Maybe useful for people looking at Prodigy... More positive note after some struggle with a previous project.

Yesterday added lighting control to a existing system (8 audio zones). Added light for 4 zones, in total 7 dimmers en 3 switches. Added iPad control for one of the lighting rooms.

Dimmers / switches installed, added them to System Builder project. This project has lots of custom pages (for audio/video control) so was a bit worried before I started.

Light pages where build automatically by SB, added them to the network. Everything works perfectly on the first try. All custom audio stuff still works. Customer can set his own scenes. Even iPad control worked directly (after some confusion about the password was solved).

I wish they where all like this. Looks like System Builder does have the power to save time for smaller projects.

[Link: cepro.com]

Took a quick look. They make it sound like an alternative to SB for development, but when I read more it seems just a programming service with a web ordering system.

Will check it out later, if their cost is reasonable, could be still interesting.

I've finally installed my own personal Prodigy system in my media room. It is replacing a URC MX-5000. I'm really disappointed in the remote. Like seriously disappointed. I do a lot of channel changing and volume changing. I am constantly hitting buttons. The feel of the buttons on the PTX3 is horrific. I mean just truly,. truly awful. I liked the feel of the PTLX2 a lot better. I know I've seen a lot of people with the same complaint. I am holding out hope they offer a different remote choice.

I've done more than a dozen Prodigy installs. Not one customer has ever complained about the remote before. Maybe customers just aren't as experienced with all the remotes out there and don't know what they are missing.

I am pretty picky when it comes to remotes. I think the TPMC-3X is a great remote. I hated the fact that the hard button set was so limited but once i got my hands on it i didn't mind. I think the side trigger is a great idea.

Having said that.. the PLX2 is a very nice remote. I never got my hands on one but i did get to play with a Denon look alike. Great set of hard buttons and feels very nice in your hand.

I am very proud to have taken on Prodigy and spent a lot of time learning system builder and some other concepts of design to benefit my clients. While I understand Crestron dealer's feelings towards the decisions, I can only hope they understand that the climate is changing out there. Not just economically, but technology is at this movement at a pivotal point. With the immergence of the ipad, iphone, and handheld technology combined with wireless/homeplug types of technology there is a big market for automation and advanced control - not just for the top 1% of the USA and beyond. A board dedicated to Crestron would only serve as a way for people to do a better job.