I am looking for a remote that is in a little higher level than the Pronto Pro. I like the iPronto and I am considering it, but I really like the Crestron and AMX products, but they are more than I want to spend, unless someone knows something I don't. I have been developing software for about 6 years now and I have programmed countless Pronto's (from 1000's to Pro's) and I am good with electronics so I think I could install,configure, and program an upper-level unit. Ebay has both AMX and Crestron products for good prices the problem is I don't know what I would need to have a complete system. My theater consists of an RCA 65" HDTV, Denon 5803 Receiver, Denon DVD Player, JVC VCR, DirectTv Receiver, and cable box. If someone could please tell me exactly what I would need to have a complete Crestron and/or AMX system that would run the above components as well as lighting I would really appreciate it. Also, if someone knows of a color touchscreen control system other than AMX,Crestron,Pronto please let me know.

Burnke21

Elan also makes a nice color touchscreen- the Via. Take a look at www.elanhomesystems.com. It is somewhat less expensive than Crestron or AMX.

CJ

The Elan VIA! is a very nice, reliable and easy to setup panel. Though it has some caveats.

If you are used to the Pronto/Pronto type remotes, you will find the VIA! is not as flexible with their graphics layout. You are pretty much stuck with the default layout.
You also cannot import your favorite graphics into the panel.
And it is only a wired panel, no wireless options.

As for Crestron, you are only limited by your imagination with the right combination of gear.
Though with all this power and flexibility, there comes a price, a lot to learn about the programming software.

If your looking for something to do on a personal basis, Crestron is probobly your best bet. There is a great Yahoo support group for dealers and end users alike. You can pick up a older generation crestron system very inexpensively and build your skills fron there.

All you need to get started is an STCP(Can usualy be found for $200-400),and a ST series panel(Greyscales I've seen from $150-500 ST-1500 or ST-1550), and Color from $250-1000 ST-1500C or ST1550C.

Crestron Group

Impaqt,
So I wouldn't need power relays and sensors or anything like that to get started with a Crestron?

Only if you need them for your specific application. According to your list up top, i dont see anything critical that does not have dicrete commands (Cable box can stay on, and DirecTV-Brand?) In this senario, no I/O's or Relays would be required.

If you change gear, you can always add outboard boxes to accomodate additional needs.

If you want to be more prepared for the future, look for a CNMSX-Av (Or Pro) these have built in Relays and I's (and more RS-232 Ports) and have an Ethernet Upgrade available as well. If you go this route, you wil need an outboard RF Gateway for the Touchpanel (CNRFGWA) The ST-CP has a built in gateway which makes it a great starter peice.