LinuxMCE Compare to Control4

[kengtay]

Hi, Just wonder how much different between LinuxMCE and Control4?

[1audio]

Short answer:
1) Control4 needs an integrator to set up. LMCE can be done by you.
2) Control4 moves the video over analog connections. LMCE integrates it into the network.
3) Control4 controls legacy video devices. LMCE eliminates them for the most part.

Control4 is really the newest of the last generation solutions. It is a rebirth of FAST but isn't new and is technically pretty obsolete. It doesn't do video internally except for its own UI. The lighting stuff is all Zigbee and amazingly "open standard proprietary" since there really isn't an open Zigbee market.

I hope this helps.

[kengtay]

thanks for the info. Few more question:

1. How much different between Zigbee and Z-wave? Honestly, I am going to install a 8000sq ft house with 3 stories, how exactly is these Z-wave and Zigbee will make any different? Since both of them does the mesh network.
2. I know Control4 does support a lot of GE alarm etc, Where can I find the information on LinuxMCE supported devices? Such as Alarm, Lighting, External relay?
3. Control4 has a nice interface, Can we custom the LinuxMCE to the interface differently?
4. If I am going to put a $10K to these system, which one do you think is worth? The reason I am asking, that I have compare the music station, Infrared controller, Remote, etc. Each room is going to have the speaker point, Infrared control my air conditional (Split Unit), wake up music, or some TV and VCR, How am I going to get all these stuff with LinuxMCE, I am new here, forgive me for some stupid question. I guess, all my question is what exactly is the comparison on all the accessories that is available off the shelf that can be compare to Control4.

[kengtay]

One more question, What kind of LCD touchpanel can I get? I am talking about something with 10.4 inch, that I can put in my kitchen like Control4?

[1audio]

I get the sense that you are looking for turn key solutions but an 8000 square foot house is usually the venue for the Crestron/AMX specialist.

I don't think you can do an 8000 square foot hose for anywhere near as little as $10K. That would be 20 rooms or more typically unless its all one ballroom. Its would also be a lot of video distribution.

Control4 has a good GUI but its not available when you are accessing media.

There are a lot of devices supported in LMCE. Look at the WiKi and in the forums. Or better think through what you want and look for solutions. There are video options, security cameras, security panels, lighting options, Phone options enough to overwhelm anyone.

ZigBee systems tend to be closed. Crestron's don't talk to Colorado Vnet to Control4 for example. And not everything is available from a single vendor. ZWave has multiple vendors interoperating so you can get pieces from different vendors to address your needs. Insteon has a lot of stuff as well.

[tschak909]

which is kind of sad... Crestron/AMX is such a cluster@#($@#(%.

I'm actually going to be retrofitting my father's house with LinuxMCE, which is a converted bed and breakfast.. roughly 8,000 sq/ft in the house alone, not counting the courtyard, and the ancilliary fixtures around the house.

It will start this summer after LinuxTag.

will let you all know how that goes.

-Thom

[kengtay]

This is what I would like to have:

1. Full automation Light/dimmer
2. Every room with the capability of streaming video and audio
3. Each room can turn on Air Conditional by IR

Here is what I plan to have:
1. Will put in each room (VIA PC2500E Mini-ATX Motherboard $60 + USB-UIRT $55 + Casing & Power Supply $85 = $200 each = total 10 * $200 = $2000)
2. Install switch from ACT-Solution (Seem like they are the only one make 230V AC switch and dimmer) $4,000
3. Nokia N800 tablet? ($200 each), Will get 4 pcs in the kitchen, Living room, dining room, second living room. 4 * $200 = $800
4. Spend a $1500 for the Core System

* All rooms already have at least 32 inch LCD
** Each rooms has at least 3 Cat5e connect to Server Room

If I do this, Can I get Air Conditional, Lighting, Streaming Video and Audio done?

Can I streaming video and audio from the Nokia N800 tablet?

[tschak909]

the N800 works as an orbiter, as such, it is a remote, and can not play media on its own screen...but it can control the media directors in a room to cause them to play media.

[kengtay]

IF I hook up USB-IRDA with Computer, I guess it will does the same as GC100? At least for the IR part?

Can I connect to the Home alarm system and take advantage of the motion sensor to control the light, Or what kind of huge contact input device can I get? If Home alarm will do, which one has more zone and work better?

[tschak909]

Do not use an IRDA dongle, it is not meant for AV control.

Use either a GC-100 or a USB UIRT per media director...

with the GC-100, you also get 3 relay pads, and 6 sensor/relay contact ports per box.

-Thom

[kengtay]

Thanks for the info, The relay port is only in the higher model, Not the GC-100-6 Correct me if I am wrong.

[tschak909]

correct..however there are sensor ports on the smaller unit which can be used for contact closures.

-Thom

[hari]

2. Install switch from ACT-Solution (Seem like they are the only one make 230V AC switch and dimmer) $4,000

you may want to look at Merten Connect (www.merten.de). They are not cheap but you get very high quality zwave switches and dimmers for your money.

best regards,
Hari

[kengtay]

Hi Hari, Does Merten make the controller (USB or Serial) for LinuxMCE? I didn't see any information about the Z-wave product on their website.

[kengtay]

Thanks for the info, What kind of Wall Mount TouchPanel option do I have? It seem like I have a hard time to fine one, At least 10.4 inch or bigger, I will need at least 2 of them.

How much it cost a switch or dimmer from Merten? Any idea about the range? I couldn't find in my region, most of their office is closed here in Singapore, Can some one give me some idea about the price?