Im looking at upgrading a clients audio system. They have 8 zones, 4 of which its likely they will want to go louder for entertaining. The loud zones will have Triad series 5 in ceiling 8 inches.

My questions:

1. The 16 channel triad amp says 65wpc @ 8 ohms. Great but it doesnt specify all channels driven or 2 channels . I know the older triad amp if you powered all channels it dropped to a whopping 25wpc. Assuming that this 25% power increase is on the old one as stated that means all channels driven will give me 32wpc. This is fine for basic listening but if theres bass and sustained loud volumes I dont want to run into clipping.

2. Episode Dyn amp says 50wpc up to 1000W again no measurement for all channels driven. The pro of these is that they have sub outs. The cons are that they are lower power overall than the triad unless its all channels driven. Have you guys had any experience with either of these in the given scenarios? What would you guys recommend I could also possibly reduce the need for power by using the sub outs and having active subs hooked up where I can get wires to.

My other option is eat the additional costs and just get an audiocontrol amplifier 100wpc all channels and forget the subwoofer option since the triads say " down to 34hz "

Chowmainsoft releases DSC PowerSeries EnvisaLink driver for Control4. DSC is a globally recognised manufacturer of professional security and alarm systems, known for its reliability and extensive range of security solutions. Integrators frequently encounter older DSC PowerSeries panels when upgrading existing homes and businesses. Rather than replacing otherwise functional alarm hardware, integrating these systems into Control4 provides an ideal retrofit solution, allowing homeowners to modernise their security system while retaining their existing investment.

The Chowmain DSC PowerSeries EnvisaLink driver integrates compatible DSC alarm panels with Control4 through the EyezOn EnvisaLink 4 IP communication module. Supporting legacy DSC PowerSeries models 1555, 1555 MX, 1575, 5010 (832), 5020 (864), 1616, 1832 and 1864, the driver enables monitoring and control of existing security systems directly from Control4, including support for multiple partitions.

The integration provides arming, disarming, alarm status and zone monitoring, along with one-way PGM commands for activating programmable outputs on the alarm panel. Security events can trigger Control4 automation, including automated lighting responses and push notifications through Control4 Connect. Installers can also utilise driver events and programmable commands to create customised security workflows. Automatic zone configuration simplifies installation, while multi-partition support enables independent monitoring and control of different secured areas throughout the property.

Driver Features Include:

• Away, Stay, and Disarm Modes
• Virtual Keypad
• Zone List and feedback
• Easy Push / Email Notifications via simple drop-down properties in the driver (Control4 Connect Required): Arming, Disarming, Alarm, Tamper, Trouble, Zone Faults
• Driver Events: Trouble Event - Low Battery, Trouble Event - Low Battery Restored, Trouble Event - AC Power Loss, Trouble Event - AC Power Loss Restored, Trouble Event - Bell, Trouble Event - Bell Restored, Trouble Event - Monitoring Station Communication, Trouble Event - Monitoring Station Communication Restored, Duress Alarm, Partition X Armed (Away), Partition X Armed (Stay), Partition X Exit Delay Started, Partition X Exit Delay Ended, Partition X Entry Delay Started, Partition X Entry Delay Ended, Partition X Alarm, Partition X Keypad Lockout, Partition X Invalid Access Code
• Programmable Commands: Command Output Control, Send Custom Keypress
• Easy Auto Setup of Zone contact drivers.
• Flash Lights on Alarm.
• Driver Variables: PANEL_LAST_TROUBLE, PANEL_LAST_TROUBLE_RESTORE, PANEL_LAST_ZONE_ALARM, PANEL_LAST_ZONE_ALARM_RESTORE, PANEL_LAST_ZONE_TAMPER, PANEL_LAST_ZONE_TAMPER_RESTORE, PANEL_LAST_ZONE_FAULT, PANEL_LAST_ZONE_FAULT_RESTORE, PANEL_LAST_ZONE_OPEN, PANEL_LAST_ZONE_CLOSE

For more information see link below.

https://chowmain.software/drivers/control4-dsc-powerseries-envisalink

I’m still on OS 3.4.3 and have been waiting to upgrade. We’re a big Apple family, and outside of control4 (bought a new house that had it well integrated with lighting panels, drapes, hardwired speakers, luma cameras, thermostat, alarm, fireplaces, upgraded to a Core 5, etc) run everything else through the Apple ecosystem. We have a wall mounted iPad in the kitchen but if Apple Home was integrated with control4 more closely I could see buying a homeview.

Just curious if anyone’s heard anything

The new Apple Homeview screens look very interesting. Both desk and wall mounted.

I've got a number of old wall-mounted T3 and T4 screens around my house, and am wondering if this would be a good replacement for them. I've been slowly replacing the T3s with T4s, but at $1K+ per device even via eBay it's been a sad joke.

The screens today are used for:

1. Starting Apple Music playlists on the C4 system and picking rooms / adjusting volume.
2. Glancing at the weather before heading to school
3. Showing video of the doorbell feeds when the an event is detected

Seems I can use POE to power the USB-C based Homeview via the Unifi adapter. There's room in the wall boxes for the device.

Has anyone played with these yet? I'm not familiar with the more recent Control4 / IOS changes since X4 (the T3 screens have prevented upgrades past X4.0), and would love to get some thoughts from folks.

Hello All

My C4 system runs very well. I have a Core 5 a bunch of Halo remotes, Audio Matrix by AV Pro, Somfi Shades, Lutron Caseta lights, lots of sony and samsung TVs with many apple TVs.

I sometimes get jealous when at a friends house and they say hey alexa or hey siri and they are able to turn on / off lights, tvs, ....

I am not much of a voice guy but wouldn't mind layering something on top of my Control 4.

Does control 4 play nice with Apple Home ? If I set up a apple home on one of my apple tvs will it work with Control 4? Will my devices on C4 carry over to Home kit??

What about Josh? If I install a few Josh mics in certain rooms can I tell josh to turn on tv, lights, shades, .... How Deep is the voice control / C4 integration?

Does C4 have any voice control natively?

Looking to up the simplicity in my system by adding voice - looking for options thanks!

Hi all — looking for advice from people who’ve been here.

Setup: Control4 lighting and audio, C4 intercom, EA-3 controller running the zones, Episode Response Series DSP, Episode receiver, plus cameras. Located in the Greater Toronto Area.

Problem: I leaned entirely on my integrator for the design and install. Early on it was fine — they said to flag small issues and they’d fix them remotely. That’s stopped. Now minor app or config changes come with a service fee, which I’m fine paying, except the work still doesn’t get done and my calls go unanswered. Current examples: a smart switch that won’t respond via the app, and several cameras that never show up in the app at all.

I have no access to the programming, so I can’t touch any of it myself.

Two options:

1. Become my own dealer. I’m willing to put in the learning time — is this realistic for a homeowner? And how do I get the current integrator off my account? Their info still shows in the app.
2. Switch integrators. No new hardware wanted, just someone to take over and configure what’s installed. How hard is the transfer, and does the outgoing dealer have to cooperate?

Any experience with either path would be appreciated. GTA dealer recommendations welcome too.

One of my halo touch remotes has been restarting every time I quick press the off button. Pressing and holding the off button, the screen stays black until I let go then it starts the boot up process. My dealer is less than helpful and of course I am out of warranty. Factory reset did not fix it. Has anyone had this happen to them or know a solution?

VIZIO is one of the largest television brands in North America, offering a wide range of displays from entry-level to premium models. Current VIZIO televisions run SmartCast (ViziOS), which provides streaming applications, built-in Chromecast and AirPlay casting, and access to live television through a single interface.

The Chowmain VIZIO Smart TV driver provides native integration between Control4 and VIZIO SmartCast televisions. The driver communicates directly with the television using VIZIO's SmartCast API over the local network, with no third-party software, IR emitters or additional hardware required.

The driver provides bi-directional IP control and feedback including power, volume, mute, input selection and the currently running app, along with navigation, transport controls, direct channel tuning, app launching, the Control4 Apps menu, Universal Mini Apps and the included VIZIO Custom App driver.

Driver Features:

• Compatible with VIZIO televisions running SmartCast (ViziOS).
• Native bi-directional IP control using VIZIO's SmartCast API.
• No third-party software, IR emitters or additional hardware required.
• Secure pairing using the PIN displayed on the television.
• Automatic detection of the SmartCast API port (7345 on current firmware, 9000 on older firmware).
• Power On and Power Off control with power state feedback, including Wake-on-LAN.
• Volume Up, Volume Down, discrete volume level and discrete Mute On/Off control.
• Volume, mute and input feedback, including changes made with the VIZIO remote control.
• Direct input selection for TV (Antenna), SmartCast, HDMI 1-4 and Component, with input feedback.
• Next Input command that cycles through the inputs enabled on the television.
• Direct television channel tuning (e.g. 7, 7-1 or 7.1), switching to the tuner first if required.
• Channel Up, Channel Down and Previous Channel.
• Full navigation and remote-control commands.
• Play, Pause, Fast Forward and Rewind transport control.
• Currently running app feedback.
• Launch App command and action with a selectable list of SmartCast apps.
• Control4 Apps menu in Navigator for browsing and launching SmartCast apps.
• Control4 Universal Mini App support (up to 50 Mini Apps per television).
• Included VIZIO Custom App driver, allowing any SmartCast app to be added as its own source (up to 25 per television).
• Enable Quick Start action to allow the television to be powered on over the network.

For more information see link below.

https://chowmain.software/drivers/control4-vizio

Control 4 integrators did a great job setting up my Control 4 Lite and HALO. However they insist on using not TCL eARC port but HDMI 1 and optical for audio. They run content through APPLE TV which does not support my Google ADT security system nor any Android apps.
I bought a TCL as i wanted a larger 85” and SONY very expensive. I sent them link to CHOWMAIN TCL GOOGLE driver but still they are sure I cannot use the TCL eARC port. I am just a homeowner and don’t feel I should insult their firm position but the loss of the Google TV OS presents a problem for us. Thanks very much for any insight! Yamaha RX-A8A has eARC also APPLE TV Panasonic BluRay Apple TV and TIVO STB.

Hi. I saw the pinned post but it doesn't look like it was updated for almost a year. If this isn't allowed feel free to delete and let me know if I can post it somewhere else.

My company is hiring for a lead tech position in the Tampa, FL area. Programming knowledge is preferred but we will also train the right candidate. You must have experience In large residential jobs. We only do control4 but if you have experience in other companies (savant, crestron, etc.) that's fine. We are 80-90% new construction, only use a select few brands, and tend to sell the same equipment on every job so that designs and projects aren't convoluted.

If anyone is interested please let me know. I can share more info if requested. Pay is $35-$40+ depending on experience.

Hey guys, I am busy trying to build out a system around simplicity of music control . Right now the client has 14 zones of audio they want, 5 of them originating in a separate building on the property.

He has 2 sonos amps and a port already and hes used to using those for streaming via airplay etc from his music apps directly.

I want to expand his system and was looking into the using the C4 core 3/5 for the main home and a core1 for the theater building and using the audio outs into a matrixed amp like the audiocontrol units. The issue is its been years since I used C4 music streams just because its search functions etc were really clunky and generally unsatisfactory to use. Especially when you compare it to " cast to room A". I would love to get him a similar feel and ease of use for the entire property but obviously having 14 streamers is also no Bueno.

I've tried WIIM pro plus streamers which work surprisingly well , but the C4 driver basically does nothing at all other than giving a half baked volume slider. Sonos is well sonos. I have also been looking at VSSL streamers since they claim to have really deep C4 integration options. BluOS has a pretty bad rep in my neck of the woods so I dont think id go their direction and autonomics music streamers at least the previous gen kept having cap failures on their boards not sure if the newer ones are better.

Has C4 music streaming become better over the years? Is its search functionality still half baked for services like apple music and spotify? Would appreciate some advice here from people who regularly setup C4 music as the primary method of streaming

Hello,

I have purchased and moved into a home with a control4 already present. This is my first experience with a control4. I’ve gathered very basic idea of what it is…but really have no idea.

Can someone please explain what it does, and how it does it?

I have the app but no invitation code. I have the card of the tech for the previous owner but have been stood up twice for our appt. Soooo not real eager to do that again, but ultimately think I will have to. I’d just like a better understanding of what this thing can do!

Thank you!

Did Core Lite Can be downgraded? After updating the firmware to 4.2.757028, it takes a long time for Composer Pro, System Controller, etc., to find the controller. I have three other controllers that work fine, and the controller was working properly before the upgrade. Restarting the device does not solve the problem. Ping works fine

Any positive feedback is welcome.
Thank you in advance, and please excuse any grammatical errors—English is not my native language.

Hi everyone,

The thing that bothered me most about Control4: every small change means calling the dealer, waiting, and paying. A new scene, a schedule, a different time for the garden lights, access for the kids.

So I built **DirectorLink**, a free, open-source driver and app. Once it's installed, you make those changes yourself, from your phone. No dealer visit, no service call, no subscription.

** Try it first (2 minutes, nothing to install): https://directorlink.io/try/ **

**What you can do yourself, any time, for free*\*

- **Scenes:** make and change them, run with one tap ("Good Night": lights off, blinds down, AC to 23°)

- **Schedules:** by the clock, sunrise or sunset, the weather, or when you arrive home

- **Family access:** each person gets their own rooms, devices, cameras and scenes. Add or remove people yourself

- **Rooms and favorites:** order them, hide rooms, pick favorites

- **Alerts on your phone:** doorbell, cameras, doors and gates

- **Remote access** from anywhere, encrypted end to end

- **History** of who did what, and **automatic backups**

It controls lights, AC and floor heating, blinds, fans, Sonos, cameras, doors and gates.

**What still needs your dealer:** adding the DirectorLink driver once, and adding new devices or drivers later. That's it. Your Composer programming and keypad buttons stay as they are, and your dealer can still see everything DirectorLink runs.

**Privacy:** at home the app talks straight to the controller. Away from home, requests go through our relay, encrypted end to end: it passes them on but can't read them. The code is open source (Apache-2.0), so anyone can check it.

**Requirements:** Control4 OS 3.3 or later. I run it every day on a CORE-1 with X4.

- Website: https://directorlink.io

- Free drivers (Samsung refrigerators, Hikvision cameras): https://directorlink.io/drivers/

- Source: https://github.directorlink.io

Questions and feedback are welcome. What's the change you've been waiting for your dealer to make?

*DirectorLink is an independent project, not affiliated with Control4 or Snap One.*

Reolink IP cameras now Control4 compatible

Reolink is a global security camera manufacturer focused on making capable video surveillance accessible and affordable for homes and businesses. Its products are widely available through major retailers, online marketplaces and Reolink's own stores across Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom, making systems easy to purchase, expand and replace.

The Chowmain Reolink driver package supports Ethernet cameras, USB Wi-Fi cameras and Reolink NVRs, including cameras connected directly to an NVR's integrated PoE ports. This gives integrators the flexibility to support everything from individual network or wireless cameras through to larger NVR-based surveillance systems.

The integration extends well beyond live video, with support for PTZ control, smart detection events and Control4 Connect push notifications. Intelligent events such as person, vehicle and animal detection can also be used within Control4 programming to trigger lighting, announcements and other automated actions, bringing Reolink surveillance into the wider smart home experience.

Driver Features:

• IP camera driver
  • Integration of live video and snapshots (when available).
  • Works with Reolink cameras connected directly to the LAN and cameras connected to Reolink NVRs.
  • Optional PTZ controls for compatible cameras, including pan, tilt, zoom, configurable speed, movement duration, and reversed axes.
  • Dynamic PTZ preset discovery and preset recall from the camera's configured Reolink presets.
  • Reolink event processing for compatible cameras and NVRs, with camera events exposed to Control4 automation.
  • Auto-renaming support for keeping the Control4 driver name aligned with the device or NVR channel.
  • Built-in camera test, diagnostics, extended diagnostics, and diagnostic submission actions.
  • Optional custom buttons with configurable labels when viewing a camera in the Navigator.
  • Push Notifications with Snapshots
• NVR driver
  • ONVIF event handling for motion, person, vehicle, face, and visitor/doorbell event types.
  • Channel-aware event routing so an event is delivered to the matching Reolink camera channel.
  • Channel bindings for connecting individual Reolink camera drivers to the correct NVR channel.

For more information see link below.

https://chowmain.software/drivers/control4-reolink

About six months ago, I shared DTNT here. I’m a Chicago Control4 and low-voltage integrator, and I built the app to bring the networking tools I use during service calls into one place.

Since the original post, DTNT has received many updates and improvements based on real field use and user feedback. Version 2.1.78 is now live in the Microsoft Store.

Recent improvements include:

• A clearer IP scanner with better device information and status • Improved Wi-Fi surveying and channel analysis • A better speed test with download, upload, latency, jitter, loaded latency and peak results • Ping, traceroute and TCP port checks • Saved service jobs and CSV/JSON exports • A cleaner layout for laptops and tablets • Many performance, stability and usability improvements

I’d really appreciate feedback from Control4, AV, low-voltage and network technicians. Please try it and tell me what is useful, confusing or still missing.

Microsoft Store: https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9PFKHZ8M32HJ

From what i have seen there are many people running composer on mac or at least trying. I really do not get why in that domain of Smart Building or however you like to call it none of the tools(apps) run natively on mac. I am running composer now on a managed parallels instance which is a pain cuz of the device name ect only issues i got it working now but I seriously want to migrate all my employees to mac, but don’t know if I should do it cuz managing the devices that way is a pain but I can’t see those Windows machines anymore.
Why won’t they release a mac version.

Hey,

If you already here, check my cool app: https://directorlink.io

https://composer.directorlink.io/

Links are from https://services.control4.com/Updates2x/v2_0/Updates.asmx

I normally charge my remote at night. Usually by 2-3 am it is fully charged, but then the remote every couple minutes will beep like it just got on the charger. Does anyone know how to fix this or can relate?

Has anyone had a customer that wanted their jail broken android box remote learnt into control4? I have a customer with one but the remote seem to only have Bluetooth. It’s a VSeebox

Philips is one of the most recognised television brands, offering a wide range of displays across global markets. Many current Philips televisions utilise Google TV as their operating system, providing access to streaming services, applications, live television and other connected entertainment features through a unified interface.

The Chowmain Philips Google TV driver provides native integration between Control4 and compatible Philips televisions running Google TV OS. The driver communicates directly with the television using Google's native Google TV protocol over the local network, with no third-party software, additional hardware or cloud service required.

Because the integration uses Google's native protocol rather than a region-specific Philips API, it is designed to support compatible Philips Google TV displays regardless of the region in which they are sold.

The driver provides bi-directional IP control and feedback including power, volume, mute, input selection, navigation, transport controls, playback state, currently playing title, direct channel tuning, Control4 Mini Apps, direct application launching and deep-link launching.

Driver Features:

• Compatible with Philips televisions running Google TV OS regardless of region (AU/EU/UK/US/etc).
• Native bi-directional IP control using Google's Google TV protocol.
• No third-party software, cloud service or additional hardware required.
• Power On and Power Off control.
• Volume Up, Volume Down and Mute control.
• Direct input selection.
• Full navigation and remote-control commands.
• Play, Pause and Stop transport control.
• Real-time playback state feedback.
• Currently playing title feedback.
• Direct television channel tuning.
• Tuner input support.
• Control4 Mini App support for launching installed applications.
• Open App command for launching applications directly by package name.
• Open Deep Link command for launching supported content or locations within applications.
• Additional Google TV remote key codes for custom programming and advanced keypad mappings.

For more information see link below.

https://chowmain.software/drivers/control4-philips-google-tv

Does someone have one C4-WALL7-WH white T3 7" in-wall touch screen to sell?

Hi all,

I've been building DirectorLink, a free and open-source driver for Control4 plus an app for phones and computers, and I'm looking for people to try it.

What it does

- Controls lights (including KNX switches and dimmers), thermostats and AC (e.g. CoolMasterNet), blinds, IP camera pictures, KNX door and gate relays, and DoorBird.

- One-tap scenes. For example "Good night" turns all lights off, sets the bedroom AC to 24 and closes the blinds. You can pick single lights, or copy the house as it is right now.

- Schedules by the clock, at sunrise or sunset, or by the weather (heat, wind, rain, from Open-Meteo). The controller runs them itself, even when no phone is open.

- Works at home and away. At home the app talks to the controller directly. Away, and on iPhone, it goes through your Google account, locked end to end, so the servers in between can't read it.

- Family access with roles: view only, control, doors, or admin. Everyone keeps their own language, theme and favorites. English and Hebrew.

For installers

Automation that homeowners make is hard to troubleshoot when you can't see it. DirectorLink shows its own in Composer: Schedule Status (what is on and what runs next), Last Automation (what ran, when and why, e.g. "Cool the house, heat rule, 31C outside"), an action that prints every schedule and scene to the Lua output, and a Schedules switch that pauses all of it.

Trying it (about 15 minutes)

1. Download DirectorLink.c4z from https://github.directorlink.io/releases/latest
2. Add it to the project in Composer Pro. It finds the rooms and devices by itself and loads without a reboot.
3. On the DirectorLink device, choose Actions > New Pairing Code (8 digits, valid for 15 minutes, works once).
4. On a computer on the home network, open https://app.directorlink.io and enter the controller's IP address and the code.
5. For phones and remote access, set Remote Access to On in Composer, sign in with Google in the app and link the home, then use "Add my other device".

Good to know

- It's an early release, used every day in one home so far (CORE-1, OS 3.4.3). It needs OS 3.3.0 or newer.

- It doesn't read or change your Composer programming. Its scenes and schedules are its own.

- Opening doors and gates stays off until you enable Door Control in Composer.

- Your data stays on the controller. The cloud keeps only accounts and which home each belongs to. No ads or tracking.

Feedback, bugs and device requests are welcome at https://github.directorlink.io/issues. More at https://directorlink.io

DirectorLink is an independent project, not affiliated with Control4 or Snap One.