Steven,

Just about every TV with more than just stereo audio inputs & outputs has a "monitor out". This is most often intended for running the output to a VCR, etc. As for how much can be done with video and voltage sensing... How inventive are you? You don't HAVE to hack into any device. Niles, and other companies make many devices which monitor power, video, or other signals and will output a 12V trigger. Many higher quality power conditioners offer some of these features also. I don't see many applications at all where something cannot be worked out for <$50. BTW, Niles makes a pretty simple little current sensing outlet which is not too pricy.

Once again, just like with the Pronto/RC-5000, the limitations and usefulness of any such programmable remote comes back to the ingenuity of the programmer. The RTI remote will just add another tool to the arsenal. No remote is the "best" for everyone, and any can be a royal PITA to work if set up carelessly.

Then again, if this was so easy, I wouldn't have been able cover rent & books this past year at school ;-).

Mark Seaton