Universal Remote suggetsions?

[nitrogen_widget]

Oh, and once you spend about 3-4 hours (well, in my case) getting your head round the JP1 software, you'll wonder how you got along without it...

Right now this is where I am.
Getting to the point where I'm sure I understand what is going on with the whole JP1 thing.

[Torque]

I was willing to pay as much sa $100 for a remote... then I found the Sony RM-VL600 - $25

It has replaced every remote that used to sit on the coffee table. WAF is very high.

[fbachofner]

I was willing to pay as much sa $100 for a remote... then I found the Sony RM-VL600 - $25

Does this drive the Hauppauge MVP too?

Other than the Harmony I have yet to find a remote that knows how to control the MVP.

[fbachofner]

Does this drive the Hauppauge MVP too?

Other than the Harmony I have yet to find a remote that knows how to control the MVP.

OOPS! My bad. I didn't realize this was a learning remote (thought it was a universal remote).


I consider the Harmony a sort of hybrid universal/learning remote considering it is not programmed like most learning remotes.

[K.S.]

I can learn commands from other remotes and upload to the PC to build new upgrades with it.
...
Turning a set "on" but not toggle "on" and "off" are some examples. These are handy in "Macros". A "Macro" is a command that can perform multiple signals. Turn the TV on, set it to video2, turn the stereo on, put it on DVD, turn the DVD on, open the tray, all with a single button press are possible.

now you got me hooked. i took a look at the forum and the beginners docs/faq but still don't understand some basics, please forgive the following dumb questions

these JP1 cables are only used to change the programming of a remote or are they also used to recieve the IR signal? if not, what (hard/software) do you use to recieve IR on your computer?

[groover km]

Glad it's caught your interest! First of all, there are some handy 'how-to' files here that may be helpful:

http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1009

Okay, the JP1 cable connects my serial port to the JP1 connector on the remote; it's only used for programming the remote. Using the software that's available in the JP1 forum file section (I use remote master and ir.exe), you can then downlad your exisitng remotes programming, download remote files that other users have defined, or make your own. As you do this, each of your unusual devices are given a discrete code, similar to what you typically find in the manual for your remote. The advantage of this, versus simply learning commands, is that it uses a lot less memory on the remote enabling you to get more complex.
If you have lost an original remote for a piece of equipment you can also (hopefully) find a remote file in the forum and you are good to go. All you are doing is combining all the remotes that you already have, and emulating them. If they currently work, your JP1 remote will work. You don't need any special software/ hardware on your PC to control it other than what you may already have.
My JP1 remote currently replaces the remotes for:
Panasonic tv, Philips tv, Philips DVD Player, Moxi DVR cable box, MVP, Dlink Videoconference, Sony HT, Xbox, Xbox360, Aiwa CD player, Samsung VCR, and GBPVR. Phew.

Like I say, the handiest thing is building Macros that will control multiple devices. The advantage is that you can build the macro in software simply by dragging and dropping commands, upload it to the remote, and try it. If it doesn't work, plug it back in and try again. A LOT easier quicker than trying to keep a learning remote aligned, press the correct buttons ons in the correct sequence, try and build a macro on the remote from memory, etc.

Anyway, have a look and let us know how you get on - good luck!

[zaphod7501]

Ditto "groover km"
Some additional notes:
RM requires JAVA
KM requires EXCEL
USB (no parallel port) requires a more complicated cable
JP1.2 (new models) also requires a more complicated cable

Start very simple: then add complexity.
Save previous work: you can always revert back to something that was working in case you mess up.

There has been some work on using the PC to capture IR signals. It is definitely an advanced user's project. A JP1 learning remote is easier and cheaper (since you have to build some hardware yourself) and gives you an additional troubleshooting tool. (ie learned signal works but upgrade doesn't)

[rscheller]

Harmony, although in my case not necessarily easy to set up initially, is great. The activity based paradigm is easy for anyone to use at first glance and it has extremily high WAFAF.

[mmatheny]

zaphod7501 & groover km - now I'M hooked - what is the best JP 1.2 compatable remote to get? I have one that came with my Time Warner PVR (can't find a model # - it's manual calls it an Atlas DVR/PVR 5Device Universal Remote Control). Also, where would you buy the more functional devices (more buttons, etc.)

[zaphod7501]

I'd suggest starting with the Marketplace over at Hifi-remote.com.
I'd also do a search for Atlas (not Atlax, a typo might not get you anything).
There is usually a fairly active thread on "What's the best remote...?" going on.
Wal-Mart has traditionally been a good local source. (not sure about current state of affairs).