Life-ware

[adigitaljohn]

I could not find a thread on Life-Ware? One of our builders would like us to look into this.

Any comments out there?

[COMediaSys]

From my own research, I found that they were 85-90% of the price of a Crestron or AMX system. If I was going to be in that league price-wise, I'd go with the big guys.

[Theaterworks]

There's been one or more big Lifeware threads here that have discussed this. The consensus is Crestron or AMX is really the better choice.

I attended the first Lifeware class here in Chicago a couple of summers ago. Painful. I hope they've improved since then.

[tschulte]

Tell the builder he is crazy! He probably went to the International Builders Show and went to their booth.

Pricing structure is similiar to software licensing. Wait, it IS software licensing! You pay per device attached to the MCE! Every door contact ($), every audio zone ($$), every MCE ($$$). In the end you are looking at a price VERY close to Crestron/AMX with half of the functionality. You have to rely on Microsoft products!

I truly believe that Control4 is a much better option/alternative.

[COMediaSys]

I truly believe that Control4 is a much better option/alternative.

Heretic!




Actually, that was the route I went to get my feet wet in the automation side of things until I was able to bring in the big guys.

[adigitaljohn]

Would you really suggest C4. We have had bad experiences with this line. Have they really changed within the 12-18 months? Honestly?

[tschulte]

Well, I can name lots of successful Control4 installs (that we have done, I have seen done, or know installers that have done them), but can't name one Lifeware (successful or not) install. The only ones I know of are the ones advertised by EI/Lifeware.

[brandenpro]

Look into Homelogic. Below AMX Crestron, above C4. Lifeware is not worth spending the time to look at.

[ChrisRichwine]

Can you guys explain in more detail why you would stay away from Lifeware? Agreed it's not up to snuff with Crestron but I wouldn't mind a line above the URC/RTI route for control. I admit I know nothing personally about Lifeware but was asked to attend the bootcamp this coming Tuesday...figured I'd at least check it out. If the consensus is "pass" I won't waste my time.

BTW, this is my first post on here...aka tweeterguy on RC. Good to see some of the same names over here!

[djnorm]

The biggest reason is one word. "Microsoft".

I would say, by all means, go to the boot camp and see for yourself - let us know what you find out...

PS Do get verified if you can - there is much more fun behind the curtain...