With the new iPad app and processors, I'm thinking about jumping into RTI again. This time I shall avoid using T2C and similar vulnerable colour handheld models. I think it's great they have a selection of basic handhelds for smaller sub systems in the house.

My question is - what models would would you recommend for reliable feedback and control in the following categories?:

- iPod Dock
- Rhapsody or Napster Player
- Thermostat
- IP Camera
- Multi-Room amp if not using RTI
- lighting

If you won't be using the T2C or other color touchscreen remotes, then you won't be getting any 2-way feedback, so that part of your question is moot.

As far reliable control, all of the remotes fit this description.

And as to the processors, all the XP series use the same drivers, just vary on number of outputs as the main differences.

I really want to avoid their touch screens if I can - have had to fix too many Of the T2C installed in the past.

I guess there are not a lot of options for 2 way equipment but the list looks like a good mix of quality products. Are there any other third parties that can provide two way drivers or are we really stuck with the drivers on the web site?

I guess the most important pieces of equipment are the iPod dock and media player. Which iPod docks are the best and does Squeezebox allow me to show iTunes data on RTiPanel from the client's computer?

What are you planning on getting feedback on?

Zektor, iPort, Vortexbox/Squeezebox all work great. Heard good things about lutron and aprilair drivers too.

I agree to all of these. The only one I haven't had time to play with is the squeezebox driver.

I know people have had a lot of issues with the T2C remotes in the past but I feel much more comfortable with them ever since they switched over to the OLED screen. The biggest benefit is now having the iPad/iPhone app which can be used as a backup until you can service it the remote. I prefer the T1B over all their remotes for simplicity but there are a lot of times you need additional buttons at the remote. I don't think it's critical to have full control over the house when using a T2C+ but of course it's possible.

There are a handful of people who can create a driver for you. They usually want the piece of equipment for testing as well as some money but it's possible. I've been toying with having Terry Coupe create a driver for Hayward (Aqualogic) Pool Controllers as that is the only pool controller I see. The more feedback (media servers etc) the more it will cost ya.

Another note to add on the "+" remotes. They all can accept 433 and ZigBee. So we have been programming all them with 433 and just leaving the zigbee for 2way features (now playing,album art,etc) only. So if there is ever a issue with zigbee it wont be a show stopper for them !

For iTunes stuff the Squeezebox/Vortexbox is awesome. If you absolutely need a dock then get a iPort.

Neopro or Zektor are great.

Aprilaire and Lutron are great. Lutron HVAC is still in beta though.

Russound or Elan work good. Russound had some major issues with the new stuff but that seems to be ironed out now.

The new T2C+ remotes seem pretty solid. I think RTI lost their ass on it and learned their lesson. We were so close to ditching them over the whole thing.

Goto the new RTI forum, you can find at least 1 company creating 3rd party drivers, and a few other guys doing some cool things with their own drivers. The Virtual selector driver is my current fav.

I've heard great things about driver creation by mydevice. They are evening working on a Sonos driver!

[Link: mydevice.com.au]

I think this will be a huge + for RTI (and mydevice of course). I don't think there isn't a great solution for Sonos and automation projects so with this driver it will allow most of us in love with Sonos to expand our horizons and control with RTI.

Youre saying you cant get 2way to an ipad? I dont believe this is true.


I agree.


Correct.