If you want to hide the Sky HD box away behind the TV or similar, then you cannot control it directly from the Beo5/6 because all products must be able to see the IR signals.

If all the 3rd party products you listed can be seen by the IR signal, then the Beo5/6 with DIRECT control would be your best option.

If one or more products is hidden away, then the Lintronic option would be one to consider.

Thanks for all the help Keith. I was wondering - what happens to the Lutron Rania as its non B&O and also dual dimmer - one for living room and one for stairs.

The Beo5/6 can control B&O Lutron Rania dual dimmers, in fact this is one of the 3rd party products which B&O do support DIRECTLY

It IS simple with a Beo 5 or 6 but the perfect combination: Lintronic + Beo 5 or Beo 6

you can copy your original remotes with the Lintronic Device and then import it via Software to the Beo Configuration Software.

Without the Lintronic Box it's always the question: Where to get codes for my devices from? 

TWG wrote:

It IS simple with a Beo 5 or 6 but the perfect combination: Lintronic + Beo 5 or Beo 6

Agree with TWG. If you're able to go down this path (Lintronic + Beo5/6) you will end up with possibly the most flexible solution.

You'll be able to program the Beo5/6 to control 3rd party products (by capturing commands and writing them to XML using the Lintronic box and Configurator software) and you will be able to use the Lintronic box to control other devices within your home from the Beo5.

This is the set-up I use. It also allows the option of a having a neater install - I have the Lintronic box hidden in a cabinet, along with our 3rd party DVD player and Apple TV.

Cheers,

Matthew