Want to replace current AMX system - but want to be free from dealers!

We currently have a very old AMX system that has now completely died.  Currently, we are looking at Control4 as a replacement solution, but I cannot get past the fact that if a hummingbird burps somewhere on the planet, then we need to call in a "technician" to make a change. 
 
We have CAT5 throughout the entire house.  There are panels (now defunct) in several of the rooms and prewired speakers.  In addition, we have a home theater and an intercom/PBX system that serves both as the intercom system as well as our phone.
 
What I would like to do is to create a system where they are all tied into the same automation.  While I don't want to spend the same type of money I did to begin with (well over 50K), I am aware of the fact that this will not be a cheap solution. 
 
I have extensive system integration experience (network/hardware/os...) but my programming skills are a bit rusty (unless you count korn). 
 
Some questions.
 
1.  Is what I am wanting to do - integrate the phone/theater/audio into a single system possible.
2.  Can it be done by someone with above average technology skills (but not exquisite programming skills)
3.  If yes to both - any recommendations?
4.  If no to either - any recommendations?
 

No problem - check out things like HomeSeer or CQC for software then work backwards based on what they're compatible with. Or you could go hardware with an HAI/Leviton OmniPro and get security mixed in.  The advantage the OmniPro gives is a complete system with touchscreens and all that's DIY accessible and can have intercom/audio/etc - all out of the box.  You can also get lighting and HVAC mixed in pretty easily.  With software you can piece a lot together too but you'll have to build your own screens and consider mounting some iPads around the house for control - but that pesky Intercom seems to be the hitch; I haven't found a way to get intercom integrated in anything other than the dealer based systems or OmniPro, and I'm already tied to my Elk (Very similar panel but not as complete of an ecosystem).
 
There are different ways to accomplish what you want - kinda need to do a bit of reading and see where you land.

+1, if you can keep phone and intercom separate from the touchscreens, keypads, and AV control then life is good.
 
Many people use advanced phone systems for paging, and ditch the wall-mount interface.  You probably only have 1 category cable to each keypad/touchscreen, anyway; not 2, needed for separate wall-mount intercom and keypad/touchscreen.  Work2Play may have some specific recs on advanced phone systems (IP vs NEC/Panasonic PBX-hybrid, etc).  I'd also like to hear what he has to say.
 
What do you use your AMX wall controls for currently (er, recently), in each room?  What do you want to accomplish?  Can you afford to mount an iPad at each location?
 
How much time to you want to put into this?  Do you think you'd enjoy this as a hobby?  It will take months, or years, to 'finish'.
 
What lighting control do you have installed?
 
Keep in mind that what you installed for $50K 10 years ago would cost $100K today.
 
I've read that C4 allows some end-user configuration.  To set it up, you need a pro, but for programming changes, the end-user can do some.  I don't know if C4 allows for much phone integration - haven't read mention of it, but that may not be the case.  There is a C4 forum, somewhere, you could check out.

Thank you for the input Neurorad,  Below are my responses:
 
+1, if you can keep phone and intercom separate from the touchscreens, keypads, and AV control then life is good.
We don't have it now - so no reason to do so.  One of the boards in the PBX system went out - so will be working on a solution for that too.
 
Many people use advanced phone systems for paging, and ditch the wall-mount interface.  You probably only have 1 category cable to each keypad/touchscreen, anyway;not 2, needed for separate wall-mount intercom and keypad/touchscreen.
Correct
 
 Work2Play may have some specific recs on advanced phone systems (IP vs NEC/Panasonic PBX-hybrid, etc).  I'd also like to hear what he has to say. 
 
What do you use your AMX wall controls for currently (er, recently), in each room?  
Listening to different inputs.  It is an audio solution alone.  The "smart pads" allowed you to pick the CD from the jukebox, but all of that information had to be entered into a MS Access database.  
 
What do you want to accomplish?
To be able to listen to radio, cd jukebox (ideally to be able to pick the cd of our choice from a list), and other audio sources (all located in a single location)
Replicate the current "scene" environment that is in the home theater (all on/all off, intermission, watch movie, etc...) - this includes the lighting...
Make the system futureproof - so that if addition hardware is added/swapped out, there will not be a need to recreate the world - or to hire someone else.
 
Can you afford to mount an iPad at each location?
Yes, but what would that offer us?
 
How much time to you want to put into this?  Do you think you'd enjoy this as a hobby?  It will take months, or years, to 'finish'.
I do think I would enjoy as a hobby.  I have been a systems integrator for over 20 years (in an ERP/Oracle environment) so this should be far less complex.  As for the months - I'm willing to put in as much time as it will take to get the job done correctly.  This is our dream house.  If I could be the "master of my domain" so much the better.  
 
What lighting control do you have installed?
Only the PHAST system that was used in the theater.
 
Keep in mind that what you installed for $50K 10 years ago would cost $100K today.
True, but it does not mean that I should have to buy and entirely new system every decade.  
 
I've read that C4 allows some end-user configuration.  To set it up, you need a pro, but for programming changes, the end-user can do some.  I don't know if C4 allows for much phone integration - haven't read mention of it, but that may not be the case.  There is a C4 forum, somewhere, you could check out.
 
The installer bailed - said that I would be in bed with them for the rest of our lives if we wanted to use their system and that they were not willing to allow us to have access to anything other than the most basic programming access.  Any changes would be a billable item (in addition to any subscription charges that we would also pay.)  
 
 
Hope this helps.  

Seems like you're mostly interested in a hardwired distributed audio system, that is DIY friendly.  Plus, some added functionality in the HT.
 
Russound C-Series controller/amp, plus a DMS 3.1 music server, may fit the bill.  You'll need another controller layered on top for more than music, though - something with an iPad or android interface.  CQC would be at the top of the list, given your background.
 
I don't know how easy it is to get the programming software for Russound; I've read that it's DIY-friendly, but no personal experience.  Some online research may provide the software answer.  Try signing up with Russound as an installer.
 
Read every manual before you buy.  Wait until you're ready to install, too.  Tech changes rapidly.
 
Whatever you choose, make sure your music server provides streaming of online sources.  Typically, an AM/FM tuner isn't needed, as most terrestrial radio stations also stream online, and are 'scraped' by radio station aggregators such as TuneIn.com.  CD player, of course, isn't needed.  SiriusXM, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Cloud, Rhapsody, and last.fm are other popular streaming services.  I only use a music server as my source component.  I have a Nuvo system (not Russound), but since purchasing my system, Nuvo has curtailed DIY installations.
 
Audio keypads are usually installed at eye height.  Might be time for a change, if they're not.
 
I think the Russound C-Series can provide for 30+ zones of audio, and can handle 8 sources.  The Russound server provides 4 streams, as inputs.
 
You'll need to replace the Phast system.  Pick a controller (e.g. CQC), and then pick lighting control second.  Also, check to make sure others have used CQC for Russound control - pretty sure, but play it safe.

Also, I would strongly recommend researching the heck out of your design, before spending a dime.  Only do what others have done before you, don't be a guinea pig.  Don't believe it when someone says, 'that should work'; use proven tech.
 
Of course, the flip side is 'scope creep'.  You'll figure out all the cool things that can be done, and never finish.  Work2Play can attest to my feet dragging - I've been researching for years, with minimal progress. (But, I have a kick ass music system. )
 
For single room lighting control, you could consider Lutron RadioRa 2.  After you see what can be done with lighting in the HT, you'll want to expand elsewhere (exterior lights).  UPB and z-wave are slightly more affordable.  You need to take an online course for the Ra2 programming software.

Russound MCA-C5 allows up to 48 zones, 8 sources.  MCA-C3 more limited.

Thanks for all of the feedback Neurorad,
I am still looking. I've looked at CQC and it looks promising.  I've got a networked blueray dvd player and have disassembled one of my keypads.  Next step is to see if I can find a keypad that I can program from CQC.  The idea is that if I can figure out how to control the dvd player, then I can move on to bigger and better things.  Plus if an abject failure - I've only lost a few hundred dollars - beats 12k.
 
The truth is - we will be a guinea pig.  But, if I am the pig and the integrator, then I will have no one to blame.  If we go with a professional - then they have to do it MY expectations and all will be in an ironclad contract. 

You might want to see if the Russound keypads can be programmed for additional functions - though I don't see what added functions you need, outside the home theater.  In the theater, you could mount a tablet on the wall and use a hand-held tablet.
 
CommandFusion and iRule could both be used as a frontend interface, for lighting and AV control, in the theater.  For whole-house and fully custom, CQC would be the best option, IMO.
 
Xantech makes keypads that can send IR commands (probably serial as well).  Ask/search the CQC forum to find out what others have used.
 
I applaud your eagerness, trying to use the AMX KPs.  Sounds like fun.  Russound MCA-C5 and CQC will be a nice cushion.
 
The purpose-built Russound audio keypads (with a digital display) will work extremely well, compared to anything else.  That functionality will cost you.

Hi Neurorad,
I really had not thought of using AMX keypads, but now that you say it...  The primary reason I need to use keypads and have the additional functionality is actually because of my husband.  He absolutely must have his cd jukebox!  That means being able to access individual disks, which is what we had used in the past.  The keypads are serial and not ir repeaters.  In addition, the home theater and the house share components so we will need something that can manage both - one reason I am looking far more closely at CQC.  
 
Since the keypads work - it may be worthwhile to see if I can send any commands to them!  Of course, if I end up turning on a water faucet somewhere.... LOL

I mis-read your post.  I thought you said you were hacking the AMX KPs.
 
As a Christmas present, rip all his CDs for him, to FLAC, using dbPoweramp.  A music server (Russound, Vortexbox, Squeezebox, etc) is far better (more functionality) than a CD jukebox.  Don't let this be a limitation for your plans.
 
CQC provides the front end, Xantech (and others) provide the hardware.  Xantech offers keypads/controllers that send serial commands.  Because you don't need a full-function KP in every room (as far as I can tell, only the HT), a simple audio KP will allow full music control, of 'all' components.  One of the music server zone outputs would be an input to the HT audio video receiver (AVR).  What other components would be shared?

Shared components: Blue ray player (because of the pandora and other apps), television (dish/cable/whatever),possible receiver (radio) and of course whatever plays the cds.

Hi Neurad,
I found something that may address the "shared" issues.  I actually think that it is already in the mix.  A Niles A/V distribution amplifier.

I've not used a Russound myself but I know that the Russound driver does allow you to send out 'User Action' triggers from buttons on the Russound.  And you can also push metadata out to the Russound keypads from CQC as well.
 
If you look at the Russound driver page, in the Driver Events section it indicates what all event types it can send based on key pad keys. You can set up triggered events to react to any of these:
 
http://www.charmedquark.com/Web2/ExtCont_4_x/Drivers/MultiZoneControllers/RussoundRNet.htm

sorry about jumping in so late. the 'no dealers' bit caught my eye.
 
We're ( just now ) living with an HTD system with their optical jacks throughout the house. The HTD is CatX to the keypads but central amplification. The keypads have input jacks, but you can use their optical jacks in the head end for other gear. You can also add their optical jacks as extensions to the keypads. The keypads do IR routing but we aren't doing that. The backend has IR repeating.
 
The inputs are a mess of Apple gear: Mini's, laptops, Pro's, AppleTV's, MOTU.
 
We use VNC/ Screen sharing/ AirPlay / Air Foil to access & route the audio sources over IP into the HTD mesh.  We also use AirParrot to send video to some of the AppleTVs.
 
the HTD stuff is worth a look