I can speak both as a DIY and a custom installer. Both experiences having been nothing but positive. As a home user it's the one piece of equipment that I don' have to think about, it just works. And when something doesn’t, which is more likely something I've done, the support of the community and Michel at UD has been nothing but A plus. To give you an example, one Sunday night I had an issue trying to do an update, it just keep failing. I sent an email to UD and I received an email from Michel about an hour later asking me if I wanted to trouble shoot the problem now.

 

As a custom install it is the only automation product I will install and support for all the same reasons listed about. You put it in and it works and if it doesn't the support is excellent and timely. I used to install another home automation product that ran on windows. And I sold and installed their professional hardware/software appliance which cost $2500 plus. I once had a database problem and submitted a support ticket. That’s been four years and I’m still waiting on a response. I fixed the problem myself only because I have a software background. I've often been called to fix an insteon install that another installer has sold. First thing I tell the customer if you don't have a Universal Device I can't guarantee I can fix your problem. And if they do the problem has never been the Universal Device unit. Ninety percent of the time it's just that the installer didn't have a clear understanding of the programming or problems with the switches themselves. But not one time have I ever had a problem with the Universal Devices. If I would say there is one drawback it would have to be documentation especially in the programming area. And this is not a criticism I've written enough code to know that documentation is the last thing you think about when you're having fun writing cool code.

 

Keep up the excellent work, it’s a great product built and supported by a great group of people.

It's always great reading a good review and experience.

 

I hope that someday the user interface for the ISY gets to the point that on a tablet or a phone my wife can manage the whole system. E.g. tell the system I want this light on at 5:30 every day without having to know what a if then else is, or variables, or control status etc.

 

If I died tomorrow, I'm sure an electrician would be needed to put in dumb switches!

arw01,

 

It's a good dream and one which I personally share with you. This said - and given our resources - I really do not think that we would be focusing too much on the UI. On the other hand, we do spend (to the point of obsession) a lot of time getting the whole system perfected, reliable, and with well defined APIs so that other more artistic souls can come up with a perfect UI.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

Hear hear Micheal. Rock solid is good too. And I like, that if I take a trip, it is still running when I get home!