What Lowpro will do when he adds a 4th changer is to simply purchase another RF extender and put his 4th, 5th, and 6th changer on a different RF Extender ID. However, he will have to ensure that he is using IR emitters or install the equipment such that the IR blaster from RF Extender #1 does not send data to the changers controlled by RF Extender #2.

For an idea as to why the "Bridge" is in place, search the Pronto Files Section for Dale Crawford's Easy Theatre. Inside this package is a Word document that explains why some folks use 3 layers as follows:

1. GUI Layer
2. Function Layer
3. IR Layer

Note: All 3 layers are typically in separate devices to facilitate future growth.

What this approach does is to make it simpler to switch out equipment.

Buttons in the GUI layer always alias to buttons in the Function layer. The relationship is often Many to One.

Buttons in the Function layer typically alias to a single IR code. The relationship is almost always One to One (if the Function Layer defines fine-grained control).

So, when it comes time to switch out your equipment. You can simply replace the IR Layer and re-link buttons between the Function Layer and the IR Layer.

Also, when it comes time to move your equipment over to RF, you only have to set the Properties of the Device containing the IR layer (buttons used to control your specific equipment).

Another benefit is that one does not accidentally delete a Function Layer Button while redoing IR does. If one of these buttons was actually deleted, you'd have no way to find out what GUI buttons referenced the button. This way, by having your Function and IR Layer links typically One to One, it's rather easy to relink should you accidentally delete an IR Layer Button.

Yes, this solution, albeit, not that complex, does put more devices into your config file. However the NG remotes, unlike the legacy remotes do allow devices to be hidden.