Control4 interview

[electron]

I am sure many of you have heard about Control4 and their products. They were one of the first to support the ZigBee automation protocol (not sure if they are 100% compliant yet). While they aren't DIY friendly, the video is still interesting.

In this episode of Horsepower, Eric Smith, Chief Technology Officer of Control4 explains their approach to home automation and how their technology makes every electrical system in the home part of a larger system. Twelve Horses President and host of Utah Tech Spotlight, Steve Spencer, learns how the Control4 approach allows your home’s systems to work together to do things none of them can do on their own. Home automation systems also to greatly increase efficiency of a home allowing you to optimize energy use. The only fully LEED certified home in the world uses Control4 and only draws 300 Watts when in shut down mode.

Control4 interview

 

[AnthonyZ]

Typical C4. Couldn't tell the truth if they wanted to. For those of you who watch the video, the LEED Platinaum rated home used in the pitch is NOT the only Platinum rated home in the world and I resent the fact that they don't bother to either check their facts or advertise honestly. How do I know? I automated a home in Flagstaff, AZ last November and guess what, I didn't use C4. When I worked the project the home was, in fact, the fourth residence with a Platinum rating in the world and that's been some time, so who knows how many exist now. F'n scumbag liars.

 

[123]

... and only draws 300 Watts when in shut down mode.

300W doesn't seem very low if everything is "shut down". What am I missing here? What is "shut down mode"?

 

[LightenUP]

I have been looking at this stuff as well and have not found where their limitations are. Everything has challenges, so what are the issues they deal with?

Is ZIGBEE that much better than Z-WAVE?

Mesh networks can get expensive, I wonder what they offer in packages.

Do they distribute (Install) the sound systems.

Do the clients extend or add to their system after install or do they still work with the integrators?

What will interfere with ZIGBEE, I know there's something that they are not telling.

 

[sic0048]

If I understand correctly, even an energy efficient refrigerator/freezer is going to use about 5.5kwh per day. If my calculations are correct, isn't that about 200 watts constant power draw? If so, just that appliance is going to use up 2/3 of the shut down power usage. So I would guess that this means virtually everything else is turned off, including any HVAC which may be OK for some of the year, but I don't think that would fly all year long in Utah.

 

[Waynedb]

... and only draws 300 Watts when in shut down mode.

300W doesn't seem very low if everything is "shut down". What am I missing here? What is "shut down mode"?

I would imagine they switch off power to electronics completely instead just turning them off. I have 6 satellite receivers in my house pulling over 150 watts turned off, I have lots of other little phantom loads all over the house so that number is not bad. My refrigerator and my Freezer use more than 300 watts.