New study of 3,000 consumers by Support.com rails on home automation systems for having poor user experience and low value. In all, 79% of buyers label cost, setup, and maintenance as a ‘turn-off.’
Jason Knott
Jason Knott is Data Solutions Architect and Evangelist for D-Tools. He is the former Editor-in-Chief of CE Pro. He can be reached at [email protected].
Jason Knott's Latest Posts
Integrator Cuts Network-Related Service Calls by 87%
Rich AV Design in Stamford, Conn. reduces its network-related on-site service calls immensely by switching to enterprise-level products from Access Networks. In addition, its on-site installation time is down to just 15 minutes.
CDGi Suspends Its Indie Home Theater Seating Packages
Cinema Design Group International (CDGi) is stopping the production of its affordable Indie Home Theater seating packages, noting the furniture market is on ‘a race to zero in pricing’ hit by ‘cheap imports.’
Leading California Integrator AudioVisions Joins HTSA
After 26 years in business, CE Pro 100 integrator AudioVisions finally joins a buying group, selecting Home Technology Specialists of America (HTSA).
Nortek Beats Earnings Forecasts; A/V Group Breaks Even
Security & Control Solutions (2Gig) segment shows 7% revenue growth in Q4, while Audio, Video & Control Solutions (Core Brands) has 27% sales decrease, but breaks even on bottom line.
How Electronic Environments Operates $10M Custom Business in NYC with No Vehicles
Manhattan-based custom installation firm Electronic Environments works with top brands that have NYC showrooms, uses remote diagnostics, and owns zero company trucks, vans or sedans.
MantelMount: From Humble Crowdfunding Startup to Custom Success
In less than one year, MantelMount migrates from Kickstarter campaign to success in the custom electronics industry with cantilevered TV mount.
California City Asks Homeowners to Register Outdoor Surveillance Cameras
City of Manhattan Beach wants any homeowner with a residential surveillance camera to register it with the police department so law enforcement can make requests for footage if nearby crimes should occur.
Is Home Theater Carpet Your Next Profit Center?
Home theater carpet is unique due to its use of patterns not found in traditional home flooring. It can be a very profitable category for integrators, with margins up to 40%.
Torus Power Spins Off from Plitron Manufacturing
Transformer-based power product maker Torus Power has incorporated as a standalone business and is now operating as an autonomous entity, independent from parent company Plitron Manufacturing, Inc. Kevin Main named president and COO.
SEC Charges Harman Executive with Insider Trading
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) alleges executive at Harman International Industries earned more than $130,000 in one day due to insider trading in 2013.
Adelyte Unveils Crescendo 2.0 Open-Source Crestron Programming Software
Adelyte’s new Crescendo 2.0 is a free open-source programming framework for Crestron systems in SIMPL that includes a full scope-of-work demo that offers a complete working system with rooms, areas and features.
