One of the biggest complaints I hear from owners of complex home electronics systems is: “every time I want to make a little change to the system, I need to call a service technician”.
The biggest fear of most buyers is: “What happens if you die?”
If I die I’ll probably not be in a position to service any systems but the good news is that, while appearing seamless, they are actually formed from separate, manageable systems.
As for witholding system design and configuration notes, we provide everything–and I mean EVERYTHING. Our owner manuals are just as custom as the solutions we provide. Not just a “self help station” filled with the manufacturers product guides. (Request a sample)
With respect to service, there are probably a dozen local people who can troubleshoot and service our advanced security systems. Another dozen people who could service the audio systems. Maybe one or two who could fix the lighting controls. A handful who could service our remotes, and at least a hundred who could help with the automation system remotely via the internet.
The key is in the design.
Our systems are designed by choosing the best combination of products for your application, then integrating them at a higher control level. This way, each system is self-contained and can do what it does best without requiring another system or complex interface to operate.
The design also documents the entre system. And as-builts are just that–As Built. Documenting any last minute changes that were made during construction.
As for source code, there are some reasonable code protection steps taken that help keep knawing competitiors from copying our advanced code. This is easily resolved with escrow accounts for the software source code. And we keep every version so it’s easy to maintain.
Even smart guys get in trouble.
The ability to tweak and play with your systems is carefully controlled. Core functions, like lighting connections, are fixed, as potential damage to the system could occur. Core security functions are tamper proof for good reasons. Even the basic control functions of the remotes and in-wall controllers are relatively protected so the #1 complaint from wives is not realized: “My husband was tinkering with it, now it doesn’t work, and I can’t turn the [lights|TV|music|___] on!”
With core functions stable (I think of them as Utilities) you can play to your heart’s content with the automation scripts that oversee and control them.
The good news is that we keep local and remote backups of your systems. This means you can play with the automation settings and add your own automation scripts without fear of ending up with a crippled system.
See for yourself how an advanced home automation and control system from DistinctAV can provide years of luxury and entertainment without that “over a barrel” feeling.
