New housebuild AV - Netstreams or Speakercraft

[cmcav]

I am building a new house and have consulted a couple of CEDIA
installers, key requirements being:

- as future-proof as possible
- integration of audio and video
- easy to use
- budget £20-£30k

I thought the answer I would get back would be one of LivingControl,
Opus, Systemline. Neither suggested any of these. One has advised
Netstreams on the basis that, since it is IP-based and so all
components are addressable, it has more control features and is more
future-proof. Having done research, though, Netstreams seems to be
more audio-biased, with less about video. I want to be able to walk
to the control panel, press TV and for the screen to light up with
audio through speakers. If my wife has to fiddle round with another
remote to switch the video, the budget will be taken away! So my
question is whether Netstreams in its current form is the right way to
go (or do I have to wait until HD over IP is a reality, if so when?).

The other CEDIA installer recommended Speakercraft, principally
because it is tried and tested, does what it needs to and can be
upgraded. He thought that LivingControl had less flexibility. As for
NetStreams, he agreed that it was probably the way forward long-term
but, right now, wasn't easy to work with and there had been lots of
issues with drivers (also fewer parthers whose hardware/software can
work with it). Only problem is that the MODE wall units don't look
good (blue lights and white/black fascia are restrictive).

Any thoughts on above systems or for better alternatives would be very
welcome. Thanks.

[DannyD4315]

Hi Mate,

I would take a look at Control4 as well, compared with Netstreams it does exactly the same however costs half the price, They are bring out HD over IP later this year, (so I'm told).

There is alot of new products coming out and they seem to be good with their research and development.

[hornydragon]

Originally Posted by DannyD4315

Hi Mate,

I would take a look at Control4 as well, compared with Netstreams it does exactly the same however costs half the price,

I doubt it i have looked at control4 and its not the same as netstreams Digilinx and certainly not the same as Musica or Panaroma

[DannyD4315]

Originally Posted by hornydragon

I doubt it i have looked at control4 and its not the same as netstreams Digilinx and certainly not the same as Musica or Panaroma

And what did you think about control4 then? what are the differences, I just think for the extra money you are going to pay for Netstreams, it is no way near worth it.

[charris cy]

Horney is right that Netstreams is more advanced than Control 4. Then again Control 4 might be right for you.

Niles ICS is also very good and is very strong on multi-room audio. They will be also offering very soon a cat 5 video matrix swicher and a new 2 way wireless remote.

With your budget I would also look at AMX and Crestron. These are the most powerful systems around and you can do a lot more home automation like HVAC control, curtains and blinds and lighting control. Actually you can control anything with these two.

Also I would advice (considering your budget) to invest in lighting control. There are a lot of advantages that many people do not realise until they start using such a system.

The dealer that suggested to you that Netstreams had problems with the driver is right, but they have fixed almost evrything and the system is quite robust now.

[hornydragon]

Originally Posted by charris cy

Horney is right that Netstreams is more advanced than Control 4.

With your budget I would also look at AMX and Crestron. These are the most powerful systems around and you can do a lot more home automation like HVAC control, curtains and blinds and lighting control.

The dealer that suggested to you that Netstreams had problems with the driver is right, but they have fixed almost evrything and the system is quite robust now.

Netstreams digilinx can do all of that, as well as access control integrated CCTV,

Crestron AMX are control systems and you pay a hell of a lot for them so only go there if you realy need them other wise its £££££ wasted you dont much crstron fcor £20k (considering the cost of panels and remotes)

[hornydragon]

Originally Posted by DannyD4315

And what did you think about control4 then? what are the differences, I just think for the extra money you are going to pay for Netstreams, it is no way near worth it.

No where near worth it how? Control4 looks like a nice control system but fairly baisc, Netstreams Audio is brilliant, as a control system its very good. With the Naim Streamnet coming there is some exciting stuff going on in the netstreams camp.

[Pop up Dragon]

Hi, why not have a look at CSE's web site,they distribute the Living Control and the Speakercraft systems. The guy who i buy most of my equipment from was at Cedia last week and took a picture of the Mode with a silver/chrome facia. He's about to insall it in his shop and will be fitting that finish.
Both AMX and Crestron are more "control " type systems, the Speakercraft is audio first and video second (only distributes composite video--but at the price who cares) .Living Control is audio based but they have a video switcher that will do hidef .Other people like Niles and Xantech,QED and Opus make systems that will do what you want. I think that one of the things that you must have a llok at is the keypad and how you work with it. Some are easy and you just click with them others can be a pain in the arse....but it depends on you.