maxspivak

If I get a Kwikset or Baldwin C4-compatible lock, which app do I use to manage the lock? Such as provisioning new users, changing codes, etc? Is this in the C4 app or the native manufacturer app? Can I still use the manufacturer app to lock & unlock or only via C4 app? Kwikset vs Baldwin? People seem to recommend Kwikset, but wife like Baldwin. Any actual downsides to the latter?

AFAIK, Luma cameras are Hykvision with custom firmware that supports the 720p stream for OSD and C4 app. Luma cameras are the ones that are needed. NVR doesn't matter. With that in mind, one of the integrators wants to use LTS Platinum NVR. He says it's more cost effective compared to Luma. (I like that) Any feedback on this beastie?

Why? The Episode Response DSP Amplifier that I'm referring to (links: snap, volutone) has both matrix and power amp capabilities in one unit. It is fully supported by C4. It costs $2200. Compared to that, combination of Triad matrix and Triad 16ch amp is closer to $5k. Is there any downside to the Response? It saves a few bucks and one less black box in the rack, less interconnects, etc.

Unfortunately, I don't think Genie openers work natively with Amazon Key garage delivery. So it's either install Genie that integrates natively with C4 and then a separate MyQ hub for Amazon Key. Or install Chamberlain or LiftMaster that have MyQ built in (and therefore Amazon Key), and then use something like Garaget to link to C4. Decisions, decisions...

Would Kwikset or Baldwin locks that are integrated into C4 also work with their separate native mobile apps? That’s sometimes easier to give to a child, relative, guest, etc than the whole C4 app. How well does it work to have two residences on the same C4 app? Doesn’t it take a while to load the other home, especially on a cellular connection?

What would you suggest for integration? I plan to go with MyQ garage opener - it has a nice app of its own and integrate with Amazon Key delivery directly into the garage.

We've got two dealers creating proposals for our 4200 sq ft house that's getting built. Nothing overly fancy - C4 control, lighting (100 switched legs, so some would be panelized), surveillance, shades, 8 audio zones, 1 home theater, networking, door locks. Note that we have a C4 system in my primary house since 2006. Both proposals are in the $150k range, of which shades is about $46k (28 windows). (This is excluding theater A/V gear.) Networking Let's start with networking. Both are specifying Araknis 310 router & switches. One is specifying 5x Ruckus Unleashed R550 WAPs. The other is specifying either 4x Araknis 810 Series WAPs or 5x Ubiquity AC Pro WAPs. Suggestions on WAPs? Both dealers are saying that I must use Araknis (or Pakedge) routers and switches as Ubiquity is on C4 "do not use" list and you end up with finger pointing from C4 tech support. How much of a problem is it in reality? Will C4 really not support their product unless Snap networking is used? Surveillance Both are specifying Luma cameras and either Luma or LTS NVR. This way the cameras have the 720p stream to send to the C4 app. I currently don't have the surveillance n the C4 app - is it a good option? The capability seems very limited as compared to the Ring app. I asked one about UniFi surveillance, he said he doesn't like the camera mounts and it doesn't integrate well with C4 and requires a 3p driver that he doesn't like to use. Distributed Audio Both initially specified Triad 16 channel power amp and Triad 16x16 matrix switch. I pushed them both towards the Episode Response Matrix Amp for cost savings and they both reluctantly agreed. One pushed Triad pretty hard because of "better quality components" but for background music from ceiling speakers - it doesn't really matter. Any actual downsides to the Response over Triad? Security None of them really do traditional security systems. My current system is the old GE Concord4 panel with the RS2000 bridge to C4, which allows for integration. Wife loves the automation that turns on all lights when alarm is tripped. Any suggestions how to proceed with something that integrates well with C4? I do want door sensors and either window contact sensors or glass break + motion + siren. This is the Tahoe area, so bear break-ins is the biggest threat. Yes - bears. Lighting We have 100 switched legs to control and want to minimize "wall acne". Each room has anywhere from 3 to 6 lighting zones (cans, wall step lights, wall sconces, chandeliers, pendants, linear, etc). Each room will have at least one wireless dimmer or a keypad dimmer so that in event of control system failure, one circuit in a room still works. The other circuits may be panelized and accessed via scenes from the keypads, mobile app or Alexa or in some cases multiple dimmers in a gang. We're OK with wall acne in secondary bathrooms, for example. Any feedback on this plan? Locks Both are specifying C4-approved locks. Are Baldwin, Kwikset and Yale the only options? HVAC How is the Aprilaire thermostat? It's just kind of... utilitarian and ugly looking - currently have Ecobee that's much more elegant. Control, Rack Two racks - one in media room for theater A/V gear, one by garage for everything else. EA3 for media room and EA5 to run rest of house. Both are specifying rather pricy WattBox, UPS, Branch Circuit Protection... Thanks in advance for answers and feedback! Max

HouseLogix is no more. This would be for a new install.

Building a new home - is there a security system out there that integrates well with C4 and allows using either its native app (such as alarm.com or other) as well as programming in C4 and use through the C4 app? Wife and kids like the alarm.com app. But would still like to have security triggers to activate scenes, such as "alarm alert turns on all lights" I have this right now via old Concord4 panel with alarm.com app and the communications bus into C4. The question above is for the new house we're building.

You definitely can. But often that will capture more of the screen than you need. When I screen capture (and I do a fair amount of it in my regular job) I usually try to size the window to show the relevant part, and then capture the window. This way you minimize the dimensions of the picture, yet still show everything that you need to see.

Excellent. One minor suggestion: instead of pressing "Print Screen", press "Alt"-"Print Screen" while Composer is the selected window. The first captures your whole monitor screen. The second captures just the active/selected window, in this case Composer.