Review of Control4 HC-200 Controller
Reviewed by HAI Staff
Control4® Home Controller HC-200
The Control4 HC-200 is a capable entry-level controller for a whole-house automation solution at the price of a universal remote.
Overall Rating: 8.5 out of 10
Features
The HC-200 provides a universal remote for an entertainment center of 4-6 devices, a source for multi-room audio, and a master controller for a whole-house automation system all in one product. Its compact footprint allow it to easily fit into any location. The HC-200 can control lighting and temperature with companion Control4 products. Two IR inputs can be configured as serial inputs used to connect to a security system or A/V component for coordinated control. IP-based security cameras can also be viewed via the screen-based interfaces.
Powered by the same software as the HC-300, this controller also has flexible programming capability that allows very unique actions to be triggered in response to a detected event. The user interface is consistent in design and provides for "custom buttons" to create any home scene desired.
The HC-200 connectivity is more limited than the HC-300, having no relay output/contact sensor, no s-video output, less IR ports, a single USB port, a mini-plug audio input, a serial input that further limits the IR outputs, and no video sense loops. A WiFi dongle option is available for a wireless connection to the home data network.
For smaller homes and satellite entertainment centers the HC -200 is a great solution.
Rating: 9.0 out of 10
Ease of Installation
Control4 products can only be installed by a certified Dealer who has received the required training to be able to efficiently install a Control4 system. The Dealer uses the Composer software to configure and identify all the devices being controlled by the HC-200. For the homeowner the real benefit is the reduced on-site time for the system installation as much of the configuration can be done before the physical installation takes place. The Dealer is backed-up by a capable technical support staff at Control4 who can access the HC-200 remotely via the Internet to assist the Dealer in troubleshooting.
Rating: 8.5 out of 10
Reliability
Control4 products are all wireless receivers and transmitters in addition to the basic function of each switch, dimmer, thermostat, or controller. The reliability of the wireless ZigBee mesh network the installed Control4 devices represent is superior to power-line communication devices, as is the performance. Control4 provides a two year warranty on all products.