KNX - Is Balte's Visu a good Gira G1 alternative?

Dear community,

As part of our house construction, I am currently planning our bus system with a KNX electrician company. Our partner mostly works with Gira and installs (almost exclusively) Gira components – which is fine at first. However, I stumbled specifically over the Gira G1: a) In my opinion, the G1 is outdated – the reaction speed is poor b) The flexibility to later set up your own new scenes in the visualization without the help of the electrician appears to be limited c) According to the electrician, the G1 is not designed to transmit streams from multiple surveillance cameras. There is only an old list of compatible camera systems. Only the door intercom system works well due to the lower resolution.

Now the question arises whether you can confirm these concerns / criticisms? Even though I can retrieve the video streams from c) via other sources (camera app), c) is a big thorn in my side in terms of overall consistency. Have you had different experiences with camera systems regarding compatibility?

Next, I wondered what the alternative could be. I have dealt with Basalte. Great app, modern app, more intuitive operation and smooth handling – especially with the panels Ellie, Lisa, ...

This would mean that instead of the Gira X1 we need the Basalte server and the electrician would bring an external service provider on board who programs the visualization. That sounds alright so far. - Do you have experience with camera systems in conjunction with Basalte visualization/server (point c)? - Do you agree that the Basalte panels are more contemporary (point a above)? - Is it indeed easier to configure scenes yourself afterwards (point b)?

Do you see disadvantages in switching from Gira HS/X1 to the Basalte server?

Thank you very much!

I would have problems with a system integrator who does KNX but only wants to offer one manufacturer. And of all, Gira. Not that they only make junk – I also have Gira components in the system – but the prices and, well, the up-to-dateness of the products is a thing.

I haven't had anything to do with Basalte yet, but the prices are different again and the external consultant for the visualization also wants to be paid.

Our partner mostly works with Gira and installs (almost exclusively) Gira components – there is nothing wrong with that at first glance.

Yes, that he basically has no idea about KNX or ignores all the advantages of KNX in favor of his own bookkeeping. That has nothing to do with quality or "experience," but with conditions at the wholesaler. Gira absolutely does not have good or even the best components in every field. So this is not about benefiting the customer or finding the best solution, but about commercial criteria – nothing else. In the end, the electrician does not even plan this himself but lets the wholesaler or Gira do it directly. That is usually how projects with only one manufacturer go. Such electricians are great when something doesn’t work. Then, if they do not really do it themselves, they look pretty clueless.

Do you have experience with camera systems in connection with Basalte Visu/Server (point c)?

Works perfectly. But the cameras should comply with the ONVIF standard and support current codecs. Better not cheap Chinese stuff from Temu or so.

c) According to the electrician, the G1 is not designed to transmit streams from multiple surveillance cameras. There is only an old list of compatible camera systems. Only the door intercom works well due to the lower resolution.

The G1 can basically do nothing. Forget that thing. You can hang it in some offices, but not in a residential building in 2023.

Do you agree with me that the Basalte panels are more up-to-date (point a above)?

100000000%

Is it indeed easier to configure scenes yourself afterward (point b)?

Different, with a tendency towards easier.

Do you see disadvantages in switching from Gira HS/X1 to the Basalte server?

The HS can do a lot more. However, "only" in connection with a G1, definitely no HS is necessary. Its strengths are in large projects and free visualizations. Basalte is functionally a bit more limited (similar to the X1), but runs MUCH better. Basalte’s strengths lie elsewhere, namely in the multiroom AV area. And something like the Adelante door station you’re unlikely to find at Gira :) Gira only offers Gameboy-level picture quality there. For a private house, I would always prefer Basalte any day over any X1/HS solutions. It’s simply much more fun. You have to get used to the scene concept (based on Basalte’s color system), but you also have to get used to an X1.

There are definitely more than just the two.
I wouldn’t limit myself to Gira for the components. Some components, for example from MDT, are more modern and cheaper.
The G1 are good in combination with HS or FS. Somewhat limited with X1.
Both can be programmed quite easily. You just have to engage with it.
You need an ETS anyway to parameterize the components.
Take a look at Peaknx. Good and modern panels, servers, and [Visiu]. The Quadclient also runs on it.

Take a look at Peaknx. Good and modern panels, servers, and visualization. The Quadclient also runs on it.

Yes, they are great. The Peak visualization itself as well. Just to run the boring Quadclient, any other Windows display will do. I have KNX and Control4 myself, also very nice and especially extremely powerful for IoT. For that, like Basalte, more multimedia-oriented.

Thank you all. I will now start the planning with a Basalte-Visu focus. This seems to be the right way for us. Whether we add a Gira HS in addition, I will leave that decision to the electrician.