IF Rs232 and IR control is what you need: then a PC (I use an older laptop from IBM), an IR rcvr/decoder i.e. IR to RS232 fully decoded (I use the NECIR2PC from custom remotes), An IR sender RS232 to IR (I use the Nirvis Slinke) and a Pronto PRO as the user interface makes a very nice system. Total price today about 2000-3200. A lot cheaper than a Crestron or AMX system but does not have web browsing or video display. But then again all I wanted was a very sophisticated remote control. Oh yes you better know how to program a PC in some language (VB or something similar)