Re: Mainlobby vs custom application (web server)?

["keyvan2r" <keyvan@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

--- In ukha_d@xxxxxxx, "alanmiddleton74" <yahoo@a...>
wrote:
> Hi all,
>=20
> Looking to control my cd and dvd changer (and the associated tv,=20
amp,=20
> slink-e, ocelot etc) and trying to work out if I should use=20
mainlobby=20
> etc or custom built webpages. At some point it will be extended to=20
> x10 lighting=20
The hardware you mention - apart from Ocelot - is supported directly=20
by the included ML server plugins. The $25 Homeseer 2way plugin will=20
support all HS devices (inc. ocelot) and much, much more. The 2way=20
feature is very useful IMHO
> Is the advantage of mainlobby that it's already assembled and I=20
just=20
> need to glue the pieces together? or is there something I'm=20
missing?=20
> eg mainlobby is quicker, lighter on network traffic, offers some=20
> killer feature that I'm overlooking etc.
I like the mix of ready-to-go (MusicLobby, DVDLobby, WeatherLobby)=20
and the ability to customise and interface. I also like the uniform=20
look and feel across various module. The MLserver app with it's=20
plugins, variables, redirection of commands, etc. provides for a=20
very flexible setup at the back-end to give ease of use for non-
technical users.
I am not sure what you might compare it to for network traffic, but=20
I have found that network usage is tiny and response times very good=20
indeed, when comparing to say the Homeseer web/touch panel I/F.

> At the moment there seems to be a lot of work and cost associated=20
> with mainlobby since it doesn't support all the hardware I have so=20
I  need to add girder, third party plugins etc into the mix and I'm=20
starting to wonder if my own build might actually be simpler + a=20
http  interface appeals for controllers.

Again, it is a question of what yardstick one might use to compare=20
cost Vs performance Vs config/learning curve.
One of my business partners has just moved into his new house with=20
Crestron stuff installed for him by a custom installer - cost of the=20
control gear alone was circa =A365K (=A3185K for the full install!). Not=20
hard when each 10" 320x240 wireless touch panel costs =A34,300.
The functionality of his system is below mine - no touch screen=20
internet access, no DVD server, no weather info, no TV listings, no=20
viewing of security cameras on touch-screens, etc. etc. and the=20
visual quality; the polished look of my Lobby stuff is miles better=20
than Crestron and even better than most AMX systems I have seen.
If you're not tech/IT savvy, then it is unfair to compare it with=20
crestron. I dare say the crestron is more reliable and requires far=20
less intervention for maintenance. But this applies on all=20
PC/Windows based systems Vs custom manufactured!
I am by no means a programer and would have severe difficulty with a=20
roll-your-own system. But even if I could, I am not sure I could=20
achieve the touch-screen friendly features and stunning good looks=20
of Lobby stuff. Right now I have a pretty robust and useable system=20
in a fairly large house and everybody can use it all. The whole=20
house music system is used and liked by household memebers, and they=20
are used to AMX kit!! I keep adding little fun things like horoscope=20
and share price etc. which keeps everyone interested.
I suppose it's up to you what you wish to spend and how easy it=20
would be for you to design and build your own from scratch.
> I know there are advocates of mainlobby in the groups, so thought=20
I'd=20
> sanity check I wasn't missing something.
>=20
> Thanks in advance,
>=20
> Alan.

I am very happy with my choice of cinemar products and I get great=20
support, both from cinemar and other users. I consider it worth the=20
cost, others may/will not feel the same...

Keyvan