New Install

[Tech Junkie]

Hello,

New to C4 and the forums. Have many questions, but will try to condense to a few main basic ones. Advice appreciated. System install was part of new construction. EA-5, network switch, dimmers, camera pre wires, lots of structured hard wiring, garage etc.

1. Although I got an EA-5 "Entertainment Bundle", it only included the controller. No remote. Is it typical for the remote to be an add-on for a $3800 bundle of an EA-5 in your experience?

2. None of my sources were added to the system (Somfy MyLink for window shades, Apple TV, BluRay Disc, etc) and the reason I was given was that's only if I have it in multiple rooms...so I'd have to buy another EA-1 to do that? Can I add those devices?

3. Why would I need(or how would I exploit) the RG-6 and HDMI cables coupled with Cat6/5e in various rooms

4. The OS was just installed and is on 2.1.  Is that the latest version?

[msgreenf]

19 minutes ago, Tech Junkie said:

Hello,

New to C4 and the forums. Have many questions, but will try to condense to a few main basic ones. Advice appreciated. System install was part of new construction. EA-5, network switch, dimmers, camera pre wires, lots of structured hard wiring, garage etc.

1. Although I got an EA-5 "Entertainment Bundle", it only included the controller. No remote. Is it typical for the remote to be an add-on for a $3800 bundle of an EA-5 in your experience?

2. None of my sources were added to the system (Somfy MyLink for window shades, Apple TV, BluRay Disc, etc) and the reason I was given was that's only if I have it in multiple rooms...so I'd have to buy another EA-1 to do that? Can I add those devices?

3. Why would I need(or how would I exploit) the RG-6 and HDMI cables coupled with Cat6/5e in various rooms

4. The OS was just installed and is on 2.1.  Is that the latest version?

4 - 2.10.4 is the latest.  I don't think 2.1 was installed - that shipped in 2011 and isn't going to work on an EA5

1 - Can't comment

2 - that doesn't make sense. that is likely not true

[Tech Junkie]

5 minutes ago, msgreenf said:

4 - 2.10.4 is the latest.  I don't think 2.1 was installed - that shipped in 2011 and isn't going to work on an EA5

1 - Can't comment

2 - that doesn't make sense. that is likely not true

Thanks...Just logged into the controller via my PC...seems OS is 2.10.2. so my mistake.  As for number 2...yes it didnt make sense to me either. I know these are broad questions without a lot of context, so even limited feedback appreciated.

[Tech Junkie]

For #1  I maybe should have known that was not a fair public forum question, but how about is it typical/sufficient to consider iOS interfaces as a suitable alternative to an integrated remote? I'm not getting what is integrated about this that I couldn't have done myself.  And right now it seems the only thing preventing me from doing it myself is permissions.

[sonic30101]

Sounds like you need to have a proper sit down with your integrator. Not enough communication was done on both sides. They didnt get your expectations and you didnt clarification about what you are controlling and how things would be implemented. 

[Tech Junkie]

That's fair. But this did follow an extended sitdown and multiple interactions where I asked questions and laid out what I use, and where I plan to get to.  One example is SONOS was being pushed as an amp solution for our two rooms of wired speakers, and when I asked about integration given the latest API baseline, and asked for a comparison with a TRIAD or similar solution, I got crickets. The install tech was highly capable, but the integrator-dealer maybe is not very C4 savvy, so we have a lack of unified communication. You are right. I will fix that part.

[South Africa C4 user]

You certainly need a remote (in my view) to make the system useful (practical) in a room with a TV.

The secret to success with your C4 system is a good dealer who understands the system AND your requirements from it.

[Matt Lowe]

1. pricing has a lot of variables and without know what you paid for everything is hard to tell what was actually charged for. Personally for $300 bucks the remote with the charging station is awesome and you should have one.

2. you can add as much as you would like with the ea5. but the io is limited to it locally. so depending on the other devices they may need local io.

mylink is ip controlled so can be added just takes time

apple tv is ip controlled but if you can control the tv power for the tv would be an issue kind of cec might be an option

most blu-ray are ir so they could be controlled fairly easy with a wire run

etc depends on the device and its control methods.

3. centrallized wiring leaves you with so many options just need to decide what you want and how you get there.

4. as explained the latest OS changes often. Do you need the latest every time it comes out, likely no. Get info on the release and find out what they have added/fixed and if it applies to your system then yes you may very well want it. Often though if you are not changing equipment or content with the system many go years with out ever updating the OS.