SmartHomeUSA.com Home Automation

jholmes_jr · Joined: 17 Dec 2006 Posts: 1 Location: Bozeman, MT, USA

I read an article about the new Monster 300 universal remote that uses Z-Wave technology. I've been interested in home automation for some time, but after some very challenging problems had abandoned X-10.

Problem 1: I went to the Smarthome website and noticed that all of the Z-Wave software packages have essentially the same names and descriptions but with vastly differing prices. I can't tell why the $189 package would be better or worse than one that's 25% of the price, and it looks like any of them would require the $39 add-on. Pretty chaotic.

Problem 2: I went on Amazon.com and noticed that the few reviewers of Intermatic Z-Wave products absolutely hated them because the docs and the tech support were so poor. Not encouraging.

These two things make me think it's still to early to stick my toe in the water. Having spent my career in PCs and networking, I've found that you can always spot the pioneers, because they're the ones face-down in the sand with arrows in their backs. I'm intrigued by this new Z-Wave, but I don't want to be another pioneer with an arrow in my back.

Any comments?

Ralph · Joined: 16 Dec 2005 Posts: 165 Location: Smithtown, NY

Z-Wave is expecting a large release from multiple companies. Leviton, Monster, Intermatic, Home Pro and Sylvania keep sending us information about what is going to be a massive release and upgrade as far as product availability. I have no idea what the delay is, but I look forward to the release.

As far as negative reviews on Amazon, I always take tech reviews on sites like Amazon with a grain of salt. Most regular home owners do not take the time to read through the instructions for their book case, imagine how long they skim an automated lighting manual. Z-Wave like most automated lighting has a learning curve, but I don't think it is at all intolerable. I believe anyone with a little patience and a little reading can have a wonderful Z-Wave setup in their home.

With all that said, I still prefer the UPB systems, something about a hardwired signal always meets my preference. I don't think one is superior to the other, I just prefer one to the other.