Hi,

I'm a DIY (so I know URC gets a bump over RTI), but for this discussion let's assume that I am hiring someone to do the programming.

I have Sonos (6 connect Amps) that I will want to use the single iPad interface), I have family room theatre (with all components in the rack downstairs, using global cache), I have a 7.4.2 home theatre in the basement (UHD blue ray, xbox one, switch, projector, Bell Fibe TV), We have IP cameras connected to NVR (Hikvision), august doorbells and door lock, multiple Dots, and Instead/ISY for lighting.

I want to have all of this in one IOS application, plus a more traditional remote for the family room and one for the home theatre.

I was using iRules to do much of that, but since the company was sold and development has stopped I'm looking for something new. I tried Harmony Hub / Harmony Elite which is okay for the remote in the family room, but the iOS app is really poor and it definitely doesn't do the other things well.

I am not looking to take on the cost of Control4, creation, etc which is why I'm looking at URC and RTI. Obviously (as I said earlier) my preference is to be able to do this myself or at least to be able to make changes after initial setup myself. If that's not an option for RTI I would still be interested if the cost/benefit made sense.

Really hoping the experts here can help me with this decision - what will I get/not get with each.

Honestly, either the Harmony system or hiring someone to handle it 100% is your best bet. RTI is completely out if you want to do anything yourself. URC has their iOS app in the CCP lineup, but its not great, and you will have to program everything 100% for the remote, then again 100% for the ipad, then again 100% if you want to use your iphone. Control 4 will surprise you as to the price compared to RTI especially and even URC. You will absolutely have to work with a dealer, but it may turn out to be less expensive than the cost of either pro option mentioned in terms of hardware cost.

that's interesting. I didn't expect C4 to be the same/cheaper than URC or RTI.

What would be the base components that I'd need for C4 vs URC/RTI?

I've read that some people are able to do C4 as a diy. I'm happy to pay for the first install but would really like to be able to make small changes from there. Is that something that can be done (e.g., can an installer give out the software)?

I also forgot to mention security is RLK M1 and HVAC is Lennox s30 icomfort. Does C4 have drivers for everything (how about RTI or URC)?

I am not anC4 dealer so cannot answer the CROWN specific questions but can say that without a doubt the software cannot be accessed by the end user. The same is true for Rti, URC Total Control, Savant, Crestron. URC CCP can be accessed by the end user with some stipulations

I'm looking into Control4 for whole-house automation after extensive analysis of URC and RTI. Control4 is a much bigger company with a lot more resources, and their technology is clearly leading (in ways that aren't obvious at first glance - such as no router port forward required for remote services, automatic backup of your config files to their cloud, ability to immediately switch between dealers with no transfer of config files or programming ownership, etc.) And they also have more and better third-party device integrations than anyone else. That said, their remote control looks kinda dated and doesn't have much of a screen, but users seem to like it.

As far as DIY, Composer Pro is not available to end users but Composer Home Edition is. HE does a lot of what Pro does - the big difference is that Pro is required to add new device drivers. Both can edit the configuration, scripts, etc.

You'll need a pro/dealer to get started. I recommend going to C4forums.com and finding one of the remote integration dealers. They will sell you hardware, you install it, and they will do the initial setup remotely. There are some pros there who are very good and worth what you pay them - lots of stories of them remoting-in and fixing installs other dealers have messed up.

I hope this helps!

Compared to URC and RTi, I agree.