Do i need a HA controller?

[IVB]

the question was do i need a hardware controller? I want to use CQC for the software. If i dont need a hardware controller, then how do i go about connecting all the serial cables (i.e. russound, denon receivers etc....)

Thanks

Philip

Ah. IIRC from cocoontech, at this moment you *cannot* control the russound from the Elk.

To control boatloads of serial devices from CQC, you should get a cheap 8way PCI serial card, ie off eBay. I got an 8way MOXA for $40. Actually I got 2, just in case one dies. Then you can connect directly. For equipment in another room, you can use CAT5 and RJ45->DB9 adapters. I have my irrigation controller roughly 30' away and wired that way.

For your IR stuff, you've got a few options. Hopefully someone else can chime in with experience - if not, i'll ping back with the theoretical stuff I've heard.