Sophisticated integrated remote control starts with devices such as the Phillips Pronto and Harmony's 659 + 748 handsets. But there is a downside to infra-red based systems such as these: it is relatively easy for the handset to fall out of sync with the actual components running. For example, on many devices the command to switch "off" is the same as for "on". Opting to play a movie when the DVD player has already been turned on to, say, load the disc could well result in the DVD player shutting down. Not clever and certainly not cool.

Serious sophistication is available - at a price - from the likes of Crestron and AMX, but something a lot cleverer than a Harmony at a semi - affordable price?

Enter the Niles Intellicontrol.

The Intellicontrol comprises two units, a "dumb" handset which transmits its codes in RF (Radio Frequency) and a CPU which reacts to this code and controls the various devices via IR senders and voltage triggers.

The cleverness comes in a number of areas:

1) Through a variety of sensing options, it can tell whether the device is active or not and will make sure it is in the correct state for a given requirement.

2) It has an incredibly flexible computer based interface that allows the installer (this is not a DIY product) to program it with complete series of timed events to allow seamless integration of video, sound, lights, curtains, blinds - you name it!

3) Up to four handsets can be given separate codes to allow a similar interface in four different locations in the house, yet control different combinations of equipment. For example, using the multi zone functions of, say, a Lexicon MC8 or 12 processor, with different video devices in various rooms.

Despite it's sophistication, the Niles system with a single handset works out at between £1200 and £1400 depending on the level of programming involved. This is much cheaper than any high end back lit LCD panel based system than we have come across.

The remote control itself is extremely well thought out, offering a logical (back lit) interface which can be customised at will to give the end user a genuine single point of control for a huge range of audio and video devices.

We have the Intellicontrol in our home cinema here and it is well worth investigating should you be in the market for the "next level" of system control.