What do you want to know about Z-Wave?

[KenM]

Hi Chris,

Two items:

1) A simple explaination of a possible Z-Wave signal path in the network might be in order. I still get the feeling that most people imagine a direct RF link from the controller to responder. EX: If I need to send a signal from device A to device G, the RF link might actually be from A-B-G. The nearest device picks up the RF and then it is on the net. Some think a direct A-G signal path is required at all times.

2) A simple explaination of the relationship of controller(s) and slave devices would be nice. I have come across some very misleading papers stating that a controller is necessary for network operation. That is true, but they failed to mention that you do not 'need' some mysterious 'controller' managing the network at all times. I can use a TV sized remote just fine to control most all of my devices, or I can use a computerized controller, or both, my choice.

Ken

 

[IVB]

A price point comparison with equivalent mid-level installs would be nice. By mid-level, I mean something like 15-20 switches or controls/etc. Pick someone's house and design to that, so it's a real world install not some bizarre marketing comparison.

Also, why no RadioRA in the comparison? It would seem that PLC vs RF vs zWave would be nice to know.

 

[johnnynine]

This was already mentioned but I am interested in any information regarding true two-way devices or any other means by which a home automation system does not have to poll the devices for state information.

I believe I saw the prices of the Vizia RF devices were around $100 each? Is that correct.

Will there be any other true two-way devices in the $50 range? (Closer to insteon prices)?

edit: typo

 

[George West]

Lutron vs Leviton, that would be a battle of gorillas. But I believe Leviton is the bigger ape.

In any case, a patent fight would take years, and the likely outcome would be a licensing settlement, with no disruption in supply.

After all, these companies only really care about the money.

The Lutron vs Leviton death match already happened. From filing to settlement was 02/05 to 08/05. Leviton settled.

Lutron doesn't appear to license IP; at least we could find no evidence that they do.

Lutron also doesn't lose. In the cases we studied they were 9 for 11 with losses to Genlyte and to Osram Sylvania.

Joel Spira at Lutron has over 100 patents alone. The company is an IP machine from creation to development and exploitation to defense. They also grew from nothing to what they are today, over the course of one man's career, and remained totally private. In a lot of ways Lutron is more of an American success story than Microsoft.

George West
www.wtrs.net

 

[rocco]

From filing to settlement was 02/05 to 08/05. Leviton settled.

Lutron doesn't appear to license IP . . .

Thanks, George.

For Leviton to have settled within six months, I suspect they were anxious to get their ZWave line out.

But I'm curious as to how they settled, if Lutron doesn't license? If Leviton is still using the technology, maybe they traded rights? (but that would be the same as licensing, I guess).

Oops, I did it again. Sorry for the hijack, Chris.

 

[mdonovan]

The Lutron vs Leviton death match already happened.

That's great. The death match

Thanks for posting that. Sorry too Chris for hijacking your thread...

Matt