upgrading home theater software

[screentime_]

I’m looking to upgrade my home theater control from basic macros to a full software based automation setup
I’ve been researching ways to use my HTPC as the brain so I can get a custom touchscreen interface with actual two way feedback.
I want to run most of my gear like my Denon receiver, TiVo, and projectorvia RS-232 so the system stays in sync even if I turn a physical knob
for the rest, like the TV and DVD player, I’ll stick with IR. I want to have macros that handle everything at once, while still letting me use a regular remote for quick channel flips.

right now, I’m torn between MainLobby and CQC. mainLobby seems more budget friendly, but I’m not sure if I need to buy the separate server piece if I’m only running one PC.
on the flip side, CQC is $500 for the whole bundle, is that overkill for a single room DIY project?
I've got a dualcore HTPC and I'm adding extra serial ports to make this work. does this plan sound solid for a media server doing double duty, or am I missing a better software option?

 

[Esprs0mart1ni]

I think either package works for what you need
If you don’t own the Neothings gear yet and want to save some cash, grab a used Autopatch or a similar 8video switcher on eBay for around $400
the savings would basically pay for CQC. I’d definitely snag the $500 deal now while it’s still on the table

even if you don't scale up immediately, remember that license covers the whole house. you can turn an old PC into a dedicated server later on without spending another dime

 

[rustyn41l]

as someone who’s been down this road, go with CQC. the $500 price tag feels steep for one room, but the logic engine is bulletproof
mainLobby is great for eye candy and skinning, but if you want that deep, twoway RS232 sync to work 100% of the time without crashing your HTPC, CQC’s architecture is much more stable for a DIYer
it’s a buy once, cry once situation

 

[garyyyy_]

Going with RS232 is a smart move. there is nothing more frustrating than a Power Toggle macro getting out of sync and turning the TV off while the Receiver turns on
one thing to watch out for: running a theater automation server on your HTPC can be tricky

if your HTPC freezes during a movie or hangs while Windows updates, your entire remote control system dies with it. If you can, try to offload CQC or MainLobby to a cheap, low power dedicated PC so your theater brain is always alive

 

[Alan]

Before you pick MainLobby vs CQC, what is the goal for the touchscreen? Is it mainly room status and device states, or just prettier macros? Also do you want phone and tablet control or only a dedicated in wall touch panel? If you only have one room and one PC, the server piece may feel redundant, but it depends on whether you want multiple clients later.