Why Landmark?

This platform is now over 10 years old.  Why continue to maintain and develop on it when AMX has long abandoned it in favor of the NetLinx product line?

1.  Cost Effectiveness - Using Landmark you can implement a home automation system at a much lower cost point than Netlinx.  The hardware is only available on the secondary market, primarily eBay, and can be purchased reasonably.  You can get a fully loaded card frame for $100 + shipping.  The software is free.  Panels are available at under $100 each.  You can reasonably fit a system for under $1000.

2.  Flexibility - Using Landmark, you can utlize both Phast and AMX AxLinx devices + anything that can be controlled by IR or RS-232.  This covers a large number of devices.

3.  Scalability - You can easily support very large homes with this platform.  Setting up a 20 zone home is as simple as configuring it in Landmark and adding the equipment. Oh, and running all the wires.

4.  No Programming - You can implement Landmark with no programming skill.  For a long time, this was required with Netlinx.  Now AMX is developing GUI platforms that finally provide capability similar to what Landmark always delivered (e.g., Visual Architect).  But for basic implementation, Landmark is very easy to get going and then build on top of.

Limitations:

1.  IP Communications - Many devices now can only be controlled over IP (e.g., Sonos, Autonomic, iTunes).  The Phast and Axlink devices do not support this like Netlinx can.  The only option is to use an RS-232 to IP gateway which adds cost and complexity.

2.  HDMI CEC - Contolling devices that can be controlled by CEC (e.g., your average flat screen TV) will require that you utilize an RS-232 to CEC gateway (e.g., Rainshadow) that adds cost and complexity.

3.  IR Capture - Only AMX IR files can be used that are captured using the hard to find IR capture device called the IRIS.  Without this device, you will not be able to use IR unless you have access to the AMX site to download pre-configured IR files... which exist for many devices, but not all.