I'm just getting into the custom home automation business and am trying to decide which remote product line that I will carry. Initially I want to select only one product line to minimize overhead and maximize learning curve.

The distributors that I currently work with carry either Pronto, Harmony or Xantech.

If you were going to start off carrying a high end remote which product line would you first select and why.

(My background is computer systems and telecommunications)

Thanks

Frank

if you go high end, then crestron or AMX

in the middle range, I would definitely have the Pronto or Marantz line, but not all people like touch screens so I would also carry the MX700/800. I love the harmony and it is a great remote, but if you install it you will also need to teach them how to get to the site and update the program guide.

I stand corrected.

That should have read mid-range remotes.

For some strange reason I don't consider Crestron or AMX as remotes as there is a lot more to them than just the remote part, IMHO.

I agree :-), just wanted to be picky

Also, I forgot to mention, in the orginal message, that I have access to Home Theatre Master remotes as well as the previously mentioned remotes.

How about who is able to support you best? Which supplier can easily answer questions, help with tech stuff, keep it in stock, ship it on a timely basis, the usual suspects. I'd thnk about that angle as well.

Marantz

Second the Marantz endorsement.

we sell 90% URC mx700's mx800, and 5% prontos the other 5 percent are crestron's, i will tell you i think my happiest cutomers are the ones with the mx700s there easy to use, light weight, one handed, and are pretty rugged, (no screen replacements from dropped remotes)
i would have to say when we first started doing them insted of prontos i was a little skeptical but once i programmed one an it didnt take me 6 hours i was sold

Gentlemen, thanks for the different perspectives. My suppliers seem to be almost equal on support side of things.

Actually, I really like the Harmony, but unfortunately not all of my customers have high speed access (for TV Guide listings) or PCs in their residences as a portion of my installs are in weekend residences in cottage country.

Thanks hdtvnow for the break down of your sales. This info helped finalize my decision on which way to go.

Cheers

high speed access is not necessary. I just have regular dial up and it works well. But half the time I cannot be bothered to open the PC at home just to reload the TV guide, so I cannot imagine any one doing it at the cottage

Another thumbs up for Marantz. The remotes are great and Marantz does a good job of protecting their dealers.

i tried to use the harmony but i foud it a little wierd to explain and my customers that have it dont really use the guide function, it is a great remote but i think you need to like tinkering around alot to enjoy it, also the customer can really do all the programming themselves, so we sell them to guys who ask for them and they always do all the programming, neat remote but not practical for everyday remote

Mx-700, 800. They are easy to use and program. They're really rugged too. In my expierence the Marantz has broken a bit too often. People seem to step on their remotes..... don't know why but, the marantz doesnt like this one bit.

Just my 2c

No touch screen likes being stepped on, but if you're even a little bit careful that shouldn't be an issue. I bought a Pronto TSU-1000 before the Marantz RC series remotes were available and over 4 years later it's still in perfect condition... and my 3 year old twins have access to it!