therockhr

Why would it kill it internationally? When Dish bought Sling they didn't just totally abandon the product and make it Dish only. They just integrated that software into their products but still kept the existing Sling products. You can still use Sling with other Satellite/Cable providers. As for R&D I would think Dish would be able to provide more for that than C4 could on their own. Dish hinted at CES last year that they wanted to expand into whole home audio. This gives them a way to do that. Why would it be a disaster? For most users and dealers they would probably not even notice a change. Dish's competitors are doing more than dipping their toes into it: http://www.xfinity.com/home-security.html- Comcast http://www.verizonwireless.com/smart-home/- Verizon https://my-digitallife.att.com/learn/explore-home-automation- AT&T/DirecTV While it is far fetched to think Dish would buy C4, they are going to get into this market eventually.

That was my point; I think them buying C4 would benefit Dish. If/when Dish decides to do more than just put a radio inside a box they will have to make a decision whether to spend millions to develop a home automation platform or just buy an existing company. If they bought them they would probably keep the entities somewhat separate like they did when they bought Sling but would integrate it into Dish hardware. Would it? Say they integrated some of the AV only features of the Control4 software in the Hopper system. A customer calls Dish and wants to get a Hopper system installed. Once the installer is on-site they ask the customer if they would want more control over their system and demo's some of the basic Dish/Control4 integrated AV features and shows where they could expand in the future if they want. The user likes it but doesn't want to pay $100-$300 up front. The installer says they can spread it out over the monthly Dish network programming charges. The user agrees and the installer does a basic 4 room setup. The Dish Hopper and Joeys would have a couple of integrated IR/RS232 ports on each box to control TV's and AV devices (along with IP drivers). The Dish Hopper would be the master controller in this setup. Would make for a pretty neat, easy to install system.

I was just looking over the specs for the rumored new Dish Hopper and noticed it was going to include a Zigbee radio. Even though it's probably there for just their remote, there are rumors that they would like to do some home automation. If they wanted to get serious about it they would just go ahead and buy Control4. Here are a couple of reasons it would make sense: - Expands their dealer base: Sure some Control4 dealers are not going to want to be satellite installers or sell Dish, but for small shops it would provide additional revenue. It also provides dealers leads that they otherwise wouldn't have. - Gives the potential for add-on sales after the install: If you have had Dish installed lately you notice they try to push some additional things like HDMI cables or mounting TV's. With Control4 they could add the option for a HC-250 and SR-260 to control a family room setup. There would also be the potential to integrate Control4 software into the Dish Hopper system. You could make the Dish Joeys act as HC-250's and include a couple of IR/RS232 ports on them. Would really reduce the number of boxes and installation someone would need at a TV endpoint. Anyway, I think it would be interesting if Dish is serious about trying their hand at home automation.