense.....

Good point.

A few things popping into my head:
- Careful with macros (safe is not to use them), especially don't make changing a page operate any remote codes.
- IR repeaters are cumbersome, and their thin little wires always pull, break and go bad. For a hobbyist they can be okay, but for a turn key install they are warranty nightmares.
- Single room systems are one thing, but once you step into home automation, with controlling lights and pools and landscaping pumps and security cameras the network starts to become an issue. Some of the larger installs I've seen required managed switches (network switches that control where packets go by assignment) to deal with the traffic, otherwise things would crash.

I have a RTI T3-V, so, I'm not knocking universal remotes, but, I think they are more of a project than people expect.

 

[krzywica]

Good point.

A few things popping into my head:
- Careful with macros (safe is not to use them), especially don't make changing a page operate any remote codes.
- IR repeaters are cumbersome, and their thin little wires always pull, break and go bad. For a hobbyist they can be okay, but for a turn key install they are warranty nightmares.
- Single room systems are one thing, but once you step into home automation, with controlling lights and pools and landscaping pumps and security cameras the network starts to become an issue. Some of the larger installs I've seen required managed switches (network switches that control where packets go by assignment) to deal with the traffic, otherwise things would crash.

I have a RTI T3-V, so, I'm not knocking universal remotes, but, I think they are more of a project than people expect.

Definitely agree with you on all that.....especially about the project part.

And for an audioholic the work is never done as you are constantly swapping out gear......every year or two I would almost bet we are all going to change out a few components, I know I do.

 

[highfigh]

Its a good example of a poor setup. A properly set URC or RTI remote is a no brainer for anyone to use (without breaking the bank).

Tell that to one of my customers. It took him six months to finally learn that if the green light on the nose of the remote is on, he needs to aim it at the equipment. He'd press the button and drop his hand to his side, which basically means he was trying to control the rug. He was fine when I was there but almost as soon as I was gone, he had problems with it. I'm about one phone call from kicking him to the curb.

Any takers?

I'm not sure if I should tell him that I did a system for a couple whose daughter turned 3 the summer I was there and had no problem operating their system, which was a lot more complex.

 

[MidnightSensi]

Definitely agree with you on all that.....especially about the project part.

And for an audioholic the work is never done as you are constantly swapping out gear......every year or two I would almost bet we are all going to change out a few components, I know I do.

Nod. To me its just another gadget. One more thing to tinker with. If I mess up the programming, it's one more thing to take my mind off whatever is stressing me. A lot of people though, just want the TV to turn on.

Tell that to one of my customers. It took him six months to finally learn that if the green light on the nose of the remote is on, he needs to aim it at the equipment. He'd press the button and drop his hand to his side, which basically means he was trying to control the rug. He was fine when I was there but almost as soon as I was gone, he had problems with it. I'm about one phone call from kicking him to the curb.

Any takers?

I'm not sure if I should tell him that I did a system for a couple whose daughter turned 3 the summer I was there and had no problem operating their system, which was a lot more complex.

I'll take:

I can't imagine being an installer. You could charge six figures for a full Crestron system, and still not make any money by the time you pay programmers, labor, equipment and then deal with the customer (plus Advil). On top of that, every time you go in their home everything will be your fault: from programming to scratched painting to their daughter being knocked up. Then, if the system includes any other sub-systems, like lighting or pool **** and so forth, you'll have to deal with the cross-job finger pointing: You think it is the lighting system, he thinks it is your controller, customer is pissed, back and forth, back and forth... Meanwhile, the customer wants CNN on page 2, not page 1, and says the blu-ray player takes too long to load (as though that is something you can change). Am I close?

 

[10010011]

Funny part about that is I know exactly how the guy on the show feels.

I had the exact same thing happen with a Logitech Harmony remote.

Almost broke up our marriage.

I ended up selling the Harmony on my local craigslist.

My wife would rather have a pile of remotes on the coffee table. Because she knows if she picks up the DVD remote, it will control the DVD player, same for the TV and Tivo remotes. Simple and reliable, putting them all together in one just makes it all more complicated.

 

[highfigh]

I can't imagine being an installer. You could charge six figures for a full Crestron system, and still not make any money by the time you pay programmers, labor, equipment and then deal with the customer (plus Advil). On top of that, every time you go in their home everything will be your fault: from programming to scratched painting to their daughter being knocked up. Then, if the system includes any other sub-systems, like lighting or pool **** and so forth, you'll have to deal with the cross-job finger pointing: You think it is the lighting system, he thinks it is your controller, customer is pissed, back and forth, back and forth... Meanwhile, the customer wants CNN on page 2, not page 1, and says the blu-ray player takes too long to load (as though that is something you can change). Am I close?

Well, there aren't that many Crestron dealers and there are several reasons for that. While it does just about anything a person could want, the programming is tedious, brand-specific and most dealers don't release the software to a client without a hefty charge so, as soon as they decide to move, they remove the controller and take it with them to have another dealer program it. Someone came up with a way to write code for them that is more friendly to outside programmers. I worked for a Crestron dealer and they did some cool things with it but people just don't like seeing the bill for programming or parts, for that matter. I'll stick with the easy to get/easy to get a good result equipment. The only thing I sell that isn't mainstream is ReQuest music servers and they're a really hard sell, too. So many people think MP3 sounds as good as a .wav file from a computer with an OK sound card but these really sound different. It also allows streaming over the internet, so a person can go anywhere they have internet access and they can listen to their own music without having to carry anything with them.

I don't program favorites on cable- they change the lineup to often and people don't like being charged for things like that, either. My work is all repeat and referrals, with some additional stuff I do with a friend in the business. His work is a lot of repeat and referrals too, so it's not a case of earning someone's trust every time. The people with the daughter who turned 3 when I did their system gave me a key to their house and haven't asked me to return it because it's convenient for me to have it. That's surprising, because their house was broken into not long before I became involved and I think I made a good impression when the first thing I recommended was putting most of the gear in a lockable Middle Atlantic rack in the basement. If I scratch or break something, it's understood that I'll take care of it but in some of these places, they have enough original artwork that they rotate it with what they have in storage.

 

[droht]

For a simple one room HT I am completely satisfied with my Harmony One. It is not operationally flawless, but in worst case scenario, where you haven't aimed it straight or dropped it mid-command or something and some stuff is on and some is off all you have to do is turn everything off with the press on one button and start back over with the activity you want (one press). Less than 5 seconds and problem is solved. When my wife realized that she was sold.

If you want to make it jump through more hoops to satisfy your inner geek it will certainly comply, but it can be as simple and family-friendly as it gets.

 

[bandphan]

Well I havent installed a system in a long time that worked off IR only, so thats a huge benefit. By not offering the lower options call backs are limited and systems are more fool proof. As for lighting, pools, irrigation, ect.. the controllers are getting better everyday with less headaches, so those that had trepidations you might want to revisit. I understand a lot of the comments, I just dont experience those issues anymore.

 

[jostenmeat]

Well I havent installed a system in a long time that worked off IR only, so thats a huge benefit. By not offering the lower options call backs are limited and systems are more fool proof. As for lighting, pools, irrigation, ect.. the controllers are getting better everyday with less headaches, so those that had trepidations you might want to revisit. I understand a lot of the comments, I just dont experience those issues anymore.

bandphan, my dear CE pro, what is the best value (read: most affordable, while still worth getting) solution for a couple of dimmers that I can control? Must I buy a new remote (in case you forgot, I've got el cheapo RF20)? A couple of Lutron devices (which ones), and what else? What do you think the total damage would be there?

Thanks man.

 

[bandphan]

bandphan, my dear CE pro, what is the best value (read: most affordable, while still worth getting) solution for a couple of dimmers that I can control? Must I buy a new remote (in case you forgot, I've got el cheapo RF20)? A couple of Lutron devices (which ones), and what else? What do you think the total damage would be there?

Thanks man.

where are the switches in relation to your seating?

 

[jostenmeat]

where are the switches in relation to your seating?

Um, one is left or slightly forward left, and one if rear left. Say roughly 10-15 ft away depending on where I am seated. They are both just flip switches, with that very small slider to dim. No check that, only the one in the rear has that.

Each switch is next a second switch, also on dimmer. This second switch on both sides controls the same light, but I never use it.

I hope that wasn't utterly confusing.

 

[bandphan]

Um, one is left or slightly forward left, and one if rear left. Say roughly 10-15 ft away depending on where I am seated. They are both just flip switches, with that very small slider to dim. No check that, only the one in the rear has that.

Each switch is next a second switch, also on dimmer. This second switch on both sides controls the same light, but I never use it.

I hope that wasn't utterly confusing.

I just shot an email to see if the 20 will do rf, cause the older 350 does, if not will post best options..

me

 

[jostenmeat]

I just shot an email to see if the 20 will do rf, cause the older 350 does, if not will post best options..

me

I don't know what exactly you mean by RF, but you must be talking about some special sauce RF, because well my system is RF. haha

Hey I forgot to mention that if it saved me significant money, I don't even need dimmer capability via remote, but even on/off is cool. I suppose having the dimmer capability is worth extra bucks to many people.

Thanks man!

 

[bandphan]

I don't know what exactly you mean by RF, but you must be talking about some special sauce RF, because well my system is RF. haha

Hey I forgot to mention that if it saved me significant money, I don't even need dimmer capability via remote, but even on/off is cool. I suppose having the dimmer capability is worth extra bucks to many people.

Thanks man!

Yeah, you can to lutron RF with URC mx series controls, I let you know as soon as Brian sends back the email

 

[MidnightSensi]

I have Lutron HomeWorks. Works well, still kinda expensive though.