Home automation question

[justingann78]

I want to install a whole house automation system and I was wondering if I could possible get some ideas on brands and prices. So far it looks like the Control4 system seems to be the most reasonably priced system. Is there anyone out there that has an opinion of the Control4 system or could maybe recommend something else for me?

Thanks for everones help.

 

[Haoleb]

What type of control are you thinking of getting? Whole house music, control of ac/fans/lights... etc?

I have worked with AMX quite a but and its pretty slick. Expensive and complicated to program but slick... if your too lazy to get up and turn on a light

AMX and Crestron are the two biggest ones I know of in the automation field though. I dont know what your skills are but most of this stuff is best left to a professional as it can be quite complicated.

 

[justingann78]

Can you give me some type of ball park figure on the AMX equipment?

 

[Haoleb]

I really dont know, It depends on what kinds of equipment you would need and then the programming etc. I know the systems the place I used to work put in were in the tens of thousands of dollars for the AMX stuff.

If you just wanted multi-zone audio I suggest looking in Xantech, But if you wanted the full deal then I think the best thing would be to contact an A/V integration company.

Here is a little writeup i did of one of the xantech systems. If you just wanted audio distribution this would be the way to go. I havent worked with a better system yet.

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44233

 

[EJ1]

Crestron is another suggestion. Not sure where they rank price-wise.

 

[TheHiTechLife]

If you are looking at Control 4 you may also want to take a look at Colorado Vnet. They are comparable to Control4 in price. You may also want to take a look at Life|Ware. They are a little more than the other two I mentioned, but a lot less than Crestron with a lot more value. With Home Automation it really all depends on what kind of control you want to see/have in your home. Are you interested in just having Audio flow through your house? Do you want to include automating the lighting, heating/cooling, and tv? Or do you want to go all out and control your blinds and set up triggers and lifescenes? Like when you bring home a date do you want the ability to push a button for romance and have Barry White play while the lights dim and the fireplace goes on and your aromatherapy starts kicking in?

And I agree with the previous poster, that having a professional help you install and put together your automation technology is the best bet. They have certifications with the vendor, hours of training in a lab, and hours of experience installing the products.

Good Luck!

 

[jamesnicholes]

Home Automation

There are several home automation technologies out there depending on the requirements - many have different cabling requirements. I would recommend DIY kits. They've got a bunch of wireless and hardwired DIY kits that can be used with their inexpensive monitoring service. For a small to medium-sized townhome, a wireless kit may be good for you.
A very good option would be a company called Mile High Automation. I have installed an integrated system called Home Automation Platinum Package: Whole-House Solution.
It's got:

* Omni Pro II Home Automation Controller
* 1 Touch Screen
* 2 LCD Keypads
* 6-Zones of Audio
* 17 Automated Light Switches
* 20 Security Contacts
* 2 Thermostats
* Computer Control Software
* Complete Programming & Support


You can start with just the alarm system and grow it to a fully functional home automation system.

You can also submit your floor plan and can get free estimate plan to implement DIY systems in your home.

For Home Automation Product and services-
Dream System
Free Home Automation Estimate


Cheers
James