Smarthome Philips Hue and Somfy TaHoma experiences

I have already read dozens of posts about radio-controlled vs. cable-controlled devices. I have the feeling that the best thing in this segment is: "Dumb/uninformed lives easier :cool:". The selection is so huge and if you don’t invest xx,000 €, it’s always the wrong choice anyway. Nowadays, I will only use a central control for roller shutters. So that I can raise and lower them all with one switch. Otherwise, solve everything via radio. If necessary, via different apps, possibly with Alexa/Google integration...

The advantage of wired systems simply lies in their simplicity and robustness. You can switch the system at any time and switch to other devices. Also, practically any electrician can change and adjust the devices here without much prior knowledge.

Unfortunately, this is not the case with wireless. Once you decide on something. Especially if, for example, the wireless receiver is integrated in roller shutters/blinds etc., then you have to live with it and accept all the pros/cons of proprietary systems.

A "dumb" motor with 5 cables attached is much more flexible, as contradictory as that may sound. You also don’t have to stay in one system but can, over time, for example, take motors from completely different manufacturers and install them instead of the defective ones. With Somfy, for example, you have to shop within the ecosystem again.

Well, and then there is the aspect of reliability, etc. Electronics forced into the device box is simply much worse in terms of MTBF than an actuator somewhere on the DIN rail.

The advantage of wired systems lies simply in their simplicity and robustness. You can switch systems and change to other devices at any time. Also, basically any electrician can replace and adjust the devices without much prior knowledge.

Unfortunately, this is not the case with wireless. Once you decide on something, especially if, for example, the radio receiver is integrated in roller shutters/blinds, you have to live with it and accept all the pro/contra proprietary aspects.

Maybe we are talking past each other, but where do I have to stick to the system if I decide, for example, on: - Video doorbell from Eufy - Alarm system from Reolink, etc. They are easily replaceable.

Yes, you are right, in this case we are talking past each other.

I have to be honest though, I still don’t quite understand why wired is supposed to be so much better.

It’s not always about "always" here. In the case described, however, from my point of view it is indeed better, at least that’s what I decided on recently. As Mycraft already wrote, more robust, independent, and therefore more flexible in the long run. Both in terms of long-term "technology adaptations" and from the user’s side.

I felt exactly like you. I’m not opposed to technical gimmicks, but I’m not willing to invest tens of thousands of euros in KNX or similar. Therefore, we chose the "simplest" solution with the general contractor, meaning the normal electrical connection for the roller shutters, with the idea of keeping all options open afterwards for the "wireless connection." After moving in, the roller shutter control should be integrable into HomeKit; the choice had already fallen on the eltako 64 series. Since the latter has not been available for over a year (delays in certification) and no concrete delivery date can be given, I eventually switched to the Bosch flush-mounted switches and am very satisfied so far. (Identical in construction to those from Homematic, but not compatible.)

These things are installed in 3 minutes, cost between 40-50 EUR each, and work as they should. Compared to that, Shellys (which I also had) with their additional disadvantages are nothing. The (inexpensive) Bosch controller is also required, which I initially actually wanted to avoid (like, for example, Eltako), but since other smoke detectors etc. are also connected to it and these are, by the way, partially compatible with Hue, it ultimately doesn’t bother me.

The advantage of the whole thing is that there is an individual wired switch at each roller shutter. Sitting next to it (window, terrace...) and wanting to quickly close/open a single roller shutter just takes a short press of a button and that’s it. Any child, visitor, the wife, etc. can easily do that... Especially concerning the wife, the "acceptance factor" of these "technical solutions" should not be underestimated. At the same time, however, all kinds of gimmicks and possibilities are open wirelessly. Whether you control each roller shutter (with status info open/closed) by voice or smartphone button, or open/close all at once = centrally, or configure any custom scenes... there are virtually no limits for around 500 EUR for the entire house as a wireless solution.

If you ever become dissatisfied with the choice of technology or want something else for whatever reason, the flush-mounted switches (by the way with existing adapters for all kinds of switch series and manufacturers) can be easily exchanged in a very short time.

This would not be so easily possible in your example with Somfy, or at least it would be significantly more complex and expensive.

If you like wireless retrofit solutions from various third-party providers for your new building and can live with being dependent on the manufacturers, go for it. I stopped preaching in this area a long time ago :)