Where to begin with an integrated security system?

[jlokanis]

Timkur,

I have not bought anything yet, but I did like what I saw about the Nuvo Concerto. For me, it has enough zones and sources. Plus the API looks pretty straightforward. I plan to write my own driver and touch screen GUI for it instead of using their control pads.

I have not really looked at the Russound unit. One of the bidders on my HA install told me about the Nuvo. So, maybe I need to do some more research.

BTW: what language are you going to use for your GUI? I have put together some code in LabVIEW that is working well.

-John

 

[timkur]

I haven't done any indepth comparisons of the distributed audio amps, but the Russound CAM6.6T is at the top of my list. It seems a lot cheaper than the Concerto (though my quick internet search turned up one for $7k that included all of the keypads... I'm guessing the unit on its own is a lot cheaper), and I skimmed through the RS232 protocol and it seems like you can do pretty much anything with it.

As far as the GUI... I was thinking of just throwing something together using C#/Winforms, and then when/if Vista and Avalon ships, moving the UI to that if I have the time.

I'm not really much of a UI programmer though... I'll be most at home writing the serial interfacing. Hopefully I can come up with something the wife will actually be able to use.

Tim

 

[jlokanis]

timkur,

I have seen the Nuvo Concerto with keypads for under $2k. If the Russound is $7k, I think you can find a cheaper solution...

 

[timkur]

Sounds like the Russound is in the same price point then.... under $2k with keypads.

Stats seem pretty similar too... must be products competing to the same audience.

Tim