A control system includes a processor transmitting signals to a shade network and a lighting system directing that motorized shades and dimmable loads be set to desired intensity levels. A communication interface having a buffer is connected between the processor and the shade network. The communication interface provides for communication with the processor based on streaming protocol and with the shade network based on event-based protocol. The shade network converts intensity levels into shade positions. The processor may direct the shade network to move a shade in a series of substantially equal steps to simulate a relatively slowly moving shade. The processor may be connected to a timing device for creating a program based on time-based shade position information for directing the shades to be moved to given positions at certain times of day. A computer running user interface software may be be connected to the system to facilitate programming.