I've got a new one of these that's been sitting in its box for several years now. I know little about this remotes capabilities so I'll need to read up. However, before I do so, I'd appreciate some initial thoughts from those here who use this unit.

I'm setting up a large HT room. All the electronics that need controlling will be housed in a rack in a seperate room away from the cinema. The racked gear is:

8 power amps that need switching on/off. (IR only)
1 surround processor (can be IR or RS232)
1 music server (IR only)
1 bluray player (IR only)
1 audio/video switcher (can be IR or RS232)
1 video scaler (can IR or RS 232)

In room:
Projector on/off (can be IR or RS232)
Lighting (IR only)

So what about the Sony RM AV3100 for this? Is it still a good viable remote?

As an aside, I also have a Crestron Pro2 with gateway and screen sitting a cupboard that I picked up very cheaply. However, I think in this situation using a Crestron Pro2 would be like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Also, there are some very heavy on-costs with the Crestron since it would need programming.

Your ideas/suggestions are most welcome. Thanks.

The AV3100 is a perfectly capable IR remote... full learning, so no issues with newer equipment, enough macros, lots of buttons. Of course it lacks a highly customizable screen, RF basestation etc., so whether it's appropriate for your needs, depends on your needs.

I have an AV3000 which I've been using DAILY for nearly 9 years.  With a few minor details, it is basically an identical unit to the AV3100.  I have multiple devices with macros built for each scenario.  It works like a hammer.  It doesn't have quite the "Ohh-Ahh" factor that it did in 2002, but I believe the longevity speaks for itself.  When it finally gives up the ghost, I'll be looking for another 3000 to replace it.