Is this like control4 system?

Community Playground General Discussions
1

Hi Guys,

I’m sorry for beeing a complete noob but I have a few questions.

I have been quoted by control4 for like 20.000$.
I was browsing the net and found this product. It looks pretty nice.

But what i was wondering can I also do things like start radio or use multiradio in rooms?
Or should i use control4 for that.

Could I create something like (selection theatre): shutdown all lights in the house, start 2 led spots and close the curtains? Can it be as advanced as I would like?

Thank you in advance!

2

Not sure what you mean by “multiradio”, but Vera can certainly create a scene that turns off and on lights and controls a motorized curtain device. I’m pretty new to the home automation stuff too, but my understanding is Control4 is a more proprietary system in that it ties you to that vendor. With Vera you can expand you system with any z-wave, insteon, or x-10 device from dozen’s of vendors. Some of the functionality is still in beta, and it is more of a DIY type of system, but it provides more freedom, if you are willing to get under the hood.

3

Thank you for your quick reply. I don’t know about control4 a few people adviced me to look on the internet ; )
Control4 has the possibility to transmit fm radio to different rooms in the house.

I was wondering if this is also possibile or should I use some kind of sonos for that?

4

Vera, is more about being a central control and integration point for an automated home. It can interface with home automation products like z-wave et al and there are some plugins being developed to connect to security systems, irrigation systems and home theatre equipment. I’m sure you or someone else could get it to interface with a Sonos system, but Vera itself doesn’t provide that type of functionality.

5

Vera does not (yet?) provide any Audio/Video integration or switching - only Home Automation part with Z-Wave (and to some extend X10/INSTEON, although people complain it being unfinished and unstable). There is some preliminary IR support (some people say it’s not working at all).

Also, Vera is DIY - you would need to buy Vera, bunch of Z-Wave switches, Thermostat, Sensors, Security Cameras etc. and install all that yourself! While Control4 is not DIY and is installed by professional installers - the quote definitely covers all those pieces of equipment and the labor.

The main appeal of Vera is being DIY and ultimate flexibility/expandability, but you have to be prepared to do a lot by yourself, get to know the technology behind it, be ready to face issues and fix/work them around. For some people that maybe too complicated and definitely very different from the impression they’ve got from the official MCV’s demo videos… :slight_smile: They would rather pay upfront to get everything installed and configured for them and have no problems (supposedly :))

This is very similar to Windows vs. Linux debate or Commercial Software vs. Open Source Software etc. etc. I personally enjoy the latter… :slight_smile: