Major shortcoming in Paradox new panel lineup

[regsiemens@xxxxxxxxxxx]

We've been using Paradox Spectra and Digiplex panels for years with
very good success.  Feature-rich, reliable, good value, easy to use,
etc.  Well just this week we've learned that their whole panel lineup
has been revamped and the biggest problem is that all newly designed
panels now require keystrokes beyond the 4-digit code to arm and
disarm.  e.g. Arm 1234, Off 1234, etc.  What a huge step backwards.
For us, this represents a huge customer support nightmare!  The number
of calls from casual users along the lines of "I've punched in my code
a bunch of times and the *!@# thing won't shut off...what should I do"
will be huge!

How can this be a good thing?  Why add features at the expense of ease
of use?  I've called Paradox and expressed my disappointment and
advised them that we will not be installing their new product and will
regrettably be using another brand of panel.  If enough dealers
communicate similar sentiment, perhaps there's hope of this changing
sooner than later.

Contact info at http://www.paradox.com/Contact/Default.asp

Reg Siemens
Tower Security Systems Inc.