Best Remote Control for Home Automation

With Control4, you can use the app for free if you are at home on wifi and not wanting to remotely check in on your home when you leave your house/wifi network. You may want to double check on that, but I believe the app is free for in house use and only charge $99/year for access to "4Sight" which is the ability to remotely use the app when off your Wifi Network (ie on data network on your cell phone/tablet)


As far as the system, you can also install some keypads on the wall, they can control your lights AND shades that you mention (if you are shades are on a system that is compatible with Control4 and Somfy is compatible). So you could use keypads on the wall, the remote if you buy the remote, onscreen menu on TV, the app on your phone/tablet, etc. You can even get voice control if you add a voicepod. If you build out the system, you can use control4 touch screens too for control of the system (over kill for a simple system). Control4 is scalable to do your front doors when you are ready, Audio/Video needs, etc.

I am an AV Integrator. I've used many different systems over the 11 years I've been doing this and there are good and bad for pretty much every type of system.


Mobile App systems like iRule, Roomie, and Bitwise are great, but limited. iRule and Roomie do not have any hardware of their own. Everything they offer is built by a third party. iRule is most likely EXTREMELY limited when it comes to controlling things like Door Locks. It's designed mostly for a Home Theater setup. Roomie has a 3rd Party Zwave controller offered that may control certain door locks. Bitwise is a much more robust system that is only available through authorized dealers (I was one, but have let my registration lapse.) They can control certain Zwave devices, but I'm not sure about door locks. I would assume so, but couldn't tell you for sure.


Lower End full Home Automation system's are probably what you should be looking at as they offer many more options and expandability. These will generally have a higher upfront cost (as well as programming cost) but will benefit you with better customer service/support if you choose the right AV Integrator. These systems are much easier to add things like Door Locks, Controllable Thermostats, Sensors to trigger automation tasks, lighting, shades, etc.

Control4, Total Control (URC), and RTI are three systems in this realm. Control4 has many more system's out there, but has been selling for longer. URC has been around MUCH longer than Control4 and has sold MANY MANY remotes over the years. They added their Total Control system a few years ago and last year was a big year for them. 2014 will be a huge year for the Total Control system as well. They have many new products and features being released this year. As a comparison an Integrator/Programmer has many more customizable features with Total Control. Also, Control4 has had a reputation of releasing product before its completed. Control4 does have more products with their brand on them, as well as built-in control with certain devices (like Some Sony AV Receivers.) Total Control has more remote options (another remote is about to be released - TRC1080) but is currently limited to iOS (no Android, but adding it very soon) for mobile use. Total Control does not charge a monthly fee for out of house mobile use, (except for the case of door locks) but there may be nominal fees depending on if you need a DDNS. RTI charges a license fee for so many mobile devices. If you want more you need to pay extra. RTI has some decent remotes, but as far as modern remotes go you need to spend around $900 (There is supposedly a $500 one on it's way.) Total Control and RTI both offer larger screens for 2way communication information. Control4's remote's screen is tiny.

A basic Total Control system would be cheaper than what you priced out for Control4. A one room basic RTI system is proably the cheapest but that's with a remote with a Black/White remote that's pretty large. The TC MRX-10 does have control of RS232 devices, IR, IP, Relays, Contacts, etc. Zwave control will be added any day now. URC will be adding a new controller with the GUI overlay like Control4's, but you said you weren't interested in that.


Mid to High End Home AUtomation systems are Elan G!, Savant, Crestron, AMX, and Vantage. These are probably overkill and more money than you'd like to spend.


I am an URC Total Control and Vantage Direct Dealer if you have questions about those systems. I have also installed RTI systems and have a little experience with Bitwise so I can answer questions on those systems as well. There are also lots of other systems out there as well. Such as DIY systems like Insteon.


My personal opinion is Total Control is your best option. It's reasonably priced and has a lot of potential for expanding. Control4 can be nice, but it's not a publicly controlled company so we'll see what happens when they have to run a business to make stock holders money. There are also a lot of bad Control4 dealers out there. They use to let pretty much anyone become a dealer. But anyway you decide to go good luck!!!

RTI is at the lower end of the price spectrum in centralized control. I agree it can do most of what Savant and Crestron can do, but it cannot do everything. It is graphically very customizable which is nice, but that adds a higher price tag to it. I've used RTI before and have had good luck. I like their product, but in no way would consider it "high end." Their remotes are nice, but are BIG. And in today's world a remote with a black and white screen just won't cut it IMO! URC's newer remotes are smaller, more natural in the hand. The two newer rechargeable models are super light (though i actually would prefer them to be a little heavier.) I did forget about ProControls. I used them on one job. Programming is odd, but it got the job done. Customer is happy. Since it is made by RTI it is a pretty big remote though. And I'm not sure (i'd have to go back and check) but I don't think ProControls can control Zwave or Zigbee. They may have RS232 or IP control over a Zwave/Zigbee controller, but unfortunately that may limit what Zwave/Zigbee devices you can use.


Savant, Control4, URC Total Control, and Vantage (Equinox) are definitely limited graphically. They have set graphics, but that does save when it comes to programming. URC Total Control will be releasing a more customizable interface soon for those dealers who wish to customize the graphics more.