Sorry,

I use a software package called MainLobby to control my HT using a LCD Touch Screen and a dedicated HTPC which also acts as a media server. Many devices I control are via a serial connection. Some devices will talk back to you and tell you their current configuration and status. You could then use this info to create a custom user interface on your touch screen.

See the picture in this thread. It shows an example of what the current status of the 990 would look like on your screen.

Serial Control

Having said all that, I second your suggestion, much simpler.

Regards,
John