Opus500

[Kavo]

Hi All,

New to the forum but bringing an issue to those installers among you. I'm a custom installer who has completed probably 20 OPUS500 and Octopus installs for clients.

With no exaguration I can safely say that every job has issues with both kit failures and IR issues (especially with SKY), which is costing in return calls never mind frustration.

I'm really looking at other systems on the market at the moment to replace the OPUS500 system in terms of price and features and I'm open to all suggestions for either the installs with OPUS or a better alternative.

Feedback Welcome

Rob

[hornydragon]

Hi Rob where abouts are you? I had discusions with Opus about there system when i found out the 500 system was more expensive with no added features to what i currently use i lost interest how does 6 zone 4 global sources (18 max) PC control and 25W or 50W in room amps (more power available if required), Local imputs/outputs

[vex]

HD, You're fogetting the local FM Tuner card option that fits to the back of the keypads!!!!!!

lol.

Where are you based Kavo?

[cobleya]

Hi Rob, I recently went on the simply automate opus course and was looking at the octopus as a good entry level multi room audio solution. I don't think the opus 500 is really competitive as a mid level solution, but the octopus appeared to do the job.

Crestron systems seem to be the one everybody would recommend for around 8 - 10K Installed. I have no experience with these but are looking for distributors. I still need an entry level alternative, any solutions for a couple of grand installed.

[vex]

Netstreams Musica is the system that Horny and I are talking about.

[hornydragon]

Originally Posted by cobleya

Crestron systems seem to be the one everybody would recommend for around 8 - 10K Installed.

Really? that would be very very entry level Crestron for £8k installed......... the most basic contoller is £3.5k with no sources (have you seen their server prices) speakes programming or wiring for a basic system at that money ReQuest have a new one that looks quite nice easy toset up and

[Kavo]

Hi All,

Thanks for the replies on this. I'm based in High Wycombe, the crestron gear would be ideal but they have a cost associated with them that I would be a little concerned about.

The octopus system is OK and for an entry level but I need something that will install easily, and work out of the box the OPUS500 kit seems very sensitive to failures. I'd be interested to hear about the training from simplyautomate.

Thanks

Rob.

[cobleya]

Hi all,
Think I need to start again.
I’m new to the forum and any advice on how it works would be welcome (particularly its etiquette). I am an electrician based in the north of England with 20 years experience. I have limited experience in the av market and are looking for a first fix solution that will allow low entry/mid and high end second fix solutions, to suit all budgets.

I was looking at the opus octopus as a mid level system for about £2K installed but am now open to any advice as it seems this system may not be robust and reliable enough. At the high end £10K ish I was told the Creston system room controllers will mount in the same deep 1 gang boxes which the opus gear uses, which would allow for a flexible audio solution (running 2 audio and 2 cat 5 cables from the amp through the room controllers and to the speakers). Does all this sound feasible?

PS the simply automate training course was an introduction to multi room audio/cctv/electric curtains and blinds and a few others bits. It did exactly what it said on the tin
Thanks any advice on any of the subject would be greatly appreciated.

[me262]

Regarding a post by KAVO on having installed 20 Opus systems...

If you were having problems with 20, why not stop after number 6 !!!?

I have had no problems with Opus 500 as it is the most user and install friendly on the market and my customers think it is brilliant value.

The latest master control Unit (called version 2.7 I believe) has now got routed IR so there should be no problems when using Sky.

I suggest KAVO should go on the Opus training which I found to be very informative and it is free! It may help prevent the problems he is having.

Compared to other more expensive multi room systems, I found Opus to be the best and if you went to the CEDIA show, you would see some tasty new products coming soon.

[vex]

The IR problems with Sky is more the sky box being suceptable to IR overload rather than the OPUS system itself.

A manufacturer I know is currently working on an IR injector that will insert the IR control onto the RF2 at the back of the sky box rather than try to fire it is through the IR receiver at the front.

Once it is available I'll get it tested and let you all know.

[hornydragon]

Originally Posted by me262

Regarding a post by KAVO on having installed 20 Opus systems...

If you were having problems with 20, why not stop after number 6 !!!?

because the problems wont rear there head for a while until they user actually starts to use the system.

[hornydragon]

Originally Posted by cobleya

I was looking at the opus octopus as a mid level system for about £2K installed but am now open to any advice as it seems this system may not be robust and reliable enough. At the high end £10K ish I was told the Creston system room controllers will mount in the same deep 1 gang boxes which the opus gear uses, which would allow for a flexible audio solution (running 2 audio and 2 cat 5 cables from the amp through the room controllers and to the speakers). Does all this sound feasible?

It is feasible, there are lots of systems yo can run on the correct Wiring but dont be fooled into thinking Crestron is the be all and end all of the multiroom world i recently saw a £200k (ish) crestron install and the owner is unable to watch TV...........which is especially frustrating when they have spent £80k on a home theatre, If you spec the correct wiring you can fit anything from £2k to £20k. However, and no offence intended while i am sure your a very experienced and competent electrician AV is a completey different ball game and multiroom distributed AV is a fast moving ever changing feild which does require a lot of specialist knowledge and experience . SO i suggest you consider consulting a local specialist.

[Kavo]

HD thanks for the note in response to me262. Your correct in what your saying re users and kit failure.

262, thanks for the reply the training would be great if they were willing to arrange a course I've had many issues with trying to arrange a course and will contact SimplyAutomate to see if they can accomoadte us. I'm not beyond pointing the finger at my team in regards to the failures being our fault but in the abscene of training its impossible to say.

cobleya, great to see someone else new on the forum. this is my first post and its great to get so such interest. I would highly receommend you stick to using a local partner AV company to help you with the installs. I've come across "precabled" installs that have been sold to clients and unless they are "designed" carefully they can be all but usless to a client. Also make sure you use good quality cable, some of the stuff I've seen install will work but in terms of qulaity of the end product its useless.

Rob.

[hornydragon]

Originally Posted by Kavo

HD thanks for the note in response to me262. Your correct in what your saying re users and kit failure.

262, thanks for the reply the training would be great if they were willing to arrange a course I've had many issues with trying to arrange a course and will contact SimplyAutomate to see if they can accomoadte us.

I thought Marantz were the OPus distributors??????

[vex]

They are, but SA (and others) offer an installer model as well as retail.

Put I personally think it is a bad model for them. As soon as people learn the industry and where they can actually get the proper trade from it will turn them off SA and possibly the industry.