If you still wish to continue this project, there are many other alternative solutions for home automation. If you are really good at writing code or scripting, you could just set up a home PC, put a bunch of serial port cards in it and start writing applications to interface with each of you subsystems. Using JAVA, your could make the interface web based, allowing easy remote access. For IR interface, I would look at the Nirvis Slink-E. This will allow a good powerfull bridge between the computer and IR devices including, but not limited to the Sony CD Megachangers. X-10 tends to be a cheap way to interface with lighting, relays, and other simple subsystems.

If you have lots of free time on your hands and would enjoy a 6-month to year(s) labour of love ... your own home, look into other home automation websites that can get you started.

If computers scare you, sell the bike, sell the wife, and sell the kids and get the Crestron.

STX-1550C panels are discontinued. Replacements are STX-1700 (hard buttons added to the side and TPS graphics core).