Please help me out. I “inherited” a house with a Niles Intellicontrol system controlling home theater, utilizing some dated equipment. Recently the projector burned and I am upgrading most of the components to the state of the art.

I wish to keep the RF functionality. Reprogramming Niles I would need to either buy IntelliFile II system and learn how to program it my self, or have someone do it for $$$/hour.

I have been looking at the URC MX-3000, retailing for $600 to $1K, depending on the place and the needed RF station, MSC-400, for another $800.

The question is: do I go ahead and keep the Niles and then attempt to reprogram it myself or hire someone; or, do I scrap Niles and go with another system. Which?

Thanks for any assistance.

For an RF remote for what your doing, the new Pronto Pro, TSU-9600.

Niles allows 12V sensing. Will the Pronto do the same?

Currently the only remote systems allowing Sensors are Niles Intelicontrol, URC, RTI, AMX, Crestron, Im sure there are a few more but thats what comes to mind...and a few PC based systems

I think you will be better off with a URC MX3000 and a MSC400 way more flexibility over the niles, RTI is a similar system, nicer to work with in my opinion but is a dealer installed system and dealer programmed system. We usually sell the T3 and RP-6 with RM433. and if a sensor is needed no problem as they have video and 12v as ell as 232, but URC has that now as well wih the MSC400. But URC is available to end users and can be programmed by you as well. Just buy from an authorized dealer to get the software and warranty should a problem arise

I'll second the MX-3000. Make sure you buy authorized.

Thank you for the suggestions. Yes, I think that purchasing the MX-3000 from the authorized dealer is a must; however, I think I can get away with getting the MSC-400 elsewhere to save a few hundred $. Does that make sense?

In your opinion, setting up the URC, can it be accomplished by a “novice”? I am familiar with computers and somewhat electronics. I have put together numerous PCs and am OK with the software part. I just do not want to get something thinking that I can do myself and still need to call in a professional installer.

Again, thanks for the excellent input.

Lev

I'm not going to reccomend getting anything unauthorized. I'd suggest that you email the authorized dealers, namely www.surfremote.com, www.proremotes.com, and www.bluedo.com, and ask if they're running any "unadvertised" specials on both units. Usually, they will be.

Wow! I would not have thought to do that! Thanks!

Levster,

The MX-3000 is a great remote. Combining it with an MSC-400 will make for a very nice system! The MX-3000 is very stylish and compact compared to the Niles - incredibly powerful too.

If you don't need voltage sensing, then you can save some money by using an MRF-350. It really depends on the application though.

I'd be happy to provide you with a free consultation if you'd like to call.



Thank you,
Damon DG
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http://www.ProRemotes.com - Authorized Dealer & Remote Programming Services

You might not need the MSC unit. If you replace all of the old equipment with new gear that has discrete codes. You should look into this method as it will run smoother. Now all you will need is the MRF-300 or MRF-350.


The Niles remote is dated. You should replace it, but keep the MSC unit as they will probally come out with a new remote in the future.

Right now most of my components are hidden and I do like the ability to control things with out the light-of-sight issues. Switching between different inputs without 12V sensitivity I thought may become troublesome, and that is why I was considering the MSC-400.

I think that I would like to keep the 12V sensitivity function. Any thoughts?

Then you will need to go with a MSC unit with or RTI.

The sensors don't have any relation to input selection. They are used for checking the power status of components. There are both video and voltage sensors available for this.

Discrete input codes from the remote are used for selecting direct inputs on components.

I didn't know if that was an error or misunderstanding, so I just wanted to clarify it for everyone. :)



Thank you,
Damon DG
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http://www.ProRemotes.com - Authorized Dealer & Remote Programming Services

Thanks, Control Remotes,

I think that we are talking about the same thing. I wanted the system to maintain the ability to “recognize” what is already on and not and handle it appropriately. Hence, 12V sensitivity.

Levster,

Oh, ok. Yes, that is correct. Then you will want an MSC-400.

Let me know if you have any questions or want special pricing. I'd be happy to help you.



Thank you,
Damon DG
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http://www.ProRemotes.com - Authorized Dealer & Remote Programming Services