JIMW  Thank you for your candid feedback about the direction of your product. I agree with you that X10 does have reliability problems and for someone just starting out it would be best to avoid it if possible. But for those of us that have hundreds of dollars invested in X10 lighting and security systems, with wall outlets and light switched wired with it, It just does not make economic sense to replace it with the more expensive Indigo system. I also suspect that Indigo is not the end to end all but rather a way-point on the path to home automation. I further suspect that in a few years their will be another more advanced and hopefully easier to configure and understand system to replace it.

Additionally as far as I know, Indigo, or anyone else other than X10 does not offer an affordable wireless self monitoring security system. All the other systems I have seen are wired, have expensive hardware, and/or must have a professional monitoring service. It just does not make economic sense to me to have to pay for both the security sensors and alarm system, along with a monthly fee for professional monitoring, when there are plenty of alarm companies that will provide the hardware for free if you sign up for a monitoring contract. There seems little difference in the monitoring cost for this, and any difference saved will take a very long time to amortize the cost of a separate purchase of the equipment.

With X10, so long as I can live with its quarks, I have an integrated lighting and security system, that when working properly, works very well. The only issue is that occasionally it does not work very well at all, and admittedly it can be very frustrating at times. I wish I knew of a better affordable wireless security/control system other than X10, but so far I have not found one.

In any case, it sounds like you sort of agree with me regarding 1.8 in that 2.0 strong points are found in its on-line operation in an always on system. For those that would rather work with a dedicated controller running off-line, it sounds like 1.8 should be adequate and a better value for our needs. Hopefully you still plan to provide any serious bug fixes and Leopard compatibility for it.   (Version 2.0b16)

JIMW  I would never argue the point that the previous released version was solid, functioned as advertised and was a decent value. What I will contest is if the added expense of 2.0 is cost effective to the majority of your users. Judging from your web site referral, I am not alone in my concerns. There are a few who feel it is worth it overall as they will use the added features; their are many who feel a particular feature that fits their niche need makes it worth it, but there are also many that feel it the added cost is not effective value for their needs.

You may promoting Insteon as the next new thing, but what about users with a major investment in X10? Despite its shortcoming not everyone has the means to toss all their X10 controllers and replace them with the more costly Insteon. Then their is the issue of security systems. Some users like myself have the X10 security system integrated with their controllers. Are we supposed to just throw all that away just so we can have the latest thing - at least for this year. Why should I spend good money on a new system when my old system doesn't need fixing? True it has its quirks and limitations. But does it make good sense to toss hundreds of dollars worth of useable equipment and replace it simply to have the latest revision? I think not.

My suggestion would be the have two supported versions of the product - one that provided off line automation basics but full supported all of the technology; and one that had advanced capability with on screen interfaces to support the advanced user or hobbyists. Let your customers buy only the sophistication they need and can use rather than capability they might never have a need for. That sure makes common sense to me.   (Version 2.0b15)

MATTBENDIKSEN  JIMW - Indigo 2.0 does have a free trial version during the beta period. I started the beta period giving away 60 day free trial versions. The beta has ran a bit long, but I've never turned down a request for another trial registration code. Of course, it is your choice as to whether or not you want to test beta software in your home. But several folks do and not offering a beta just because you don't want to trust beta software wouldn't be reasonable to those individuals.

As for the price, I welcome you and others to read this support forum thread:

http://www.perceptiveautomation.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1780

In short, Indigo 2.0 has matured quite a bit compared to 1.x (it was under development for over 3 years) and I feel increasing the price to the average market value for this type of software was prudent. If you compare Indigo 2.0's price to other home automation software you will see that it is about average. Of course, if someone doesn't find the value in the new features, then they are under no obligation to purchase the upgrade.

Regards,

Matt  (Version 2.0b14)

JIMW  I agree with ynot. This application has become overpriced. Yes it has a lot of new features but most of the added features are targeted for the control of sophisticated automated multimillion dollar homes of the hobbyist who likes to experiment with automation.

In my opinion the majority of average homeowners who just want some light control to make their home seemed 'lived in' when away, will probably never use much less understand most of the new features. The previous version is still working fine for my needs.

Besides, charging $200 dollars for a beta version seems a bit arrogant to me. Essentially the developer is asking you to pay you $200 for the privilege of testing their software before they finally release it. In return they offer you a 'complementary' copy of the final version.

$200 might be pocket change to mansion owners. but as a working stiff, I have better and more important things to spend my hard earned money on, especially when I a paying for features I will probably never use and the previous version is functions just fine. The new product may be sophisticated and on the cutting edge of automation technology, but who cares if you can't use or don't have the rest of the technology to use it - especially since the program hasn't been completely written and tested yet.

If it was finished it would not be labeled as a beta version. Beta means it has yet to be fully tested and may have some bugs in it that need fixing. From my perspective, I certainly do not what to trust my home security system to a potentially buggy piece of software.

Besides, most responsible developers release beta versions for free, with expire dates so the product gets as wide distribution and use as possible. Only when the product is finally released do they then charge for it, sometimes giving a discount to testers that report bugs back in a responsible manner for their inconvenience, trouble and efforts.   (Version 2.0b14)