Request Audio and RTI

I recently integrated a Request F2.400 with an echo 400 as a backup hard drive. I integrated this into a DigiLinX home automation system. The speed and ease of installation, coupled with ease of use has made Request the keystone of all my future whole house audio/home automation projects.

With the release of the IQ IMC package Request has made a package of video distribution/whole house audio very cost efficient. The only thing lacking is the control, which Request addresses but as a Custom Installer it is more beneficial for me if I use RTI as a control system.

The control of such devices will become much easier with the release of Zigbee two way communication from RTI. RTI also needs to update their T4 with better Wi-fi capabilities, because although the T3-V has a beautiful screen, it is a bit small still. When RTI releases their two way, which I have heard is hopefully first quarter 2009 their price point and product will be hard to beat. RTI has done a really good job of announcing future releases and then not meeting their deadlines, which gives a lot of installers a negative view of the company. I personally can wait patiently, but that is because compared to our military sometimes they are not that bad. There is a reason the military motto is "Hurry Up and Wait".

RTI does not have the customization of Crestron, but when a project is over all that matters is that they customer can easily use the system and it has a custom look to it. I have worked with Crestron and AMX, and I have dealt with a few subcontractors that are programmers, and it took me firing two to get to a third company I could rely on, who were not excessive with their prices. (By excessive I mean $210 for a 30 minute walk through just to tell me what they could or could not do). With the programming of remotes and control systems it is very easy to get over complicated with designs, and this is usually a frustration for the end user. The challenge is the balance of simplicity and functionality.

I hope all is well!

Sam Nichols

Background Information

I first want to start off by thanking Wil and Ryan over at Force Fitness for helping me get this blog going, and being available not only to help with my blog, but also the fitness goals I have set for myself.

My wife and I are from Bloomington, Indiana. I am an expert in home automation installation and integration. I have installed and integrated RTI (www.rticorp.com) remotes with Netstreams DigiLinX (www.netstreams.com), and am currently researching LifeWare as a control system for home automation.

One of the most rewarding processes in my line of work is the installation and integration of home theaters. I prefer to use the following brands for customization: Marantz (www.marantz.com), Parasound (www.parasound.com), Optoma (www.optoma.com), Samsung (www.samsung.com), RTI, Atlantic Technology (www.atlantictechnology.com), Polk Audio (www.polkaudio.com), and JVC (www.jvc.com). The best compliment I can get from a customer is that they will never need to go to a public theater again. That is when you know you have done an excellent job.

For jobs that require whole house audio I recommend Request (www.request.com). I recently integrated this into a DigiLinX system. And, with the release of the new IMC from Request, they have made video distribution an affordable option. Request is easy to integrate and works with I-tunes which is the media content of the present and the future.

I make it my top priority to help my customers with any questions or concerns that they might have. If you are having problems with your existing system, have questions, or are interested in a new system, please feel free to email me at: allamericanhomeautomation@gmail.com
Free estimates.

Thanks,

Sam Nichols