MVP Remote Control

[Hunam]

The MVP remote control appears to be able to control the TV and cable box, but I can't find any documentation on it. Has anyone had any luck getting the MVP remote to control other devices? If not, any suggestions on how to condense my 2 - 3 remotes to one?

Thanks in advance.

[wtg]

The MVP remote cannot control the cable box unless it's something in the newest MVPs. The MVP remotes I've seen are the same remote used by the PVR-150/500, cards that include an IR Blaster for controlling the cable box, but the remote itself doesn't do it. Perhaps that's the source of the confusion.

You need a good learning or programmable remote. A lot of people swear by the Logitech Harmony series which is upgradable via your PC's USB port, and programmable. They are pretty pricey though.

I have a Chameleon OneForAll remote which works well too, and is much cheaper though still not inexpensive. It has a decent learning mode and upgradable (via phone, of all bizarre things), but I envy the simplicity of the USB upgrades of the Harmony.

People can probably recommend others too.

[mvallevand]

I have a Chameleon OneForAll remote which works well too, and is much cheaper though still not inexpensive. It has a decent learning mode and upgradable (via phone, of all bizarre things), but I envy the simplicity of the USB upgrades of the Harmony.

wtg, I have a Kameleon too. were you able to get a phone upgrade for the Hauppauge remote? My wife has a habit of leaving internet radio streaming that this could fix.

Martin

[Hunam]

Thanks guys. I knew about the Harmony, but the remote is more than the MVP. The Kameleon seems a bit more reasonable for what I'm doing.

[rscheller]

There are some Harmony models in the $50-70 range. Go to Logitech's website and see which models may work for you and then shop for the best price.

I have one and although it took longer than I expected to get it set up just right for my system, it's got tremendous WAF.

[htewam]

As another data point, I am using a URC-8910 that I got from Rob over at the JP1 Forum for about $20 USD. I have it configured for all of the MVP controls plus it controls the rest of my components. Besides the traditional "learning" capabilities, the 8910 can be configured over the phone or you can get a JP1 cable to gain complete access. It's not particularly fancy but it works well for me (and it's cheap!).

[mvallevand]

Thanks guys. I knew about the Harmony, but the remote is more than the MVP. The Kameleon seems a bit more reasonable for what I'm doing.

My comments on the Kameleon were definitely not a recommendation, mine eats batteries like a bad digital camera, and it doesn't have an easy to use JP1 either. Caveat emptor.

Martin

[wtg]

wtg, I have a Kameleon too. were you able to get a phone upgrade for the Hauppauge remote? My wife has a habit of leaving internet radio streaming that this could fix.

No, I have not yet. If memory serves, I called one time about it and they knew what I was talking about, but then I got another call I had to take and so had to end the call early. I've not yet called back. I've used the learning mode successfully though.

[wtg]

My comments on the Kameleon were definitely not a recommendation, mine eats batteries like a bad digital camera, and it doesn't have an easy to use JP1 either. Caveat emptor.

I'll second that the unmodified Kameleon is a major battery eater - I'd forgotten about that. It's little auto-light up feature when it's picked up is nice, but is so sensitive that it lights up when there's any movement nearby. Very annoying to have to put batteries in it every two weeks.

However, if memory serves there's a code you can press in later models to disable the auto-light feature so that it only lights up when pressed. (Google for it if interested). In my model I was able to follow directions I found for removing the tiny piece of motion-sensing hardware altogether. Took it apart, two snips of my needle nose pliers, and now batteries last forever.

My particular model doesn't do the JP1 tricks without some serious difficulty, so I've not went that route.