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| Volume 3 Issue 4 August 1998 |
Features
Interviews
Columns |
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| HTINews Interview - Aug98 - [HTI Home Page] |
[Click Message To Learn More] |
Home Toys Cabling
Interview
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Intelligent Electronic Solutions,
Inc. (IES) Gary Tanner gary@futuresmart.com http://www.futuresmart.com 800-903-4237 |
QUESTION 1: (To give readers an idea of the scope of work involved.) 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: Most manufacturers of Structured wiring would agree that a good distribution system must consist of at least three main components. 1) a head end or control panel. 2) wiring and 3) multi-media receptacles. The design and application of the three components vary greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer. The head end or control panel serves two purposes, 1) to provide a quick and clean installation and interface of equipment. and 2) to provide the homeowner with a user friendly interface, thereby allowing them to make minor changes and adjustments in the configuration of their system. Most control panels provide simple distribution of telephone and TV signals. However, there are a few that incorporate a patch bay and expansion slots. This gives the homeowner more control and room for adding future devices and equipment.
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The receptacles provide the room to room interface with the entire distribution system. Placement and configuration of these receptacles becomes extremely important and should be given serious consideration as you are determining the layout of your home.
QUESTION 2: (To educate readers on what can be expected) What systems would connect and interact via the cabling now and in the future?
ANSWER 2: All the current product offerings.
QUESTION 3: (To establish a baseline ballpark cost) Do you have rule of thumb installed costs for this standard (i.e. $/sq ft. or $/room etc.)? How much more does it cost for retrofit?
ANSWER 3: Varies depending on the scope of the project. I have found that it is difficult to use a square footage factor as it does not take into consideration the customizing of a system.
QUESTION 4: How futureproof is an installation as described here? What could be added to the system (in order of priority) to extend it's life and scope?
ANSWER 4: The key to FutureProofing is to provide as much connectivity as possible with high bandwidth.
QUESTION 5: Can I just get the electrician to install your cabling and components? If not why not and who do I call?
ANSWER 5: The electrician may be able to install your system. However, I have found that most electrician are not educated enough to do a proper install. Custom installers, although they may be a little more expensive, are better trained for this type of installations. Additionally, they better understand the full potential of the system and all of its possibilities.
QUESTION 6: What makes your system unique in the marketplace?
ANSWER 6: IES is one of the only manufacturers to create an expandable and flexible system that provides a great deal of control and upgrade ability for the homeowner. The IES panel is design so that it may be used for anything from simple telephone and TV signal distribution to security, automation, DBS satellite distribution, computer networking, etc.
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