Time Warner Cable Intelligent Home and Veralite

Community Playground Getting Started & Initial Setup
#1

Hey All,

Does anyone know if i can use the TWC alarm components with my veralite? The topic seems to be unusually scarce, would suck to have to switch alarm companies or buy more sensors again!

Also - if TWC is not compatible, which ones are?

Thanks!

#2

Bad news. The Time Warner home security and automation system uses ZigBee and WiFi. It is my understanding that their system uses ZigBee door/window/motion sensors, , ZigBee lamp modules, and WiFi thermostats and cameras. Vera does not support ZigBee, though it can control WiFi thermostats and cameras.

The Time Warner/Bright House system is “proprietary” at least in the sense that they do not publish any APIs or other means of interacting with their system besides their touch screen, smartphone apps, and web portal.

It may well be possible to shoehorn the Time Warner system into Vera through some method or another, but it will likely be an uphill battle the entire time. Furthermore, since Vera does not support ZigBee, you cannot use the Time Warner devices with Vera alone.

But, if you already have a Time Warner alarm and their monitoring service, why not just use them for home automation as well? Sure, it’s not as extensible as Vera, but it’ll get the job done, mostly. Also, you’ll have on-site service, alarm monitoring, and cellular backup.

#3

Thanks, I was afraid of that. I’m OK with mixing the two systems, and I’m not crazy about using TWC for automation because their prices for equipment are ridiculous and they have to be installed by one of their guys. Proprietary systems are usually very restrictive in my experience which also makes it tough to research.

Thanks for the info!

#4

There’s another issue brewing. In an effort to keep things simple and keep costs down, these proprietary systems aren’t very configurable/extensible so, you can’t do all that much with them. Between this limitation, the recurring monthly cost, and a general lack of demand from the public these services aren’t all that profitable. When a big company has a project that isn’t very profitable after a couple of years, they often cancel the project, as Verizon did with their home automation/security offering. I would not be at all surprised if TW announced their departure for the market in the next 12 months. But hey, you get a yard sign!

Two very important factors in my decision to get onboard with Vera, even at a time where it seemed like Z-Wave might be dying, were no subscription fee and the ability to continue using my system even if the company disappears. But, these features are diametrically opposed to the core values of a major company like TW who want ever increasing recurring revenue and “customer loyalty”/reduced churn. That means you’re locked in to them and it only works so long as you pay them. But, when they decide their still not making enough, poof.

#5

Time Warner home security is one of the better device for the security, and can also be used for multiple purposes.
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#6

Not sure if this should be taken seriously or lightly. Sounds like a promotion to me.

  • Garrett