I am currently using the Roomie Remote on my iPad/iphone, however, with both my Oppo 103, and Samsung F8500 TV Roomie can't turn on/off, and the only options to control this are with an IR blaster (which I have, but was expecting better IP support).

Anyway, to make a long'ish story short'er I am looking for one remote that truly controls all the functionality of all my A/V equipment (either via IP or IR, so that all equipment can be behind a door).

A couple of questions:

1. Are there alternatives to Roomie that do have full IP support of the Samsun TV and Oppo Blu-Ray (would be great if it also included IP support for the Apple TV)?

Does the answer change if using an iPad or an Android tablet?

2. Are there good traditional universal remotes that would cover all functionality on the different a/v equipment (see signature). Would prefer not to use an IR blaster for those pieces that are connected to the internet.

I've used the Harmony remotes in the past but that these inevitable get dropped and break and that the software is also quite inflexible.

3. As with Roomie would be great if the alternative includes control for Insteon/ISY light control

The Oppo has IP support - Samsung, depending on model does not have full IP support. The TV in most cases does not power on when it is off because it doesn't "hear" network IP commands.

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There are several control systems such as Bitwise, RTI, Pro Control, Total Control, Crestron Prodigy, C4, and Command Fusion which offer advanced control platforms. Unfortenaly all are not DIY systems.
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Named above..


Yes, the age old problem with Harmony as it is an entry level system with a very limited amount of control options.  Eventually enthusiasts run into a brick wall with them.
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Some third party equipment might help control this, but more powerful options such as Lutron, PCS, Vantage, Cooper Aspire and a few others are more popular and much more reliable.

Total control remotes pretty much nailed it.

And no you cannot control an Apple TV via IP. It's IR only.

Thank you for the replies

Couple of questions

1 aren't c4, Crestor , etc total home automation solutions vs remotes that can be used with other components (meaning you have to make a huge investment In their total solution)

2. Started looking at other brands mentioned. Rti looks interesting, still need to look at others (including total control).

All the others appear to require professional installers only. Is that right? I don't mind paying, however, I would be concerned about follow on changes. Do any of these allow for changes by owner after initial setup

Any of the names that are more DIY friendly?

Roomie is not your limitation, it is your end devices. The Oppo has limited IP support but excellent RS-232 support. They plan on enhancing their IP offering but it is not as robust as RS-232 at this time.

Samsung as previous posters have mentioned will not turn on the TV via IP. So you have to IR blast on, then IP control. I'm trying to hook up the Samsung via RS-232 using their proprietary bus but I haven't gotten it to work yet.

FYI: Roomie's on-screen TV guide with direct jump to the selected program is not available on more expensive remote controls. So all in all, Roomie is pretty outstanding at any price.

The other more expensive brands require you to put Channel Logos on the remote where you program in the channel # onto each button. But channel #'s change all the time so it's a hassle to support. The Roomie live guide on your iPhone/iPad is up to date so no setting up channels, so reprogramming. I wish the more expensive remotes offered this capability as they have two way feedback so that you can test if a command was successfully sent which the Roomie does not do. So Roomie for me and more expensive bullet proof solutions for customers.