Hi~
i’m building a 800sq ft house and I’m looking to accomplish the following things:
1. Distributed audio in 12 rooms..itunes/xm/pandora as sources
2. distyributed video to 6 rooms…directv, appletv, dvd changer as sources
3. security control
4. lighting control
5. heating and energy

I’ve received quotes from a c4 dealer and 2 crestron dealers.  the c4 system looks to be about 25% less expensive and it includes nicer speakers/projector/av gear.  I really just want to control the things and don’t care about a custom gui.  is there something i am missing that would make me want to choose crestron over c4?  The functionality seems to be similar. any help would be appreciated!  It’s a pretty big nut of cash and i would hate to make the wrong decision!
Thanks,
Neil

Hi Neil,

The Crestron vs. C4 debate is a long standing one.  Both solutions when properly implemented are top notch.  In the AV world this debate is the equivalent of a Ford vs. Chevy debate, or perhaps Ferrari vs. Porsche might be closer to the price point.

Crestron units are normally the higher cost solution, as you mentioned.  I personally favor C4, as it does cost less, and in my modest installation, I have not encountered anything that is beyond the C4 system.  Also the fact that my dealer was able to use iPads as touch panels instead of stupidly expensive manufacturer units made the difference for my family, as everyone including my toddler, can use one. 

My honest suggestion is to check out each vendor’s showroom, and see which set up you like.  Bring everyone that will use the system, as if your wife or kids can’t figure out how to use the system, or think it’s too complicated, I’d avoid that system. 

Don’t forget to ask about tech support, upgrades to your system, and who owns your programming code.  With either of these systems, you cannot change or add equipment without getting your programming updated.  If you don’t own the programming code and your dealer goes out of business, you will need your whole system reprogrammed from scratch, if you can find someone willing to tackle another company’s product.

Good luck.

Hi Paul~
thanks for sharing your point of view, as well as some tips.  that’s a really good point about the programming, i can make sure to include that deal!

Neil,

They are both good systems, it is important to understand the difference between the two.

Control 4

This system is built around a 32 button architecture, most of the programming is just configuration of the hardware. Control 4 was slick in the sense that you dont have to program basic functionality. However, there is limitations. Think of the 80/20 Rule. You will get 80 percent of what you really need. The other 20 percent you will have to digest the fact that is not Crestron. For most end users this is just fine. However, there may be functionality that you may want that you will forego.

Crestron-

Highly flexible system, everything is programming. The boxes are just dumb black boxes till they are programmed. It would not suprise me if you told me that the programming for the Crestron system was a significant $ amount.

No limits

Crestron is to Control 4 what Lexus is to Toyota. Both good. Again, you can end up with a disaster if not programmed correctly. Also, if you choose Crestron. Make sure you own the Program. I have seen this over and over. Integrator goes belly up and no one can service the existing crestron system as the programs have gone by way of the employees.

Good luck,

Z

We have switch compatible with Control4 for EU standard 220-240V
http://www.smartsolutionserbia.com/en/
 
Product update
SW-DIM-M1 new version
The popular SW-DIM-M1 wall panel is available in a new version from 2013. Thanks to its bigger buttons using the device is made even more user-friendly.

Our standard warranty is 5 years all faulty devices during warranty we will replace with new one.

Our business partner Aling offers many customization housing options. Variety of color masks, flanges and installation boxes easily fits your interior design
 
Hope after you receive our information, please feedback your opinion to see which model best suits your needs.
We will be happy to answer any questions you may have and explain the unique features and benefits of our products.

Welcome to get sample from us to see the Product, Quality, Reliability and Service etc

Control4 is definitely a very cool solution but I’d go with a Crestron based system for an 8,000 sq ft home. The biggest downfall to Crestron systems is that you’re sort of stuck with the company that originally programmed it, so make sure they know what they’re doing!

hey are both good systems