Remote control for Multiple devices and lights.

I was looking for a remote to control the following devices.

Sony BDP-S301 Blueray Player
Sony STR-DG820 Reciever
Optoma HD70 Projector
2 zones of lights
1 outlet that has rope lighting plugged into it

IE: I would like to power on my devices all at once if possible and then have a light setting. When I hit play on the dvd device the 2 zones of lights dim.

I have an IPHONE currently and I am controlling my Itunes using that. If there is an Iphone app that would be awesome!

I haven't purchased any lighting devices yet because I was unsure of what was compatible with what. I am not looking to spend a ton of money because the Wife does not approve.

I was looking at the Lutron devices at home depot today, it had a dimmer and a companion dimmer that says it is wireless... I was assuming this would take care of my 2 light zone problem. However I wanted to make sure I could find a remote that worked with them prior to buying them.

Thanks!

Anyone?

I am thinking about pulling the trigger on a Harmony controller.

I assume this would work with lutron swithes?

Under $200 for the lighting switch units for the 2 zones and the one rope light.
Then whatever the remote costs...

I have a $150 gift card to lowes...

I am thinking of going with their Lutron maestro IR dimmer switch. If I bought two would they allow me to program them with different id's so I could control them individually?

Thanks!

Will the Logitech Harmony 520 control lights?

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Harmo...4615660&sr=8-5

From what I have been reading the 880 is popular.

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Harmo...4616053&sr=8-3

Well, since no one replied I went with the Maestro IR switch with the remote that came with it. I really like the way the switch acts and gives you time to leave the room before the light is totally off. I also like that the switch itself has a setting and the remote has a default light setting. That way it doesnt come on at full blast when you enter the room.

I will be swapping the normal light that is currently in the room with some can lights next week.

I researched what devices were supported on the logitech site and it looks like every controller supports the same devices you just get a little more features with the higher end remotes and more devices. So I am leaning towards the Logitech Harmony 510.

Thanks.

I just pulled the trigger on a 550 Harmony. I will see if it works as intended for my setup.

The Maestro IR switch actually is pretty impressive. I was able to turn the light on from the hallway...

So far I have been impressed with the switch itself. I cant wait until I get the remote to configure everything.

It was a 550 under $100 shipped. So I feel thats a good deal. I am hoping it can dim the lights/turn lights on when i play the movies and power on devices.

Well Target had the 620 for under $100 as well and it was local so I went ahead and snagged it.

I am loading the software on OSX 10.5.8 right now.

So far I have added all my devices to the Logitech and I am very happy with it so far.

Everything powers up when i hit watch a movie. I can control the dimmer from the remote... I dont see the down side yet... Because the rope light is led means it cant be controlled? Why is this? Cant i get a Z-whatever device to control power to lamps etc for otulets and control that device with the my harmony?

So far I am very happy considering I didn't have a universal remote before.

If I can figure out how to turn on my IR dimmer to my "favorite" setting when I hit the pause button that would be awesome. Along with powering on the light originally when I hit the power button for all the devices.

Time will tell weather or not this was a bad decision. The room I have now is small and so far I like the remote. I just hope it can automatically do some other lighting functions when I tell it to do something. Much like a macro.

Thanks!

Any info on how to macro a button?

IE: I want to hit the pause button for my dvd player and then the "favorite" setting for my light comes on as well.

I have a pause button on the remote.

My Light Dimmer has a setting for "favorite".

Basically I want it to combine the two functions.

Same thing with play.

Play the movie and turn the lights off.

Any ideas if this is possible?

Ok, figured it out!

So you need to click on Activites and then customize. I was clicking on the individual device. Once you have done that then you can click on the lower left hand side that says add sequence. Then you just program what you want that button to do. It was very straight forward after I figured out where to go.

AmyHomeNeeds: Can you link what type of switch will work with my Harmony so I can use the rope light as a switch. I dont need dim functions as I am only going to turn it on prior to the movie starting and then turn off after a couple minutes. The only other time it will be on is if I hit pause, it will turn it on. When I hit play it will turn it back off.

I am loving this automation stuff!