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The 'kit' I'm considering has the dual-band unit - it sounded like the right choice. Thanks!

Wow, thanks everyone! That helps allot. I didn't realize the ISY would do the 'linking' for me. That sort of remote management of the devices would certainly simplify setup and help down the road as things change.

I've read the manual but I'm not sure I understand scenes. They seem like macros. Are they required? Presumably I don't need a scene to have a remote turn on a lamp? But if I wanted to press a button and have it turn on a lamp, turn off a light, and turn on a fan, that would require a scene? But couldn't I do the same thing with a 'program' - if button 1 press received, do this, that, and one other thing? Suppose I have two remotes and I want both to control the same lights. Button 1 on each remote would turn on the bedroom lights. In order to accomplish this would I need to create a scene, then include both remotes and the bedroom light? Are scenes necessary as a basic part of Insteon or just the ISY-99?

Finally stumbled across the post which led me to ask the question. http://forum.universal-devices.com/viewtopic.php?t=3218 To start with all I have is X-10, so I need that to work for at least a couple of years. Presumably Smarthome would send out 'current' versions of the device.

Are there known variations (aside from those associated with model # changes) of the firmware out there? Just wondering if I should care.

I've read mention of the firmware version in a few posts but can't find anything about whether or not it can be updated.