If you are a homeowner in London or the South East looking to upgrade your smart home, you may have noticed a shift in how Control4 manages its services. The long-standing 4Sight subscription has been phased out for new customers and replaced by a more comprehensive platform: Control4 Connect.
At Electricus Audio Visual, we believe in radical transparency. Understanding the software that powers your home is just as important as the hardware installed in your walls. This guide breaks down the technical differences, the pricing shift, and what this means for your smart home ecosystem.
Executive Summary: The Direct Answer
As of 2024, Control4 Connect is the mandatory subscription for all new Control4 systems. While the legacy 4Sight subscription cost approximately £100 per year and was primarily used for remote access, Control4 Connect is a foundational service priced at roughly £200–£250 per year (depending on the system). It is now required for basic functionality, including local app control, system updates, and secure cloud connectivity.
Comparison: Control4 Connect vs. 4Sight
| Feature | 4Sight (Legacy) | Control4 Connect (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Existing legacy systems only | All new systems (OS 3.4+) |
| Primary Purpose | Remote access & notifications | Foundational system connectivity |
| App Usage | Free locally; Paid for remote | Free locally; Paid for remote |
| Updates | Periodic | Continuous cloud-driven updates |
| Pricing | Approx. £100 / year | Approx. £200–£250 / year |
| Integration | Standard cloud features | Cloud Features & Intercom Anywhere |
The Big Shift: Why 4Sight is Retiring
For over a decade, 4Sight was the “add-on” that allowed you to check your cameras or turn off lights while away from home. However, as smart homes have evolved into complex ecosystems of Home Automation and Smart Security, the need for a more robust, secure, and always-on connection became clear.
Control4 Connect isn’t just a remote access tool; it is the backbone of your system. It ensures that your Control4 X4 interface stays updated with the latest security patches and features without requiring a manual visit from an engineer.
If You Are a New Customer: What to Expect
If you are currently planning a renovation or a new build in London, your system will almost certainly run on the latest OS 3.4+ or the new X4 hardware. For these installations, Control4 Connect is not optional.
Why is it mandatory?
Modern smart homes rely on cloud-to-cloud integrations (think Spotify, Nest, or Ring). Control4 Connect provides the secure handshake required for these third-party services to talk to your home controller. Without it, your mobile app will not function, even if you are standing in your living room.
If You Are an Existing User: Do You Need to Switch?
If your system is currently running on 4Sight, you are “grandfathered” in. You can continue to renew your 4Sight subscription at the legacy rate. However, if you choose to upgrade your primary controller or move to a newer OS version to access features like the new Multi-Room Audio capabilities, you will likely be transitioned to Control4 Connect.
The Cost of Excellence: Pricing Transparency
One of the most common questions we face is: “Why is the new subscription more expensive?”
The increase from £100 to the £200+ range reflects the move from a “luxury extra” to a “platform service.” This fee covers:
- Intercom Anywhere: Crystal-clear video calls from your front door to your phone.
- Personalised Voice Control: Seamless integration with Josh.ai, Alexa, and Google Assistant.
- When >> Then Personalisation: The ability for you to tweak your own lighting scenes without calling a programmer.
- Security: High-level encryption for all remote data transfers.
At Electricus, we include the first year of Control4 Connect in many of our installation packages to ensure your system is peak-performance from day one.
Technical Reliability: The Backbone of Your Home
A luxury smart home is only as good as the network it sits on. This is why we place extreme emphasis on Ethernet and Wi-Fi Distribution. Control4 Connect works in tandem with your local hardware to provide a “heartbeat” to our support team.
If a device goes offline in your Custom Cinema Room, Control4 Connect allows us to see the status remotely, often fixing the issue before you even notice it.
The Electricus Way: Beyond the Subscription
While the software is managed by Control4, the experience is managed by us. Our USPs are built on the “Electricus Way”, an end-to-end involvement that doesn’t end when the invoice is paid.
- Extreme Attention to Detail: We don’t just “activate” your subscription; we configure every notification and “When >> Then” shortcut to match your lifestyle.
- Industry-Leading Aftercare: Our Aftercare support ensures that as Control4 Connect evolves, your home evolves with it.
- Local Expertise: Serving London and the South East, we are always close by for hands-on support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use Control4 without a subscription?
On older systems, yes, but you lose remote access and most cloud integrations. On new systems (Connect-based), a subscription is required for the app to function at all.
Is 4Sight still available for new customers?
No. 4Sight has officially stopped for new customers as of early 2024. Control4 Connect is the replacement path.
Does Control4 Connect include hardware warranty?
No, it is a software and connectivity subscription. Hardware warranties are managed separately through Electricus and the manufacturers.
Take the Next Step
Navigating the technicalities of smart home subscriptions shouldn’t be your job: it’s ours. Whether you are looking to migrate from 4Sight or are starting a new project in London or the South East, we are here to guide you.
Experience the difference in person.
Book a Demo at our showroom to see the new Control4 interface in action and discuss how we can tailor a system to your property.