[mleung]

Hi,

I am re-wiring the whole house (8 zones) and would like to take the opportunity to put in multi-room AV. I require Ethernet, audio, video and lighting control at each of the 8 zones with touch panel wall plate controls.

At this stage, I don't have the budget to install a fully integrated system (e.g. Control4 or OPUS, 35-40k quoted by dealer). So I want to put in cables first from a hub to each zone and stay as open standard as possible to allow retro-fit later on.

In the mean time, I would install some stop-gap tactical solutions until a budget is there for the full system.

Advise on the following would be greatly appreciated:-

Q1: Is 4xCat6 to each zone enough, say for a Control4 retro-fit in the future (or any system)?

Q2: Do I need a coax to each zone as well? Why?

Q3: I am thinking of terminating these 4xcat6 in the ceiling void with an access panel. Ethernet (data)/HDMI (TV) wall plate and ceiling speakers will be run from this terminating point to a desire location around the zone.

Q4: For a touch screen wall plate, should I run another cat6 (injected with POE) from this terminating point to the light switch location by the doorway?

Q5: As a stop-gap solution, I am going to use SONOS for audio, a HDMI matrix over cat6 for video distribution and RAKO for lighting. Does this make sense?

Q6: I am struggling to decide how to control all 3 systems with just one remote control. There are iPhone apps which can control SONOS and RAKO but not the HDMI matrix. Alternatively, Pronto/Nevo can be programmed to control the matrix and RAKO but not the SONOS. Any suggestion?

Q7: Is there any stand-alone IP based touch screen wall plate that can be programmed to control these 3 systems?

Q8: Does anyone provide just programming service for Pronto or Nevo (not part of an install)?

Sorry about the long post and many thanks for your advice in advance.

Mo

[hornydragon]

Q1: most system need more than just Cat5/6
Q2: its reconmended
Q3: see answer to Q1...
Q4: see answer to Q1...Most need more than just Cat5/6
Q5: Why spend 40-70% of the required budget on a stop gap?
Q6: See the answer to Q5
Q7: Probably its called a PC...
Q8: Yes. (Well prointo in our case)

Also if rewiring why Rako?

[101music]

I would advise looking around for more competitive quotes, or asking those involved to provide a system that can get you going in a few rooms for now.
HD is right, why spend what is still a considearble amount of money on a stop-gap.
If it was me, i'd put in the basic processors and remote controls for what you want, up to your budget, with a view to adding to the system when you have the finances in the future.

[hornydragon]

(e.g. Control4 or OPUS, 35-40k quoted by dealer).

That does seem high considering I am putting in a full system to a 4 bed large house using Naimnet and Digilinx with HD video and Lighting control for not a whole lot more.

Fitting that system to 4 rooms and wiring the others should cost a lot less than going for a stop gap solution and then fitting another in a year or so especially considering the wiring complexities