Well, I don't actually have the remote yet, and am open to suggestions. The Pronto Pro looks good to me so far.

I need a pro to program a simple, fun interface with macros to help my un-tech savvy family (including 7-year old son) operate the home theater setup when I'm not around.

System:
Panasonic plasma TV
Time Warner high def cable box
Sony VCR
Denon 2800 DVD/CD
Arcam 200 home theater amp
KDS (?) input switcher
X10 dimmers on 2 table lamps
Lutron wall dimmer for overhead light

Am located in New York City.

Please help!

With this kind of setup and a technologically challenged family you should go with a control system, something like Crestron, AMX or maybe Elan. Dont skimp on this part of your system, it is the MOST important part. You have obviously put together a nice system and using a IR based remote will only make it difficult to operate and unreliable at best. The last thing you want is for your wife to NEVER be able to operate the system if you are not there. Also, the 'cool factor' is much higher with a control system. Just think how cool you will look to your friends when you show them a nice large touchscreen that you dont have to point in any particular direction. Nothing will embarass you more than, when on that saturday afternoon before the game, with all your piers present, you get your system out of 'sync' with itself and it takes you a few minutes to get it to the appropriate 'state'. Those few minutes will seem like eternity. Your friends will ridicule you, I promise. "Hey (insert first name here), looks like all this 'high-tec' stuff is a GREAT investment, if you can get it to work(insert laughs at YOUR expense)" or "WOW, the plasma looks GREAT (this will happen when all you have is a black/blue screen on the display), I cant wait to get a system just like this (insert laughs here)". I know it sounds like I am being an ass, not my intention. I have done this for many years and as a professional(even more embarassing) had this happen. I dont mind the occasional quirk, I can fix it fast. When it happens in front of friends/family it is a HUGE issue and lowers your credibility, as to your knowledge and overall 'system design'. Yes these systems cost money but they are worth every penny and then some. How much would you pay for piece of mind?

Just my $.02, as an industry veteran.

I agree with avgenius1, so long as the funds are there to support it.

I wouldn't worry too much about the 7 year old though. They tend to meet whatever challenge you place before them to an uncanny degree, especially when they want to watch Sponge Bob. They don't understand that it's hard. I would be most worried about your spouse. What she is willing to endure is the real question.

I am new to most of this stuff, but follow many of the discussions here with great interest, and much appreciate the wealth of information available in these forums.

I was particularly interested in your advice here, as I have what is, I suppose, a similar type of setup.

I currently control everything with a Pronto, which I’m very happy with, but I understand the limitations you mention, avgenius1.

Out of interest, roughly what kind of range of costs are we talking about for the sorts of control systems you describe, for this kind of setup?

Nick,

It will depend on the gear you wish to control. How many pieces of your equipment can be controlled via rs232 or ethernet? How many will be IR only? Do you wish to close the drapres in the room with the help of the control system? Does your plasma drop/raise out of anything? I cant quote you an exact price but the equipment would be between $3800US
and $20,000US, depending on the touchpanel that you choose. Also, this is not a DIY type system. You have to be a trained programmer for whichever control system you choose to purchase to be able to program the system. Yes, there are a few people out there who can program a system like this themselves but I am sure that it took a long while and it didnt resolve the needs of thier family members overnight. Programming is extra and a good programmer will be worth whatever he costs.
Nick, this isnt really a large amount of money when you think about it.
Entertainment systems in your home will only become more complex and the days of IR only control are numbered.*****Before anyone flames me for this, look at the backpanel of most 'to be released' equipment and tell me if you see a ethernet port?******** Serial and ethernet control is possible on most higher-end gear. When you purchase a control system, you are really purchasing a translator. Your television is Brand-X and your dvd player is Brand-Y, both have different languages so they cant 'talk' directly to each other. This is where the control system comes in. Some people on this site may tell you that they can make a pronto do anything a Crestron/AMX system will do. They are lying. I own both, I am a good programmer, my pronto is a good REMOTE, my Crestron is a kick-ass CONTROL SYSTEM. If I wanted to I could make my pronto arm/disarm my alarm system but my Crestron system will show me on a touchpanel that the security system is indeed armed. My pronto could adjust my thermostat if I wanted it to, my Crestron system will show me what the temperature is on my touchpanels or if I want to, I can check the status of my security system, a/v system, hvac system, garage doors, etc. from a webpage on any computer anywhere in the world. My pronto cant do that, no way no how. Of the things my pronto can do, I still have to buy something like the ADI Ocelot, which btw is a very basic control system of sorts. I guess the point I am trying to make is that universal remotes are a good thing but limited in abilities and usefullness. An IR based remote is good at controling a/v gear but with a control system in your possession, you now have the ability to start down the path of living in a more luxurious space, a smarter space. Most of the end users and DIY guys I have run across on sites like these want all of the things that I have mentioned above. I am glad to know that there is a huge interest in this technology. I just want to advise all of these people that cheaper, lower-end solutions are not the best way to go when you are dealing with the comfort of you families lives. Its only money, you will make more. Your family will love you for it and you now have a new path of interest and upgradability that you can expand on for many years to come. I hope I have given you some food for thought Nick. If I can be of any more help just ask.

Cheers!

Why not just use the dealer that you bought the equipment from? They are most likely experienced at this type of setup, know their own equipment, and have some sense of duty to make their client's system easy and fun to use. The 7 year old will be able to use the system no matter what you do, so don't worry about him.

Exactly.