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In Search of the Best Programmable Universal Remote?
option8 asks: "Now that i have more components in my living room than I have room on the coffee table for their remotes, I'm looking into getting a programmable universal remote. I've looked at some of the spiffy touchscreen jobs, like the Philips Pronto and even some of the new color remotes, but it seems to me that spending more for my remote than I did on my DVD player is overdoing it somewhat. Also, all I've found are ones with windows support for building screens. Are there any out there that I can use with Linux?" There was a previous Ask Slashdot on this subject back in '99, anything new to report since then?
I would say my wife if she could figure out my entertainment centre. Ah, the issues of being an audiophile ;) (j/k)
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ping -f 255.255.255.255 # if only
My mouse.
Here's a review of my choice. It's not fully programmable in that you can't add or remove buttons, but there are tons of available functions built in. The back-lit LCD is nice. And for $90, I can live with having to use a few mislabelled buttons.
I decided that all the remotes in my living room were totally useless. I threw them all out, and simply replaced them with a 10 foot pole.
Not only does it allow me to control all button controlled equipment, but it allows me to change DVD, push the cat out of the way, and take the phone off the hook if someone wants to interupt my viewing. About all I can't do isget a cup of coffee. I use a long handled shovel for that.
For those with a Palm Pilot, OmniRemote is an excellent universal remote application. It makes Palm IIs with the 2MB upgrade card useful again.
I guess you could always use your Palm. It's about as programmable as it gets! Some Palm remote projects.
I have used one of the monster Sony touch screen LCD remotes. The big drawback to the Sony touch screen remotes is that there is little useful "tactile" information.
With my old remotes it is easy to "feel" the number, volume, channel selector, etc. With touch screen you are forced to actually LOOK at the remote. Oh the horrors!
Anyone have experience with a programmable touch screen remove that gives the user tactile response?
"A sample size of one is really just statistical masturbation."
My Sony receiver came with a sophisticated remote control complete with LCD display.
I hate it.
I want a remote that has buttons. A lot of buttons. A whole lot of buttons. Something that doesn't make me go through 15 menus to get to the operating mode I want.
Are the answer, they love pushing buttons and while there are incidents of failure they seamlessly upgrade with the hardware. And they can open fridges and bring beer. They come with switchable covers, have a basic voice and language recognition system, and work off an inexhustable supply of energy. They are even turning things on before you get up, and after you've gone to bed.
An Eye for an Eye will make the whole world blind - Gandhi
Philips Pronto is very much worth it. You can spend less on a remote and live with annoyances, or you can get a pronto and configure it to do exactly what you want. My only regret is I'm not insane enough to spend a grand on the color version.
See http://www.remotecentral.com/tsu2000/index.html for a review
remote controls are so 90s. the way forward is pc control. for a little under $25 you can buy all the pieces you need to emulate any infa-red control you have, and you get the satisfaction of being able to script your own interface to your life.
at one point, i had a libretto 60ct equipped with a modified irda port controlling my tv, my lights, my blind, my vcr, my dvd player, my cd player [...] (you get the poiny).
i think the real argument these days is not how to control your equipment, but finding new and exciting equipment to control. remote-activated dimmer switches are seriously the best invention in the history of the universe.
this being true though, i do own a cambrideg audio a+ lcd remote, and it's remarkably good for its price. it's so satisfying to be able to hit a single button which ramps up the volume on the tv, dims the lights, draws the blind, and switches the stereo to surround sound mode...
mmmm mmmmm
"I'm tired of looking like an ass because of people's assumptions" - Dalvenjah Foxfire
Personally I'd stay away from the touch screen remotes. I find that I rely on tactile feedback too much to use them. In other words I like to feel my way to the correct button rather than look down to find where I need to press. If you do go touch screen make sure you get one that's backlit. Without tactile feedback it's hard to find the right button and it's doubly hard when you have the lights out.
I don't have any specific recommendations but if I were going to buy a new universal remote I'd get a good ole push button type with learning capability and plenty of extra buttons. My biggest complaint with the cheaper universal remotes is that they always seem to leave off one or two buttons that I use frequently on the native remote. Get a good learning remote with plenty of programmable buttons and that'd alleviate that problem.
You found a wife that besides being programmable is also remote??
Assuming you can override the remote part when need be, do you best to keep her, friend. You won't find another one easily (but also be aware of the universal part, it sounds a tad dangerous).
For those of you who are perhaps, more discriminating buyers, I offer the Lexicon 700t. I used to sell medium to high-end audio/video while in college and we couldn't keep enough of these (and their predecessors) in stock. Be prepared to pay though, they weren't cheap as I recall. Custom buttons with bitmaps...how cool.....
there are no stupid questions, but there are a lot of inquisitive idiots
1) You don't have to carry a remote around, you just tell it what to do.
2) You don't need to reprogram it when you buy new merchandise.
3) It works with non-electrical things, such as "Get me a beer, Abe"
4) Chicks dig helper monkeys.
You want programmable? We've got programmable!
Get yourself a lego mindstorms RCX and then replace the default firmware with LegOS. You can tinker around with the IR subsystem, and possibly even have several threads running to control multiple devices at once. Maybe make youreself a nice little menu driven interface too.
I thought the Pronto was expensive too, until I bought one after installing a full home theatre system. With the complete customization and programming ability, you can make your system do anything YOU want. I have programs set so that you press one button to switch receiver inputs, switch TV inputs, change audio settings, etc. when changing to a different source. Press "Watch a DVD" for example and the TV switches to the DVD input, the receiver switches to the DVD input, the receiver switches to Dolby Digital mode, the DVD player comes on (if it is off) and starts the movie. You could also have it dim the lights and do other things if you'd like. Awesome, and you do it all with one (virtual) button. Much easier for my wife and family to operate. Ecost.Com is the cheapest I have found for buying them.
Jason
"FORMAT C:" - Kills bugs dead!
The Philips Pronto is well worth it. Sure, I paid twice as much for it as I did for the DVD player, but the fun of programming it and the elegance of a single remote that behaves exactly as you want it to behave are well worth it.
At the same time, I cannot justify spending ~$700 on the color version...
why can't a/v equipment have a standard for remote control like the midi standard for music equipment.
I recall running across remote programs for my palm in the past. I'm hitting the same problem now, as my Denon AVR 3300 remote is maxed out, and now I must use the RCA DirecTV remote as well.
;)
Advantages:
1) Large storage capacity.
2) Multi-function.
3) Customizable interfaces/macros.
4) Readily accessible and relatively low-cost. 5) Phone numbers of friends/pizza places on remote.
6) Ability to sync TV schedules.
Disadvantages:
1) Doesn't seem to work with all IR signals.
2) Not specifically designed for task
3) Relatively Small compared to high-end remotes.
4) Beam strength. (IIRC, has been fixed past PALM III)
5) Beam angle/IR port location.
6) Program Availability. (Can't really comment too much on this, as I haven't researched it in a long time)
7) Time required to input data. (Most programmables have codes that do the heavy lifting for you.)
Linux - Because Mommy taught me to Share.
I found jensenremotes.com.
Their top offer:
- Operates Ten devices TV, VCR, CBL, CD, SAT, Audio, DVD, Web TV and 2 Auxiliary devices (Auxiliary device = a 2nd device from the list)
- Equiped with Radio Frequency (RF) which enables the user to control devices in other rooms thru walls and floors RF range up to 100 feet
-Home Theater ready remote controls ProLogic Surround Sound Systems
- a few more things....
I couldn't find info about pricing...
Pedro Côrte-Real.
Check out the review of the Home Theater Master MX-500 at http://www.remotecentral.com. It's not a touchscreen so if has good tactile feedback, but has LCD labels on some of the buttons. Nice remote.
Remote Central has reviews, forums, and for those that can use them all sorts of custom files. Its the best source for any information relating to remotes.
Reasonable price, not as flexible as a Pronto, but very good. Probably the best "hard-button" remote out there.
http://www.universalremote.com/htm/index.html
For reviews of basically every remote worth trying see http://www.remotecentral.com/
I've done a nifty program... IRMCTL which receives any infrared command through the IRMAN receiver (though it should be easy to do more receivers) and executes a shell script or a built in function.
It's not a programmable remote, but you can say what that button you just pressed will do on your linux machine.
Help is appreciated, for I had some ideas which haven't still showed up because I need help!
Hugs, Cyke
I'm very happy with my X10 ultimate remote, annoying popup ads notwithstanding. I like real buttons rather than an LCD screen -- much better in the dark. It doesn't have a huge amount of RAM, so you have to plan out what you're going to do a little bit (and make sure to reset everything when you first start, because there's likely to be junk cluttering up the memory out-of-the-box). But being able to control your lights (and talk to your computer) is pretty nifty, and it's hard to beat $25. (Again, annoying ads notwithstanding.)
I never got it to work with my Palm VII. YMMV. Try the demo first.
I totally agree. I played with it on my Handspring Deluxe and it can replace any remote. You can setup the screens on the PDA so there is no need for and other software. You can also do Macros. So, "Play DVD" will turn on the TV, turn on the DVD player, etc.
Also I love my x10 (yes, yes, the pop-up add people) 8 in 1 Universal Remote. It is a good universal remote and has x10 support which is the kicker.
gilder
Get yourself a Radio Shack 15-1994 6-in-1 Smart A/V Remote, hack it with a JP1 Interface, and for under $50, you've bought yourself an infinitely customizable IR remote (with X10 capability!), and with all nice tactile hard buttons to boot!
begin 644
They've got a better version which *is* feature-loaded:
ur24a.
I dunno why they bother also having the lame remote for about the same price.
i used to use omniremote with my palm vx
my friend has the visor-cartrige version and as far as i know he's satisfied with it
no car stealing in here...
The best remote you'll ever find is those built by One For All with a JP1 connector. There's a large group who's hacked these remotes. By programming them from your PC they're able to control almost any device any possible way you can imagine. They're also very powerful without any PC connection and damn cheap, these remotes cost as much as a single DVD, not a DVD player.
Check out:
http://www.hifi-remote.com/ofa/index.shtml
You can buy a radioshack 15-1994 or Cinema 7 often for under $10 on ebay.
Old Skool Marantz makes some impressive programmable remotes, I use one myself and control everything from the Receiver to the Digital Cable Terminal. In particular the RC5000i. Here are some of the Features...
- Illuminated LCD touch-screen display with ''virtual'' buttons that re-name themselves according to the component selected
- Large memory capacity to accommodate hundreds of control screens and programming of A/V systems of any size
- Preprogrammed IR code library and exclusive MDL (Marantz Digital Learning) quickly clones your existing remote controls
- Windows® PC programming software enables easy programming customization including adding photos and artwork to display screens
- Rechargeable battery and companion docking station keeps RC5000i charged at all times
Convenient Macro keys store commands that can be sent automatically in sequence
- One-touch access to all controls of any component, via unique Marantz tab-style navigation
- Built-in screen layouts for dozens of component types
- Animated help files demonstrate how to program from your existing remote controls
Programmable Instant Surf buttons jump from one channel to any other channel at the touch of a single button
- Home panel can be personalized with a custom greeting
The best version of all doesn't have those silly pop-under ads!
I like fire ants. They are very spicy!
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/spencergifts/612275.ht ml
RFC2119
Ah, the Wonderous Years of the Universial Remote!
We had a LOT of fun with that remote, messing with ppl's TVs, roaming from hood to hood. Of course messing with their TVs was just the innocent start, ending(?) up in running from the police, local hill billys and the taxi-mob!
Then came the alcohol and put a stop to our imagination....
Parrents: give your children a universial remote; they'll have the time of their life!
----
How do you set this lazer-printer to stun?
I think any universal that can learn is okay. I actually ponied up the money to get a Pronto, and it was very cool at first - but the lack of tactile feedback SUCKS. I hate having to stare at the device to control it. I'd rather just feel for the right key and hit it. Ah well, just me maybe.
Best money I've ever spent,
Programmable through a computer (windows only, natch) you can also have it save the learned codes back to that computer as a backup.
Has a touch screen as well as hard buttons (touch screens suck, because you have to look at them to hit the button correctly, which detracts from the darkened room experience of movie watching)
I saw an earlier link to remotecentral, go check out their review, it's why I bought mine.
Some remotes - like the one for my telly - send different IR signals on alternate pushes of the buttons. No "universal/programmable" device I've found can handle that well enough yet.
This sig left unintentionally blank.
Sounds like a cool use for the Agenda VR3.
Got Code?
Yeah, it's really unfortunate that they're such a sleazy company, 'cause they make neat geek toys. I complain to them periodically. :)
I have the RCA RCU-810. It has backlit keys, a backlit LCD display and support for 8 different devices. I got it on eBay for less than $50. It has a ton of buttons for regular device features as well as 3 custom buttons that can be programmed to many things: 1) You can aim your original device remote at the RCU-810 and program the custom button to perform the same action as the original button. 2) You can also program the custom buttons as a "button macro". That is, you can program one button to perform the actions of several button pushes. For example, I have one button that toggles the on/off state of every component in my system. That is all.....
I am using the Sony RM-VL900 to control my tv, tivo, cable box, dvd/ld, amp, switch box, and other units.
It is a good deal in that you can pick it up for $37 + shipping, it controls lots of devices, has lots of learning memory, feels good in your hand with real tactile response, and is backlit.
I'm happy enough with it that I am getting a 2nd one.
Are you paranoid if you know that they just want to know everything you say and do?
1. Get Married, Have Wife Push Buttons, Fetch Grub
2. Have kids, Have kids push buttons, fetch food while wife...(I can think of a few things for the wife here) =)
"Just Smile and Nod." --Huck
Oh, my goodness! I'm in love with this thing. It's not a touch-screen unit, but it's packed with features at only $50. It runs video and audio equipment, is preset for Sony devices, has a LOT of preset codes, and learning functions. I particularly like the programmable macros, which allow one button operation of multiple devices. Almost all of the buttons can be re-programmed to any task, and buttons can have their programming shifted to another button (no re-programming to move functions). Hence, it's completely customizable.
This thing has to be the best birthday present I got this year. Of course, I bought it myself...
screw buying a remote. build one - a receiver that is - the UIR designed by Ties Bos connects to your serial port. You can use virtually any remote control taht you already have. and then use an awesome program called IRAssistant to make your computer do ANYTHING you want it to do! and yes, even you electronically handicapped cs-ers can muster up teh soldering skills to make one. buy one at Evation.com (i think) or just go to irassistant.com and check out the hardware page.
Why need a remote? What about a wireless mouse and/or keyboard?
I'm currently planning out my new apartment living room to have the appearance of a normal living room. The computer in the bedroom controls everything in the apartment, except the computer is invisible to the living room, yet it is controlled from the living room:
-Computer (with everything that a home entertainment center can do, and then some) with TV out -> TV in living room
-Digital Audio from Computer -> Speakers in living room (for DVD sound, mp3's)
-Wireless mouse on coffee table (or keyboard or both)
Now you can surf the internet, play games, watch movies, listen to music, etc right from the couch. You save a lot of clutter in the living room. None of your "lady friends" make fun of you and tell you "you are such a dork, I'm glad I cheated on you with Bob in 203" And you also don't spend a riduculous amount of money on stupid electronics which are like 1/8 the price on the computer.
can't sleep. clowns will eat me.
You mean like hitting "Play" makes any device play? Then anytime you hit "Play" your television plays, your cd plays, your dvd plays, your vcr plays...
Unless you decide that "Play" will be a unique code for all different types of devices. Then anytime you hit "VCR Play" your multiple VCR setup (for copying, of course) plays both the source and recording vcr.
So you make the codes unique for all devices and brands which gets you back to the situation we're currently in.
It sucks, but unfortunately we can't have our cake and eat it without a bit of work on our part. Currently the best way is a learning remote. Ideally, the type that will allow you to hit "learn" and "play" while hitting the appropriate button on the old remote to truly learn it.
Incidentally, if you have a multiple VCR setup with identical brand and model you're screwed when it comes to using a remote. I've seen it happen and it's quite funny when the owner finally smacks their forehead.
I agree this company makes the best remotes and they work with every piece of electronics equipment I own.
I still love mine. You can get them off Ebay for around $100.
Has anyone had any experience with these remote controllers, which supposedly can be used to remotely control WinAmp? They're listed as Packard Bell equipment, but there are other sites that have software that works universally with Windows applications.
:-)
I know that in the audio/visual spectrum, the trend recently has been to hook up more traditional mixer/movie editing controllers to PC's designed around these tasks. Go figure, turns out the WIMP (Windows, Icons, Menus and Pointing device) interface isn't the greatest for everything, after all.
Free music from Jack Merlot.
Slightly off topic - but I am looking for a good remote to control my computer. I currently pipe the video and audio to my TV/stereo so I can either listen to MP3s or watch VCD/DVD/DivX (I don't have a standalone DVD player). I would prefer an RF remote. Is there any out there that have a small joystick that emulates a mouse? For example, the Book PC has a remote with a mouse pointer on it, but I don't think it is sold seperately.
I was doing a project to interface my laptop IRDA port to control my tv, and other devices that use Infra red communication.
:)
The problem is, is that not all IR Ports for computers support the consumer spectrum for IR communication. But the majority does...
So if you're brave, make your own remote, that's programmable with your computer.
All you'll need now, is line of sight between your computer and the mountain of BLACK boxed devices that sit humbly infront of your family room wall.
some useful links include...
lirc and the windows port of it is at winlirc
There are various clients/gui interfaces that you can use, from those links.
if you want to reach me about this:
lloydleung(at)hotmail.(you know where)
NOTE: I'm still working on this...
Money cannot buy happiness, but can buy something soo darn close, that you can't really tell the difference
Not too bad of an ideas, but I don't know that too many people would want to use something as big as a wireless keyboard as a remote control...
It just doesn't work for that one-handed operation.
It's a touch screen X10 device that has a display end (the touch screen) and a IR blaster end. Plug both into any power outlet in your house and it'll control the IR devices you stashed in the closet (like we did.)
This plus a Dish Network RF Remote lets us do a number of things:
To be brutally honest, The touchscreen system doesn't do more than volume and power for the AV stuff in the closet. But still, it's got the potential to do LOTS of nifty things that all the X10 folk tell you about, and it meant that only the TV and speakers are out in the open.
It was on clearance for $500. For that kind of money, I wish I had more time to do more with it.
"Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus."
I want a universal remote that I can program to say, "At 3pm on Thursdays change to channel 21".
Are there any out there that support that kind of timed event?
Joseph Elwell.
I like the Cinema 7, hacked with JP1 Interface. It's intutive, even my wife can use it. It controls *ALL* of the functions of my TV, 2 VCRs, and Replay
TV has never been better since the Replay protocol hack with 3-minute skip came out!
The JP1 can control many UEIC remotes ( All-for-One, Radio Shack, some OEMs)
--- If it's worth doing, it's worth doing in Perl!
http://www.pacificneotek.com/ It's call omni remote and you can teach it pretty much anything your remotes can do.
I picked up this remote a few months ago for 50 bucks at circuit city.
RCA 8 Device Remote
I haven't had any problems with and am extremely happy with it for the price. It is a learning remote that can control up to 8 devices. Just about every button on the remote can be reprogrammed to preform a different function, including commands for components other than the component that you are currently controling. For example, I have the volume and sound mode switches from my reciever mapped to a couple of the buttons in DVD player mode. The only real down side to is that it can only hold 3 macros, but I find that is all I need. The LCD screen at the top makes it very easy to program the remote, but it isn't terribly useful during normal operation(only showing the component you are currently controling and the time). I don't think you can find one more powerful for the price.
Check out http://www.pcremotecontrol.com/, it has a windows program that once registered works really well (I got it to work with an old ibm aptiva remote). Also, why don't you try to make you own? I wrote a program in java using the javax.comm api that once a button is clicked on the remote it uses the java.awt.Robot to move the mouse. Granted its not a fully working remote program, but if i was willing to dump more time into it, it would be. Also check out c programming for linux... i'd imagine it shouldn't be that hard, being that from my understanding you treat the serial controller as file by reading and writing from it. Possibly using fstream in c++??? Good luck...
can't sleep slashdot will eat me
This Sony remote is pretty good as an inexpensive learning remote.
One of the major problems with most cheap learning remotes is the lack of memory available to learn alot of functions. This one actually has enough keys and enough memory to totally memorize the functions for a Tivo remote with it's mass of buttons (4-way switch, menus, play/pause/slow, etc). It also has macros for those that have all of their TV sound output through their receiver (can turn TV and receiver on simultaneously).
At $40 here, it's pretty decent for the price.
It's not the extreme high end, but it's enough to control my TV, Receiver, VCR, DVD, Laserdisc and have enough memory to copy my Philips Tivo remote.
Reviews are here and here.
The best I have found short of the cool $200 jobbers is the X-10 8 in 1 Super illuminated Remote Control. I paid only $25. It is a Learning Remote and designed for DVD/DSS systems.
Mine controls...
Sony TV (Built in Code)
Sony VCR(Built in Code)
STD Pioneer Cable Box (Built in Code)
Sony CD Changer (Programmed Codes)
Sony DVD Changer (Programmed Codes)
Sony Reciever (Programmed Codes)
Digital Cable Box (Programmed Codes)
X-10 appliances/Lights in House. (Build in Codes - Dimming the home theater lights from the same remote is darn cool! The illumination comes in handy after the lights go out...)
Not only is the the least expensive Learning Remote around, but it has the navigation controls for Digital Cable/DSS/DVD.
http://www.x10.com/products/x10_ur24a.htm
Good Luck!
Here's a review at Remote Central:
Look for Girder and uird for UNIX.
Vintage computer games and RPG books available. Email me if you're interested.
It's got LOADs of buttons, the feel is good, and has a built-in screen so you can play games if you get bored with TV!
Seriously, it's been functioning this way for a time now, and has performed well.
Pros:
Cons:
"Trust me - I know what I'm doing."
- Sledge Hammer
I checked the website for that remote, but can't find any info on X10 control, can you enligheten me, Fellow Geek?
Krispy Cream is people
????
http://www.sel.sony.com/SEL/consumer/ss5/home/acce ssories/universalremote/rm-vl900.shtml
$60. No touchscreen- not even a little LCD like the RM-V60, but *every* key is programmable for each of 8 components (unlike some universals like one RCA that have very limited key override storage). 3 macro keys.
It has real buttons and you can set the volume keys to control the receiver regardless of component selection.
I control my Tivo with it and while I have to remember that TV/Video is thumbs-down, I don't have to look at it to find the button.
Simple & cheap. If you think you need something more complicated, like another poster said you probably need to get out more. I use a complicated computer all day. When I want to watch some TiVo or DVD, I'd prefer simplicity.
I recently went through the process of looking for a good but cheap remote.
8 27 ,00.html?
To make a long story short I settled for the RCU810 by RCA.
http://www.rca.com/product/viewdetail/0,2588,PI
Programmable, learning, macros, LCD, backlit - Everything I needed. I ever got it programmed to control XMMS via my wireless keyboard's IR interface.
I paid $50 for mine at Circuit Cirty. Its probably the best remote you can find under $150.
For more info check out remotecentral.com.
http://www.remotecentral.com/ureview/29.htm
Best part about it is, it's not limited to a preset number of different devices. All you need is a few infrared LEDs pointed in the right direction and the control software can control everything as long as you can tell it how exactly your target device's IR system works.
Command-line control of your TV, now that's what I'm talkin' about... remote controls and GUI are for newbies!
This is a matter of personal preference, of course: do yourself a favor and play with a bunch of remotes before you pick one.
My remote of choice is the TheaterTouch from RTI.
It's main advantage is that it has a programmable touch screen interface and hard keys. The touch screen isn't nearly as programmable as the Pronto, but I don't mind that so much, because I find the hard keys indispensable.
I owned a Pronto and found that having to constantly look at the screen to see what I was doing made for a bad user experience, at least for me.
Another nice thing about the TheaterTouch is that it has an RF box that you can buy, which makes the remote much more useful. I've put most of my equipment into a cabinet, and strung IR emitters into the cabinet.
Also, an excellent place to find out about remotes is Remote Central.
Give this website a try. Lots of info and reviews on many different remote styles. I bought my 'Crisp Solutions UCommand 515' after checking out the reviews there. They were pretty much right on. The few things they didn't like I think suck too(no hard buttons for one), but over all a nice remote.
Hey, you're the first person who's ever acknowledged my sig! Hail!
I should have been more clear in my original post. The 15-1994 does have X10 capability, but only of the IR type, not RF. However, you can use it with an IR543 Infrared Mini-Controller (~$23) to get full RF X10 capability.
begin 644
...has served me well. It's the RX-V1's remote. It understood several set-top remote control protocols and I could program it (with another remote) to understand anything on my convergence PC. Numerous buttons, backlit, multi-function, and macros. I'm controlling the RX-V1, TV, TiVo, and DVD, HDTV, CD, netscape, realplayer, winamp, mediaplayer, etc on the PC with it.
Drawback: if you hold another remote key down too long while programming, it will use up all its memory trying to record those events.
tcboo
The Agenda has a full IR output along with it's
2nd IrDA led that it can use for communication.
This means that you can not only use linux to
control it, it IS linux in the remote you are
using. The screen might get a little too
fingerprinty, but It is capable of working as the
remote for any device.
Chicks dig me when I'm drunk!
And he even looked like a helper monkey.
(Sorry, somehow your post struck a cord...)
668: Neighbour of the Beast
Has anyone seen any program that can use the Mindstorms IR transmitter in a PC-based universal remote? I did some research into making my own, but it is currently beyond my ability. I'll keep playing with it, but if one exists, it would be cool. (Windows, if possible. I've been putting off the Linux switch until my next PC)
__
Do ya feel happy-go-lucky, punk?
If you have a palm device with IR, you're ready to start playing. I recently played around with a nicely written PalmOS app called (OmniRemote) from www.pacificneotek.com. I'm not affiliated with them in any way, but I was really impressed with the product. Basically, it'll turn your palm device into a sophisticated remote that can do some really neat things. It allows you to customize the interface, program codes, and even sniff codes from other remotes. Very slick.
Skiers and Riders -- http://www.snowjournal.com
I currently own a Marantz RC2000 MK-II, it's an awesome pushbutton/LCD combo remote (was $200). They are releasing a new one called RC-1200, it's really cool looking (http://www.remotecentral.com/ces2000/photo22.htm) . I for one will be lined up to get this when available.
I've been looking for a universal remote to replace the four I have now, but for the life of me I cannot find one that supports Apex DVD players. I'd like to have a nice remote supporting at least 8 devices, as I have a TV and VCR in another room that I wouldn't mind having in my main remote as well, and keep some room for later home theater expansion. Are there any suggestions for decent, affordable remotes like this that support Apex? I'd pay up to $90 or so, but I'd rather not pay the $300 that some super-hyper-mega-programmable remotes cost...
I can't find the URL right now but someone out there makes an RF "amplifier" for the palm. This to me is the ultimate in universal remotes.
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Get yourself a Handspring Visor Handheld($100), and and omniremote springboard ($59). You will have to make your own screens for some of your stuff but it is pretty universal.
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My home entertainment system is based around Carver amplifiers etc. It uses a different IR frequency than most other vendors. I've tried a couple universal remotes but they've not worked. Does anybody know of one that will?
Chris Kuivenhoven is a thief, beware
DO NOT BUY THIS REMOTE if you don't enjoy paying Microsoft for software upgrades. I contacted Harman/Kardon today to ask about upgrades, and was told that "Microsoft doesn't permit them" to provide downloadable updates. I had to pay $5 for a CD, plus S/H, for a total of $10. I doubt Microsoft will be publishing the API for this unit, which pretty much prevents anyone from writing Linux apps. Now, that having been said, I do like the TC-1000. I don't find the backlight faint, and I like the ease of programmability. My only gripe is sometimes the touchscreen thinks I pressed a different button than I really did -- you have to be a bit careful in how you position your finger. I also suggest getting 8 rechargeable AA batteries if you want to use this unit (4 for the unit, 4 hot spares). It really sucks electrons.
It has a few disadvantages, all minor, IMO:
It has been well worth the money to me. It comes with several of the Marantz receivers, but you can get it independently as well. It would be absolutely perfect if it had a jog/shuttle as well, but it's still the best there is right now. It is different from the MkI, which had some serious shortcomings, not the least of which was that you had to reprogram it after you changed batteries!
-alanh
- AlanH
I bought one from that guy. It works pretty well, and for a good price. Then I found that the receiver was compatible with my existing universal remote, so I didn't have to use the (decent) supplied remote.
If you're interested in controlling Winamp for free, you should investigate Girder at http://www.girder.nl . It is a hugely configurable infrared controller platform with plugins to do tons of things.
Using this hardware, I have built a MP3 player that is controlled by my universal remote. It works great!
If you're going for better sound, you can also check out the LP3. It's at http://www.lp3music.com . For $100 US, you get a thing that hangs off a parallel port and converts an MP3 stream into a very high fidelity output. No more shopping for super expensive sound cards! Also allows wimpy computers to play MP3s because it has its own onboard processor. Highly recommended!
I'm planning on using a small (15 button) remote for often used functions (Tivo menu keys and volume). And a cheap, small PHP programmabletouchscreen PC and LIRC.
I purchased the Home Theater Master SL-9000 after much deliberation. I decided that I did NOT want a remote control with a big LCD screen because I'd probably break it :)
I know that at some point I'm going to sit on, drop, crush, or otherwise maime my remote control. I wanted to have one that could withstand some abuse. I eventually decided on the SL-9000, which turned out to be a great investment. EVERY SINGLE BUTTON (except light) on the thing is fully and individually programmable in every one of its EIGHT modes. That's a lot of IR codes -- By far the most flexible non-LCD remote out there.
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The existing poll has been hanging around for what feels like ages. Maybe we should rank the top options and put them into a poll?
This would probably answer the question fastest, although you might end up using CowboyNeal.
-- Mike
The M1 rocks!
I've had mine for a couple of months now (bought it for about 140$), and I've used it to control XMMS and other stuff, my other stereo system and my TV.
The All-for-one cinema 7 is the greatest remote since time began. It's got a simple interface (none of that LCD game-boy crap), it's fully programmable, it has pre-programmed and learning modes, has a nice size and weight. It's a hacker favorite- Here's the FAQ. I mean c'mon, you can't get a better remote at any price, let alone $20.
About all I can't do isget a cup of coffee. I use a long handled shovel for that. I use a long handled shovel for that.
Perhaps if you hollowed out the pole and used it as a straw to the coffee machine also?
Coolness factor is high on this one. No one expects to see you whip out your calculator to control your stereo.
The only risk is that you have a remote operating at a clock speed higher than the HP48 can generate. The only way to know is by trial and error, so don't run out and pay big money for a 48 series just yet.
pronoblem
care to argue?
--
WHO ATE MY BREAKFAST PANTS?
I've had a cheap (under $5) programmable remote from Radio Shack for probibly 3 years. Great deal, never conks out.. the numbers and letters don't wear out on the buttons (like alot of them do) and best of all, I don't feel bad if I drop it in a bucket of mop water like I've been known to do in the past.
There's no "I" in Linux.. err..
Homer: "Watch me turn on the TV." BLAM, BLAMBLAM!
Hibbert: "You use your gun to turn on the TV?"
Johnny: "Gilligan, The Skipper and Chief Wiggum...Name 2 castamays!" BLAM, BLAM, BLAM!
Sarah: "Clancy, use the remote." Clancy: "Oh, yeah."
Joan Rivers: "Can we talk about Chief Wiggum? Bleah, bleah."
*flying gun* CRASH!
Once again, a 2-dimesional, brightly-colored cartoon is leading the way.
--
"Outlook not so good." That magic 8-ball knows everything! I'll ask about Exchange Server next.
Please stop calling the electronics firm Phillips, the electronics firm is called Philips. Phillips is the name of the company which invented a certain kind of screw. Disclaimer: Philips is my employer ;-)
--
Andreas
The Philips ProntoPro TSU6000 is
aiming to be the most sophisticated remote for under $1000.
People actually pay more than $1000 for a remote?
--- At my sig, unleash hell.
Personally, I have a couple of problems with my Marantz RC5000 (aka Pronto.)
1. As others have mentioned - toggles, and knowing the state that a device is in. Power on/off being the classic problem. Some devices support power on codes and power off codes, so you _can_ have one button that turns everything on, and another that turns them all off, but finding those codes can be 'challenging'. All too often though, you have to toggle them - and hope that all devices are in the same state to begin with, and hope that all devices see the request to invert their state.
2. (my biggest gripe) Being a couch potato, my fingers know where the major buttons are on my normal remotes without looking at them. I can flip channels, change volume, play, stop, fast forward, reverse, and even navigate my way through teletext (when I was back in the UK, oh how I miss teletext now that I'm in the USA) without _having_ to look at the remote. The pronto has 7 physicals buttons, which are easily found without looking at the remote. The rest are programmed but require the user to examine the display to find them. Look at your remotes, and I bet you can find far more than 7 buttons on them that don't require you to look at the remote. Consequently, to change channel, I now have to press it to turn it on/turn the light on. Either find the page with the numbers on it or the page with the dedicated channel on it. Find the button(s), point the remote at the TV/cable box/video then press it. Doesn't sound like much, but its an awful lot easier with the device's original remote.
I caughed up the cash for it for a number of reasons. I hated the array of remotes I needed to arm myself with, and could see a way out of the mess; Also the idea of tuning a device to work how I liked appeals to my programmer's nature that inspires me to make my PC behave how I like it to. Sad to say, the only time I use it now is when I can't find the crappy all-in-one remote that I got with Comcast (don't get me started on them).
Now, what I would really like, is a cross between my Pronto's display for infrequently used options and a 'full feature' remote that has distinct buttons for power, numbers, volume, channel switching, mute, video controls, menu page switching and a couple of others, just for good measure. That would convince me to spend the readdies. Or does such a device exist now, and I completely missing out?
Do I sound lazy? Maybe, but I'm prepared to put my money where my mouth is. Less than a year ago, I paid £250 ($350) for it. If its not against
The solutions are their Palm hotsync module for Palm brand devices and their Springboard module for Handspring Visors.
I have the latter and its pretty cool... You can totally customize multiple remote control layouts. I personally like 4 quadrants of the screen: volume up, volume down, channel up, channel down. BIG buttons you can hit with your finger or stylus without really looking :)
Josh
I wish somebody made a small, easy to hold in your hand universal remote that only did the things I do 99% of the time:
A Power button
0-9 buttons
A button to toggle devices
Play, Stop, Foward, Reverse.
Volume up and down
Channel up and down
A menu button.
Thats only 19-20 buttons, depending on how they configure it, and would satisfy me for my receiver, VCR, cable, DVD, CD, and TV. My TV remote has more that I never use.
Anyone know of a good quality simple one like that?
The Internet is generally stupid
Too bad it won't be invented for a thousand years..
-B
Not that this wasn't entirely predictable.
OmniRemote or like, thou you may have a range of about 1.5~2 meters but I'll say it's at least practical. These apps also allow you to construct multiple screens each for one (or more) remote controlled devices. You do the loayout by drawing buttons and train them.
OmniRemote also got a IR enhancer hardware which can be attached to your Palm Pilot. Dunno it cost.
However, these apps usually only work with 32kHz remotes but not the 144kHz ones, you may want to test drive the software first.
I mean... Other than watching
a few commercials from time to time, or a
show or two to keep up with what the US
mind mass mentality is at... watching
Tv is really not that great of an idea on
a regular basis.
Granted... I'm a die hard movie buff and
would love to curl up and watch old
movies for the next 30 years but that's
not a reality I can maintain atm.
DvD's are killer. Gotta admit I was blown
away and was pleased to find something that
was actually as good or better than advertised
for a change.
Network, Cable, Radio... Bleah... It's not good
for you, folks... try and stay away.
Friends don't let friends buy Compaq's. (Dell/Gateway... same same) You want a good computer? Build it yourself.
True, but it's still available in some stores, so grab one while you still can.
The good news is that there are several other remotes that are also JP1-compatible. It's just that the 15-1994 seems to be the most popular one for JP1 hacking (this will inevitably change as the supply runs dry), and it's the one I own. It has a nice button layout and overall feel, and I find the backlighting indispensable.
begin 644
after having looked at a number of the dedicated remotes I have finally settled on the Palm IIIxe with Omniremote ($20). This is one astounding combination. I am surprised it hasn't come up in any serious review. To me it beats them all! Not only can it learn any command by pointing the original remote device towards the Palm but it allows you to string commands to "Macros" assign these to freeform buttons on a number of screens that you can call up in a menu. And the best is that Omniremote can trigger macros according to timers. Anyway I'm wrapped!
-Sam
It is a fully programable LEARNING remote that is simple to use and to program. It doesn't have all the eye-candy LED screens so it is normal sized. You can program macro's, discrete remote codes or learn any IR from any source. Best of all it's only $30. I use mine to run my TV, cable box, vcr, Apex dvd, Kenwood home theater system.
Palm-OS has an application called "Remote" that is a learning, programmable touch-screen remote using either the built-in IR port, or a $15 attachment that is around 20x more powerful. It is a $25 or so download, and they sell packages. Of course, if you don't have a palm, then this isn't a better solution.
I am extremely pleased with my One For All AV Producer 8. It packs alot of features, like the ROM upgradability to support future products, macros, IR learning, etc. Definitely worth checking out, IMO.
It just a shame that this feature has been implimented on an otherwise not particularly good device.
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At under $40 this no-frills programmable remote has been very satisfactory for me. I use it to control TV, digital cable box, receiver, five! VCRs, and an RCA switch for selecting (1 of 6) S-video or composite video sources for TV aux-in. It does everything I could ask, including doing macros. I was able assign VCR remote codes to keys in such a way as to make all the VCRs behave much more similarly than with their own remotes. (I also have a DVD player which comes through the switch, but I have not put it on the remote. I don't use it much, but I think it could share keys with my receiver mode.) Cleared off my coffee table!