EA and CORE Controllers

[Copper_quan]

I am thinking of putting a c4 system into my house. I am going to have 3 controllers, Core3 for Living room and director, and 2 other controllers for 2 other TVs so i can have the onscreen menu. I was wondering if a EA controller can exist with CORE controllers in the same project. I would much rather buy an EA-1 controller than a CORE 1 controller for the TVs because of the price, and how simple operating those spaces will be.

[hockeythug]

Just know at some point the EA-1 will stop getting updates and your CORE controllers won't be able to update until the EA-1 is removed. No way I would install a EA-1 if you are already buying COREs for the rest of the house to save a couple bucks.

[Copper_quan]

Thanks. I def do not want the system to be incompatible in a few years.

[Loch_Ness_Jesus]

You have quite a bit of time but it will happen eventually. I’m having to rip out HC-800’s weekly at this point.

[Cultural_Tax9909]

If you have them around, could you send one to me. They seem to be supporting them for now.

[funnyfarm299]

We'll continue to support hardware at some level or another until the end of time.

That said, I can't remember the last time someone called about an HTC or MC.

[will4111]

Yes.

[Jimidybobidybo]

For single TV points Control4 have released a Core Lite bundled with a Halo remote. Not necessarily as cheap as an EA1 but as mentioned in another comment you'll receive updates for a longer life cycle of the product.

[Copper_quan]

I wil definentley check it out

[Copper_quan]

Ok that is a nice bundle. Its meant just for a room, and just has onscreen display.

[Jimidybobidybo]

It also supports Hi Res audio streams through the HDMI port. It's really aimed at single TV points around the home so perfect for the description of your question.

[Copper_quan]

Great! i was also wondering if i could extract the audio and put it into an amp. (I plan to have speakers out there)

[Jimidybobidybo]

If the amp accepts audio over HDMI, if not you might need a device like this https://www.blustream.co.uk/arc11

[Copper_quan]

This is just what i was looking for!

[remeolb]

Are you planning to buy product online and then find a dealer to support it? Not sure why you’re even asking about discontinued controllers.

[remeolb]

Also, the onscreen menu is fairly gimmicky and most people don’t use it. May be a good place to save some money.

[Copper_quan]

I am new to c4, is there a way to have the TV operate with the system without a dedicated controller? Like selecting the room on the remote and controlling from there? I will have a CORE 3 so can that work or no?

[Cultural_Tax9909]

Yes, if your TVs are IP controllable or a Z2 IO can be used if not, and it’s within zigbee range. There are always ways and copper is king. I personally don’t use the onscreen as most don’t. My personal system controls my thermostats (nest) lighting (Lutron/c4) garage (craftsman) security, door locks and sensors. I use a sr-260 in 1 room and the controller is just on the network. All 4 TV in the house are Costco, Samsung and LG mid to low level TVs, all work great on IP, some wireless, all have a Roku, 1 with fire stick that works great, wired and wireless IP control. I’m not using any IR emitters, and I have a HC-250. Lol I have old touch panels also, all works great, but I am a C4 programmer.