My Sony TV & Onkyo receiver speak to each other quite nicely. I can control everything flawlessly using only the Sony TV remote. The receiver responds in kind. However, since I want to control Insteon devices via the ISY, I use my Harmony remote--which eliminated the 5-remote syndrome long ago without having to pay the iTax. But, I have to say the need for the Harmony remote was diminished greatly when I bought the Sony TV. HDMI fixes a lot of things when manufacturers implement it properly.
As much as I like my Apple and iDevices, I'm not in any particular hurry for them to consolidate anything. It generally means removing features to appeal to the masses. I'd rather not have to sync my home automation system through iTunes if I can at all help it!!
As a quite dedicated iSheep, I look forward to Apple producing a large screen TV set that completely
and forever eliminates 5 Remote Syndrome, as well as also consolidating the home automation world with
a GUI that is easy to use and intuitive. As opposed to the current state of the home automation world which
is fractured and messed up. Witness ye the mess that has been created by the cable/TV industry where
they can't even see fit to co-operate on IR codes.