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
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All American Home Automation was started by Sam and Kelley Nichols in Bloomington, IN. We are based out of Bloomington but work across the country. We are experts in integration, installation, and educating customers on home automation products in their home. We install and calibrate home theaters, multi-room audio, lighting control, and both in-wall and hand held remote controls.
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- Sam Nichols
- I am owner of All American Home Automation. I am also an Afghanistan Veteran and still currently in the United States Army Reserves. I graduated from Indiana University in 2006 and shortly after that started in the home electronics industry. Customer service is the most important factor in our industry, as it seperates good from great.
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