Hi everyone,

This is my first post, I have read many prior to this but since I still can't work out what to buy I thought I'd sign up and ask the experts :)

Setup: Garage home theater - currently using a 15 relay RF receiver to control lighting, door releases, garage roller door, blind, 2 fans....I have no remote for the projector (very annoying), and my PS3 witch I also watch TV using Play TV.

Aim: Unite all IR/RF/Bluetooth devices with one remote!

What I want to control:
Projector: NEC HT-1000 (IR)
Projector screen 150" moterised screen (RF)
PS3 (BT)
15 relay receiver module with remote control (RF)
JBL speaker system (IR)

ok, so basically I was looking at the Harmony 1100i, I like the idea of creating activities and the price of $299AU, but I am unsure if this one will meet my requirements...

I would like to have control of each individual button on my relay module and by what I have read I think I need a remote that I can manually enter script for my NEC HT1000....and can't forget about the PS3!

I hope I have given enough information...
Is all of this possible on the one control without costing me a fortune??
Or am I dreaming?

Thanks for at least reading :)

If I were you I would consider a remote that offered you a better user experience, higher level of customization and features that match your theater.

URC would not be a bad choice. There is a price poitnt for everyone. Harmony in my opinion is way too limited in customability.

Thanks for writing back vbova27

Do you think a URC remote would solve my puzzle?

If so, what model would cover all IR, RF and BT? (or do they all?!?)
Also I'm from Australia, and can't seam to find any suppliers here when looking for pricing?

Budget is $500 although I have been known to bend budgets...I like my toys

Looks like the only way to buy a URC in Aus is via eBay...

Can anyone please advise me if the URC MX-900 will do the job?
and, is the difference between 900 and 980 only the screen?

also, is it easy to get my hands on the programing software if seller is not providing it?

Thanks.

No remote will do the RF. The remotes will send RF but only to their own base stations.

The PS3 with Bluetooth is easy, there is a write up here on several manufacturers products

IR is pretty straght forward

I know RTI has a good presence in OZ, but the budget is not enough. I would not advise buying a URC remote on Ebay. That being said the 900 is a text based remote with a good amount of hard buttons and an LCD text based screen which is controlled with hard buttons along the side. The 980 is a high resolution 240x320 graphical LCD touch-button based remote which can really be customized and tailored more specifically than the 900. However, URC is dealer based and not readily available.

In addition, these remotes send out IR and RF. You will need an MRF base station if you want to control your eqipment through walls and behind doors up to 90' away. Keep in mind as conditions change that number can go down drastically. As for BT, it does NOT communicate with Bluetooth, however there are several third party pieces that can be purchased that will convert IR to BT and allow your remote to control the PS3 device. I would reccomend Audio Authority or Schmartz for that product and go to www.remoteshoppe.com to compare options.

Vincent

Thanks for the replies,

I'm now really wanting a MX-980 but its difficult to obtain one in Australia...

The only URC products I can buy from e-bay are a 900 and a 880

At this stage I am more confused that before, if someone can suggest how I can buy or supply me with a 980 with programing software I think i'll hold off on the whole idea...

You could maybe email URC and see if they have any dealers in Aus. Otherwise, perhaps a US-based dealer would be willing to ship to you - AND provide software. eBay is not a good choice for URC.

Hi Fi & Video Marketing use to be the Australian distributors. Don't know if they still are because they don't have URC remotes on their site anymore.

No remote will be able to learn RF if your devices are RF only. You will need to use IR or RS232.

You will also have to spend more than $500. More like $1000 - $1500 at least unless you by something from an unauthorised dealer and that opens yourself up to all sorts of grief.


Cheers
Jason

AuSpark,

I'm in Aus, I bought my 880 off eBay(from US, not a very popular way of doing it on here, but what to do?), there was no way I was going to pay $800 +, I've had zero problems so far. I paid about $250 delivered, new.

I managed to secure CCP too.

If I were you, I'd go for this combo,

[Link: amazon.com]

MX-980 + MRF-350, a little over your budget at $600, long term though you would be much happier, maybe contact Surf Remote, ands with the $A so strong at the moment, great time to buy. The graphics on the 980 are much easier to customise than on the 880.

You can see my set-up here, (Cocoboo is my user name)

[Link: forums.whirlpool.net.au]

http://www.surfremotecontrol.com/

and see what sort of a package they can do for you, remember to ask for CCP to be included, if you were to buy from Amazon you would not get it, and the remotes are useless without it. There are some very nice people on this forum who are more than willing to help, if you ask nicely.

For our US friends, here's some Aussie pricing for you,

[Link: digitalcinema.com.au]

BE WARNED: This progamming game is addictive!

Let me know how you go

Mitch

Compass you have given me new hope :)

firstly, WOW! you have actually provided me with an aussie website that can supply URC. I honestly looked and searched and gave up as i just couldn't find any!

I have noticed that everyone seems to recomend against buying from online shops, but honestly in australia theres not much choice. Its literaly twice the price!

The amazon link has a perfect price, and I've emailed the supplier to find out if programing software is included.

will i need any special cables??? or will they come with the remote?

once again thank you all for your help, and will keep posted if I buy it

exited :)

I have found a great deal on a MX-5000 inc. a flash drive with software.

SHOULD I BUY IT???

or is it best to just get a 980 as they are more common??

*edit- had miss pelt 'with'

Is the software on the flash drive?

Should you buy it? well, thats upto you.

I have bought a URC MX-5000
Yes with the ccp software inc.

I have also to pick up a second hand MRF-100 Receiver (bundled with a MX-600) for $30 delivered! apparently in good working order... and so my journey to find a remote so suit my needs has finished...or has it just begun :)

Thanks to all that replied