You might want to consider something in the form of iPad/iPhone/iTouch control. That would give you ultra-reliability, is easy enough for a regular consumer to access, and is really cool.

Consider companies like:

totalcontrolapp.com
irule

Using wifi for a wireless signal is to me the most reliable way for at least one-way communication.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

The problem is, that it just doesn't exist.

DIY + System Macros + PC Programable = Tech Support Nightmare which = more costs to manufacturer.

Reliable = quality + durable parts which = more costs to manufacturer.

Higher costs = smaller customer base.

No manufacturer wants a low profit, low customer base, product that would compete against cheaper alternatives. That is a bad business plan.

Well, sounds like a good time for some good ole American INNOVATION then... There is certainly a good business opportunity for someone to develop a product that meets these needs... I suspect the WiFi iPhone/Android app's will soon fill the niche. I guess we'll see. Thanks

TotalControl-

Yeah- I am interested in this angle- just wanted to wait a little longer for it to mature... but will check it out again. Thanks!

I would recommend RTI if you can acquire the Integration Designer software.

You mean steal it, because only dealers are authorized to use it. The software belongs to RTI and they only allow dealers to use it.

These guys can keep their software- within one year or so I'll be able to make a remote exactly the way I want it- by using an iPad and WiFI... too boot- it will be cheaper than having a so called Pro do it.

A real pro- would be customer driven- and would reap the benefits by accessing a massive amount of hungry customer base. Instead- they'll lose out as technology makes itself more and more accessible to the DIY. It's a remote control for peat sake- lets not forget this...

For now, b/c the Ipad route is not quite mature enough for me- I got around the lame URC RF protocol by spending a bunch of time and money wiring in an IR distribution system. It works fine (better than URC RF, that is for sure). It was frustrating to have to do that but I think it was the best route for now. Certainly better than paying a so called pro to come in with their attitude and all- finding out that URC has a built in problem with the RF and then having to help him find a solution anyway.

Ha ha- not trying to have an attitude - as you can tell from all my posts but this one- it's just that I get tired of the attitude received from others.

Have a great day!!

As a Professional.. I receive a snub from a lot of persons who think that they know what they are doing. Its not just doing of bit of research on the internet and then even though you have it well planned and organized that what you want to have happen will happen. Quite often I find that I end up eating the cost of my trial and errors in order to find the perfect solution for this... and or that. I spend a lot of time with testing equipment. Understanding how and why certain things do the things they do. I then take this experience to the customer to offer them the BEST VALUE.

The automation systems I use protects our industry by not offering their products to "TRUNK-MONKEYS" (those that have a shop in the back of their family car's trunk). If they were to make these products readily available.... just like Control 4... all of the sudden it gets a bad name from it being installed in a poor manner.

Usually there are 3 options available to a customer.
(CHEEP, COOL, EASY) pick 2 you arent getting the 3rd one.

When a DIY slams the Automation industry and thinks he can do what I can. Yeah you deserve some attitude dude. Find your place. Its not amungst the professional.

P.S. obviously a engineer.... and you should know better about the costs of R&D.

I appreciate those comments. I do understand the cost of R/D yes-- I need to think over my position on that.

For now, I'll just say that my solution is in place, working- and without using any pro gear, pirated pro software or really any advice from a pro.

It was not easy- I guarantee I have a situation here that the average pro would not have known how to handle easily. He would have certainly earned his money on this job!

Hardwire IR repeater systems are often the last resort when RF options cannot be overcome. The downside is that it requires you to point your remote for the duration of your macros. If you're happy with that solution, that's great. Most, however, would look to someone with real world RF installation experience to make it work without the "pointing" hassle.

Yep- it is a pain- no question.

The most I wanted to spend on a remote left me with the best choice being URC. The URC RF base spews out additional IR commands which messes up my DTV-PAL device. There is no other remote that I could find that offers Macro's and decent quality for the price I could get an MX-450 for.

So- all that to say my only option was to go wired.

I can't spend a thousand bucks on my remote installation.