[beetle]

So here is my issue...I am about to embark on my second new build home and in the spirit of knowing that one should always be learning from past mistakes I want to look into the possibilities of multiroom av systems...for background purposes I have been here before...in 2006 I chose Opus 500 system and spent approximately £22k in install/hardware. I linked a basic 4 camera cctv system and Escient Fireball to the 4 zone and 4 sub zone Opus 500 system as well as sky hd,blu ray/video players to it....disappointed to say however that the Opus support via my installer and Opus themselves was awful,product generally was pretty unreliable with some system components (especially in first 3/6 months requiring replacement)...pm me for more info if you want it.
So given the above I have ruled out Opus...also as time/technology has moved on I find myself thinking about exactly what I want this time around...the ability to have audio via my Escient fireball (which has been a brilliant and very reliable product) accessible in each designated room is a must..tv and video however now must be BluRay/HD and independent from main source..in other words a sky HD and Blu ray in each room...all of these things are now so much more accessible as component costs have come down so much....in addition can I have things like aux/local ipod connects in each or all rooms and how do I link all of these things together? Can I have hand held/touch screen remotes and/or wall pads...what can a £25k budget get me now ? Cabling will all be done by my electrician so budget covers components/final fix install only. I guess my mail is still a bit vague but what would YOU do if you were in my position ? Thanks for reading this.

[vex]

Hi Beetle,

If you can take a small step back and look at what you actually want to achive, without hardware specifics then it will be easier to work out if it will fit in your budget.

I am sorry you have had a bad experience with Opus as it canbe a great soluition where others may not quite fit your budget.

Happy to be involved with your project when you want us to be.

V.

[beetle]

Thanks Vex...yes my Opus experience is one I do not want to repeat in a hurry...a combination of an install that lacked attention to detail so always required some kind of repair (by Opus approved installer) and when future problems arose and installer was no longer in business Opus were more than happy to wash their hands of the whole thing.Going forward and thinking about exactly what I want is simple...reliable install and reliable product...good clarity audio/video quality in each zone with ability to extend number of zones (or sub zones... to use Opus speak !) I guess in reality I want everything my Opus 500 was supposed to give me but without the Opus badge...what other multiroom system competes in this market around same price point and will it give me reliability...I will take it as read that my next install will be 100% as I have learnt from previous mistakes so will want to ask more questions and ensure I can see what is happening and not just assume that what installer says is fact ! Any suggestions on product I can look at online at this stage will be useful though.I would be delighted to consider you as installer too as know from previous posts that you really know your stuff however geography may pose an issue as I am in Scotland ? Thanks for your input so far.

[kanegk]

Originally Posted by beetle

Thanks Vex...yes my Opus experience is one I do not want to repeat in a hurry...a combination of an install that lacked attention to detail so always required some kind of repair (by Opus approved installer) and when future problems arose and installer was no longer in business Opus were more than happy to wash their hands of the whole thing.Going forward and thinking about exactly what I want is simple...reliable install and reliable product...good clarity audio/video quality in each zone with ability to extend number of zones (or sub zones... to use Opus speak !) I guess in reality I want everything my Opus 500 was supposed to give me but without the Opus badge...what other multiroom system competes in this market around same price point and will it give me reliability...I will take it as read that my next install will be 100% as I have learnt from previous mistakes so will want to ask more questions and ensure I can see what is happening and not just assume that what installer says is fact ! Any suggestions on product I can look at online at this stage will be useful though.I would be delighted to consider you as installer too as know from previous posts that you really know your stuff however geography may pose an issue as I am in Scotland ? Thanks for your input so far.

hi,


i also live in scotland and am currently in process of getting opus 500 installed.
Can you name and shame the company that installed the kit for you?

From my previous post, i have been told Opus system is one of the best AV systems on the market and dont usually pose any issues in terms of kit breaking.

Does Opus not offer a warranty replacement if any of the kit is faulty?

[vex]

It really depends on you budget, for a little more (IMHO) there are far better systems available.

The 500 keypads are a bit long in the tooth now and maybe even discontinued, but the 600 touch screens do look excellent.

Beetle, you biggest problem is finding a system within budget that will use your Fireball. I'll do some digging around for you.

Depending on where in Scotland it is not a problem, we have a dealer in Glasgow and if needed I am only 20mins from Luton.

V.