I've been a loyal reader of this forum - thank heavens for it since you certainly can't get much useful info from the manufacturers...!

Here's my deal - I have a new house with a media room where my electronics cabinet will be located. I'm distributing hi-def throughout the house using a Cat-5 distribution network - currently there are three plasmas in various locations and the media room will have a Sony HD projector. The house is two stories and the distance from the various plasmas to the electronics cabinet could be as much as 80 feet with walls in the way and a floor between them. I'm getting very close to installing drywall and need to settle on my control set-up. I've locked on the Logitech and URC RF/IR options.

I've thought to use a Harmony 1000 in the media room with a few 890s around the house. There seems to be problems with this option: I've read about many bugs with these products; range seems to be poor (no way I'd get 80 feet through walls...); programming requires a PhD; poor manuals; and keys are hard to use. I also can't seem to find a RF amplifier/repeater that would extend the range of the remotes to match my requirements.

The other option is the URC MX-3000 in the Media Room and some MX-850s. I've read that URC has backed away from product support for their professional products, which seems nuts and a complete stop for me. URC does offer RF repeaters in their pro line that seems to solve my range issue, but what good is that if I can't program/integrate them. Generally, I see less complaints with the URC line of products, but no support means no purchase - shame since I've had URC products for years without a hiccup.

So, what do you folks think of the best way of solving my overall control problems? Should I use local RF in the media room and rooms close-by, and use IR w/repeaters for the broader link challenge? I'm not wild about the idea of a hybrid RF/IR system, but this might be the best way to go.

Thanks in advance for all your advice!!

TY

The harmonys are easy to setup, IF you have a good internet connection.
You voiced the fact that you aren't very technical savy, so harmony would be the easiest to setup. The 890 is the RF version as you maybe aware, and the one you would want.
Monster's AVS-300 seams to be a great house control remote, supports Z-Wave and is RF too.
But the harmony's and Monster use web interfaces for programing, and have limits, plus with the watch states not being editable, you could have problems with them getting out of sync, espescially if you use more than one.

The Universal's offer complete customization, have powerful IR emiters and range, plus with the MRF-300, seam to be the ones I would recomend for your situation.
The mx-950 offers the most(for a hard button remote), has RF, watch states that can be tweeked to not interfear with other remotes, etc., but still offer some smart states. If you want touch screen you can try the mx-3000.
But you may need a PHD to program the states(also called variables).
I am a programer, so, to me, it's no problem.
But if you buy from an "authorized dealer", you can have a custom installer set it up for you(at a $$ cost), if the programing intimidates you.
If I were you(although it maybe a little more expensive), I would buy from an authorized dealer. That way you have the option of having an installer customize it in case you have problems.
For lighting control you can use it in conjuction with x10.
Throw in a few mx-850's(or RF-10's to save money, but be aware that they are not computer programable), x-10's, MRF-250s or MRF-300s, etc., and you will have a great setup.
If you buy a Universal, make sure you are aware of the policys concerning non support of software or hardware from "unauthorized" dealers.

don't worry about the "support" from URC. There are a lot of bitter people out there that are trying to make people think that they will not get support on the MX line no matter what. That's bunk. If you buy a remote from an authorized dealer (most of them) you will get even better support. If you ask the authorized dealers for a better price most will accomodate you and give you the support you need. Get one of theirs as they are by far the best product out there. IMO

don't worry about the "support" from URC. There are a lot of bitter people out there that are trying to make people think that they will not get support on the MX line no matter what. That's bunk. If you buy a remote from an authorized dealer (most of them) you will get even better support. If you ask the authorized dealers for a better price most will accomodate you and give you the support you need. Get one of theirs as they are by far the best product out there. IMO

I agree here. I just bought my MX-3000 from an authorized reseller, and they provided me the actual software (with the live update) I cant ask for anything else honestly.

PM me and I will provide where I bought it but beware...MANY "authorized" resellers, especially big box and "specialty HT stores" will not give you the software as they want to sell services,

And don't be afraid to lean on the dealer for a better than MSRP price. I made it clear I liked buying from my retailer, but not to the tune of $500 over what I get one for online. So they came back with a considerable discount on the MX-3000 and it's RF base. Not as cheap as online but within about $175. My saying is "if you don't ask, you won't get"... so ask!

Those of us who are bitter about URC's anti-consumer policies don't like the fact that you could be stuck without firmware updates if your dealer goes out of business or simply chooses not to help, if you received the remote as a gift, or if you bought it used on eBay. Yes, anyone who tries can find updated software, but why should consumers do business with a company so intent on alienating end users? If company philosophy matters to you at all, avoid URC.

NG is correct in a few aspects. This is a VERY VERY heated subject. Basically, I had to triple verify that I would get the complete software when I bought the remote. So, key point is to do a LOT of homework. Read everything at remote central and here that you can .

Just keep in mind that the URC software debalce has definately slanted the conversation. But that may or may not affect you. depends on how much customization you intend to do yourself.