Universal Remote Control

[Scottmichaelj]

I am looking into replacing my Phillips Pronto 9400 and 9600 remote controls. I love my ISY-99i and have a very large Insteon Network of devices. However I want a remote that can give me feedback/status of each device. For example if I want to know the status of the Kitchen Lights while in my Home Theater and/or how dim/bright they are set at. I was looking at iRule and using an iPhone/iPad/iTouch but not sure if it really will be a true universal remote. My other concern is lag or delay from pressing a button until the action. Anyone know a universal remote that can integrate with Insteon or any other solution I maybe missing? It would also be nice to be able to integrate my Sonos as well.

 

Thanks in advance.

[elvisimprsntr]

i looked at iRule and other third party home automation remotes/touch interfaces. They were either too expensive, required a professional installer, or require way to much programming and layout than I was willing to commit or maintain.

 

I went off the shelf iOS apps to take all the work out of it.

 

viewtopic.php?f=42&t=6983

 

For the IR remote I went with the redeye wifi unit from www.thinkflood.com. The IR database is not as mature at Logitech's, but the device supports learning.

[oberkc]

I have not yet tried one, but the harmony link may also work for you as a TV/Theater remote for iPad or android. My perception is that this is as good a universal remote as most harmony, but does not support macros (may be important to you). for what it is worth, I have tried the remote feature that is part of the logitech revue, and find it inadequate for anything but a simple theater system.

 

I use the conductor app for control of the insteon system, but understand it is abandoned and quits working with the latest versions of ISY-99 software. When the time comes, I intend to try mobilinc. I recall some freeware software that I wanted to try, but forget the name.

 

A third option is to replace all your theater equipment with stuff that is network enabled, and comes with it's own app. Or some combination of device apps and HDMI-CEC capability.

 

Regardless, I believe a tablet is the way to go, for now and the future. I don't believe that there is a remote that natively supports insteon. Remotes using X-10 would not provide the feeedback for which you are looking.