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| EMagazine Volume 5 Issue 2 April / May 2000 |
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Toys Interview - April 2000 - [HTI Home Page] |
HomeTech Hot Products Continuously Updated [Click Message To Learn More] |
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Interview - Structured
Cabling Solutions The rate of adoption among builders seems to be increasing as they understand the benefits of today's modern home wiring systems. There are many key homebuyer needs that are driving this rapid rate of adoption, including high-speed Internet access, multiple phone line families, digital satellite services, and multiple PC households. |
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QUESTION 1: What do you recommend as a standard cabling package for a modern home? Please list the components of the system and their uses. (i.e. Distribution Panel, Number of cables and types, outlets etc.).
ANSWER 1: The recommended standard cabling package consists of a structured wiring system to support TV outlets, telephone outlets, and home network outlets. The recommended equipment includes an OnQ Modular Enclosure, a 1x6 Telecom Module, a 1x4 Passive Video Module, 5 Port Network Interface Module, 4 Port Network Hub, cabling, and outlets. All telephone cabling is OnQ Category 5 telecommunications cable, RG6 quad-shield coaxial cable is used for video distributionm, and Category 5E for home networking. The recommended system provides connectivity for up to four phone lines at each telephone outlet. In addition, the OnQ System configuration accommodates the addition of modular upgrades for home entertainment, and home office & education center.
QUESTION 2: Have the recommended cabling standards changed over the past year? Have more wire types been added / changed? Are there more applications now ... please elaborate?
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QUESTION 3: Is structured cabling a standard component in new home construction yet? If not ... how soon will it be considered so? How much does it add to the cost of the home? Is this cost more or less than it was a year ago?
ANSWER 3: Many builders are, in fact, offering structured cabling as a standard component in their homes. Crossmann Communities is an example of numerous production builders across the country who offer the OnQ System standard in the new homes they build. The rate of adoption among builders seems to be increasing as they understand the benefits of today's modern home wiring systems. There are many key homebuyer needs that are driving this rapid rate of adoption, including high-speed Internet access, multiple phone line families, digital satellite services, and multiple PC households.
The OnQ Base Package adds approximately $500 to the cost of a new home.
QUESTION 4: How has the explosion of Home Networking and Broadband Internet Connections affected the design and cost of Structured cabling systems?
ANSWER 4: The OnQ Home Network upgrade, which can be added to the OnQ Base System, was created to address the strong consumer demand for networking computers together. This simple upgrade, which allows homebuyers to network up to four computers, enables sharing of broadband Internet connections, printers, and other expensive peripherals. Additionally, there has been increased interest in higher speed home networks. In this case, homebuyers can purchase the optional OnQ 8 Port 10/100 Network Hub which provides the fastest speeds available for in-home networks.
QUESTION 5: Is the use a fiber optic cabling something that the homeowner should consider in the structured wiring system? Why / Why not? How costly is it?
ANSWER 5: There is no question that fiber optic cabling provides tremendous benefits with respect to high immunity to interference and very high bandwidth. However, there are still some concerns regarding the practical use of it in the residential market, due to factors such as lack of standards, high cost of cable termination, and the lack of reasonably priced networking equipment. The high performance and quality of Category 5/5E and RG6 Quad-Shield Coaxial cable provide viable alternatives to fiber optics both for now and well into the future. The bottom line is that if the customer feels more comfortable running fiber to have it available for future connection, then they should go ahead with it.
QUESTION 6: How does your system integrate or interface with a Residential Gateway? What does the future hold and how will your system adapt to new technologies?
ANSWER 6: The modular design of the OnQ System easily accommodates new technologies. Residential gateways can be interfaced in a variety of ways with the OnQ System. By locating the gateway device in the OnQ Enclosure, homeowners have the greatest amount of flexibility to interface to their incoming services such as DSL or cable modem service as well as reconfiguring their outlets for different kinds of services.
QUESTION 7: Please describe what makes your system unique or superior to other cabling systems in the marketplace.
ANSWER 7: The award-winning OnQ System has many unique advantages in today's marketplace. The modular design and breadth of the OnQ product line allows customers to start off with a high-performance entry level structured wiring system and grow all the way to a full-featured home management system that manages your lights, thermostats, security, and more. The OnQ System features leading-edge technology, including the OnQ 8 Port 10/100 Network Hub for home networking, the OnQ Digital Satellite Multiswitch for multiple room satellite service from the same satellite dish, and OnQ ALC Lighting Control for more robust lighting control features than other systems.
The industry's most popular system among installers and builders, OnQ is quick and easy to install, saving time and headaches on the job. The patented "Tri-Rail" mounting system allows fast module installation and easy configuration.
The industry-leading marketing support programs, the OnQ Professional Installer Program and OnQ Builder Program, both provide comprehensive sets of sales and marketing tools to help generate more business for both builders and installers. The OnQ Professional Installer Program provides focused support from the OnQ team combined with sales and marketing tools including access to the OnQ National Sales Lead Tracking System, premier home systems training and technical support, OnQ website listings, marketing graphics and artwork, participation in OnQ sales promotions, and the opportunity to provide feedback directly to OnQ senior management. The OnQ Builder Program provides a similar set of sales and marketing tools, including free model home merchandising displays, discounts on model home equipment, customized builder press releases, direct public relations support, Home Wiring 101, OnQ website listings, and consumer-oriented literature.
