I've been reading remote central for years now but have never posted until now. I've been reading about RTI, URC, Nevo, iRule, Pronto, et cetera and am totally lost.

I'll give you my current setup and then let you know what I'm looking to do. Hopefully someone can suggest a setup for me that will work.

Sources:
Onkyo TX-876 outputting audio to 2 zone (stereo in bedroom and 5.1 in media room) -- RS232 or IR
2x Pace HD DVR -- IR only
HTPC -- IR, TCP/IP, or RS232
4x4 Matrix Splitter -- IR or RS232

Televisions:
1 LG TV -- IR or RS232
1 Samsung TV -- IR or RS232
1 Toshiba TV -- IR only

I currently have a Harmony 890 (non pro) that kind-of works. With it and my components I can watch any source on any TV but this works only if my wife and I are in the same room and want to watch the same thing. Also, we cannot watch TV in one room and music in another with this remote.

I find it unreliable and often have to hit the "Help" button because a component didn't turn on or off. I had Logitech tech support add a bunch of Pronto codes for discreet control of the IR devices but they now want to charge me $30 per request.

After having this remote, I really hate IR and would like to utilize rs232 with 2 way feedback for the devices that support it. I want a remote that KNOWS the status of a current device and doesn't GUESS where it's at.

I would like to be able to have 2 or maybe 3 remotes all controlling the same devices using the same ir/rs232 gateway. I would like the ability to use these 2 remotes in 2 different rooms controlling 2 different sources.

Finally, all of the sources are in the media closet. All of the TVs have cat5 running to their locations so cat5 to rs232 is easy.

If anyone cares to spend the time to point me in the right direction, I would appreciate it.

Cheers!

Are you ready to hire a pro, or do you wat to do it yourself?

Sorry, I should have stated that. I definitely am a DIY guy. I'm an avid programmer and electronic tech guy.

I love to tinker and would never pay to have someone do it for me.

Next question, what is your budget?

Well, I'd like to keep it below $1000 CDN. I spent $450 on this harmony a year ago and a couple hundred on the 720 it replaced.

I don't mind spending the money if it does what I want and if it will last!

Next question? :)

Look into Pronto. But I'm not sure if you can get the software.

You could also look into URC. You just need to find a dealer that is willing to give you the software.

Either way, don't expect to get an technical help from the manufactureers. The level of products you will need are designed for custom integrators who take training classes and get certified to program them. There just isn't anything practical for DIY'ers at the level you are wanting.

Pronto software is not restricted and can be downloaded on RC.

URC software you can get from authorized dealers (but be sure you check this first).

RTI and UEI Nevo, avoid as a DIYer.

Now if you want 2 or 3 remotes *and* an RS232/IR router for under $1000... I don't think you're going to get that from either Philips or URC, but URC would be the closest.

Thanks for the reply guys. The budget allotted was strictly for the main remote and controller. I just wanted to make certain that I could add remotes later on without additional trouble.

Given the choice between pronto and urc, which would be the best solution in your opinion? Also, is there a specific model to look at?

Thanks again!

You should probably start with Pronto considering URC is a dealer only line. While it is possible to obtain software there are no guarantees. Both companies should provide a great deal of control, reliability, and not a huge learning curve. For the DIY I seem to sell a good deal of MX-850, and 900. For the Pronto line, only budget should be a consideration. In an entry level price range you can go with the TSU9200 or 9300.

Vincent

Thanks for the suggestions Vincent. By the looks of it, for RS232 control I'd require a RFX9600 and then a remote of my choice? Most likely the TSU9300 or 9400 depending on price.

Anything else I'd need to know or would be required to add?

Are you a reseller for Pronto? If so, would it be possible to pm me with some prices?

Cheers