Universal Remote suggetsions?

[groover km]

oops - Zaphod is correct, I said serial port when it should have been parallel port. I have a JP1.1 remote so I haven't really followed the threads on the JP1.2 remotes, but I understand they don't have any problems, apart from a slightly more complex cable as Zaphod says. I think I saw plans for a hybrid JP1.1/1.2 cable, and you can buy them. But honestly, look at the plans first as they really are easy to make.

In the file section of the JP1 forum, you'll find a couple of spreadsheets of compatible remotes along with notes, limitations, etc. - a good place to start. I bought mine from Amazon (where you can read reviews ) but they are not hard to find. Radio Shack used to have a good selection before they started sucking and giving over 50% of each store to phones.

[Zato]

Thanks for all the replies guys.. great info.

I think I may start with an inexpensive solution, and see how it goes.

Does the Sony RM-VL600 replace the Hauppauge remote?

[zaphod7501]

Does the Sony RM-VL600 replace the Hauppauge remote?

You might want to PM Torque. My guess would be that you would need to learn the commands from the OEM remote. I haven't seen any Universal remotes with Hauppauge codes built-in myself.

[yumcimil]

Depending on your budget, you might want to look at the Univeral Remote - they're in the rather expensive end of the range, but in terms of feel, they're vastly better than any of the Harmony series I've used. I've used both the MX-500 (old), and the MX-850 - cost me around $500 including the RF sender. It is, of course, a matter of personal preference.

[paulg]

Its nice to meet someone else that has caught the JP1 bug. I purchased a few unmodified 6131 from Fry's a few years back. Got them working with My Tivo with no big issues. I never have gotten the programming right for GBPVR. Can you send me a copy of your files. What software tools are you using?

A few things about my setup. I have my Tivo and GBPVR systems colocated in the media closet (fancy name for my basement). I have most rooms wired with IR extenders down to the machines. One IR emitter on Tivo and one on the PC running GBPVR. I run the outputs from both to a 4 channel modulator. The Tivo is modulated to channel 55 and the PC to 66. I don't have cable so this works great for me. I have programmed the PVR button on the 6131 to switch the TV to channel 55. The TV button switches the TV to channel 4(Arbitrary). The Audio button switches to 66. This way, the wife does not get confused and I can have all my recorders feeding every tv in the house. Its just the two of us so this works well.

I can do basic watching of GBPVR this way, but I don't have full control. Now it has been a while since I worked on the setup so I have forgotten a few things. I need to program the color keys to some key on the 6131 or do some mapping. Any help you can give would be appreciated.

Paulg

[zaphod7501]

Paulg, for my part, I have 6 modified 6131s and a couple of unmodified spares + parts. Pretty much all of my custom files are in the file section of the JP1 forum. http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/index.php I use RM (RemoteMapMaster) which requires Java to create upgrades along with IR.exe for upload/download and macro/keymove creation/modifications and homemade parallel port cable. You didn't mention whether your 6131s are modified or not.

New JP1.2 remotes will require a different type of cable and the latest softwares

[keithf]

I have a Harmony 659 that I never fell in love with. Was going to sell it on ebay. I have no use for it and would sell it cheap. If your interested you can contact me at engattrimtooldotcom.

[Flipper]

Depending on your budget, you might want to look at the Univeral Remote - they're in the rather expensive end of the range, but in terms of feel, they're vastly better than any of the Harmony series I've used. I've used both the MX-500 (old), and the MX-850 - cost me around $500 including the RF sender. It is, of course, a matter of personal preference.

I'd definitely second this recommendation. I've been having a great time with a Universal Remote Control RF20. RF/IR transmission, macros which can make it work like an activity-based remote, all the good stuff, and the price is great (got mine for $99). It does all the codes from my MCE remote, so thanks to HIP it controls the PC too (including but not limited to GBPVR).

Great site for reviews/discussion on remotes.

(First post! Been lurking here for a while, love the site and GBPVR)

[FtFunDVR]

A question to all of you Harmony users as your universal remote (and perhaps for others as well).

Does the Harmony strickly control IR devices? Or can, since software is loaded onto your computer, control programs directly?

My setup currently consists of a Happauge PVR150, which comes with their own remote control. Unfortunately the crazy IR receiver that plugs into is only about 3ft long...crappy range. If I get a Harmony remote, is it still going to require to have to "see" the PVR150 IR receiver directly (I'd like to move the computer elsewhere since Harmony functions on RF bands)?

Reason being is the damn plug is a rather tough component to find a matching extension cable for (2.5mm / 4 conductor). I've found 6ft extenders with one male plug on the end and stripped wires on the other, but nothing with male/female connectors on either end of about a 12ft cord (which is length I need).

Is another possibility to use some sort of IR extender? I have not researched those, and do not know how they work specifically.

Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Brian

[dvasco]

The Harmony is IR only. I use an MCE beanbag for the receiver. I also use an IR extender to control a ReplayTV from the bedroom. It works great. You might be able to use a 3.5 male to 3.5 male for the extender.