I’m finishing my basement and putting in a home theater. Does anyone know of a system that can control:
-lighting
-TV
-DVD
-Stereo 5.1 surround
-Other electronic shit I’m forgetting
at once with a decent user interface? I can’t seem to find anything that can do the job. Apple has the “Airport Extreme” but that’s not really what I’m looking for.
I’ve got one that does all that and even brings me beer and food.
It’s called “a wife.”
Make sure to get the curvy, silent model.
This might do the trick. There are some more expensive tablet style remotes out there that have more features as well.
Basically, as long as everything you install has an IR or RF remote capable control, you just need the remote. Options are then only limited to how much you want to spend.
The next step up is something like this:
http://reviews.cnet.com/remote-controls/urc-complete-control-tx/4505-7900_7-32153659.html?tag=mncol;lst
Online reviews seem to say that Harmony remotes are the easiest to set up.
The higher end remotes typically have a learning function—so for your lighting control, you can use the original remote for the lighting to program the new remote, even if the lighting control isn’t a “supported” device.
BTW–I’m actually searching for similar stuff right now, but I don’t need lighting control.
FYI—URC has lighting controls that are already integrated with their remotes.
http://www.universalremote.com/product_detail.php?model=157
So if you get the proper Lutron light switches, and a URC remote, you are good to go. I like this one myself…
http://www.universalremote.com/product_detail.php?model=128
I think they only sell those through pro installers though.
I’m using the Harmony 880 remote to control, my TV, DVD, Receiver, Lights, PS3, XBOX and a few other electronic devices.
I really like it and it wasn’t too much of a hassle to setup. I highly recommend it.
I use the Harmony One remote. It freakin rocks. Plus, it’s a touch screen with pictures, so my in-laws can actually work it. Plugs into your pc for setup, which is very simple. As long as your equipment has an IR remote sensor, it will work it.
DB
[quote]dollarbill44 wrote:
Plus, it’s a touch screen with pictures, so my in-laws can actually work it.
DB[/quote]
Yep—that is why I am looking for a good remote. My wife just can’t handle switching 3 devices to get from cable to DVD. I can’t imagine my in-laws trying to work it.
Sweet! That’s exactly what I was looking for. Thanks a ton. I’ll try and let you know how it turns out.