Remotes for uidroid

[mvallevand]

Using the remote with any UI client for NextPVR can be the most important part of the user experience. While uidroid will work with just a DPAD and return key,I feel the more keys the better, since it reduces the reliance on long presses and can give more functionality. As an example music playback is not possible without the "Play" key. Be careful, if you touch the Home or dedicated keys like Netflix these will kick you out of NextPVR.

Here is the basic key board reference https://github.com/emveepee/Testing/wiki...dReference Basically the way this reference works is look at the standard remote reference column and if your remote has that key use it. If not check check the Roku or Android columns for additional capabilities

It is also important is to make this change in config.xml to get document skipping behaviour on DPAD Left and Right

<LeftRightBehaviour>Long Skip</LeftRightBehaviour>

The default number of seconds skipped (60/30) can also be configured in config.xml

New users to NextPVR based UI clients may not know the skipping mechanism but sub's has a great implementation where you can enter the number key for the the number of minutes to skip and the arrow key.

If you want more keys and can add USB RF dongle there are many in the $20 range on Amazon that work with no configuration or you can add a Bluetooth remote like the Sofabaton for full control (but you would need to configure it too.

Also to access the settings menu in Android it is long DPAD centre when video is not playing.

If you need help configuring a remote post here however if you need help with specific IR based remote make a separate post with you logcat logs hitting the keys that don't work.

Martin

[ninkynonk]

Just got the uidroid interface installed on a Chromecast with GoogleTV (CCGTV) and I very happy with it.  One of the issues I'm trying to work through is configuration of the Google TV soft remote from the Google Playstore

As mentioned, I'm running uidroid on a CCGTV.  From my testing, the core functions work (ie, dpad control and all the buttons that are on the physical CCGTV remote)

Where I am running into problems is with the Google TV soft remote keyboard.  I am running am LG G8 and using the Gboard Keyboard.

When I navigate to Search in uidroid and start typing, the characters appear in uidroid in the search input box, but several of the letters do not interpret correct.  When type the word "house", it appears as "hopse".  The "u" is translated as a "p".  Also, since the CCGTV has the voice capability, when on search and I say "house" it is interpreted as "hopse"

I tested all the characters on a qwerty keyboard, top row first, left to right.
Expected: qwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnm
Actual: q'$t!piopasdghjkl"%sbnm
Note: f and c keys did not display a result nor did the space bar.

When I exit uidroid, open the Youtube app on the CCGTV, navigate to search and type "house" it interprets as "house".

When testing the NextPVR Windows app, executing the same test scenario as attempted on the CCGTV, "house" is interpreted as "house"

It seems it is a keyboard mapping issue.  Is there any way for me to config uidroid for the Google TV remote keyboard?

Thanks
Greg

[mvallevand]

I can confirm this never use the NextPVR search send the browser search with the real keyboard is so much better but I will see why.

Thanks for the report. I've fixed it for the next build which should be soon.

Martin

[ninkynonk]

Thanks Martin. 
Just let me know if you need me to attempt some other tests and report the results
Greg

[mvallevand]

Thanks for the offer but I just tested all alphanumerics. I am not going to support the full keyboard at this stage, but some other keys will make it to the client store.

Martin

[ninkynonk]

Not sure you're looking for an opinion, but if you are.... 

If the following were supported, I think it would cover most use cases.  This is derived by looking at the TV Guide of my install and seeing what characters are common.

a-z
A-Z
0-9
' (single apostrophe)
: (colon)
. (period)
space
backspace (to correct errors when typing)

Thanks
Greg

[BrettB]

: (colon)
. (period)
space
backspace (to correct errors when typing)

Not that it's something one does often, but I'd definitely include the period and colon for entering server IP addresses and ports.

I'd probably also add "enter".

[mvallevand]

Brett this is for the Search screen the settings screen are normal Android and have an OSD keyboard too.

Support for non alpha-numerics will be the clientstore they are passed there now so I assume NextPVR doesn't support them.

<KeyCode-PERIOD></KeyCode-PERIOD>
<KeyCode-MINUS></KeyCode-MINUS>

I already put in a low priority request to sub to support the left key as backspace in that field.

Martin

[mvallevand]

I picked up a cheap remote from Amazon and for one day use I am pretty impressed with the uidroid use.    It the G20S PRO and it has both BT and a 2.4 wireless receiver so it will pretty much work with all configurable Android devices. 

Right now the one I bought is $13 US free shipping on Amazon.  The one I got the box is unbranded but Amazon said JIEBA.  As is typical on Chinese devices there are other brands and higher prices for the G20S plus and it is nearly impossible to say if they are better or not.  There are many h/w varieties too.

It is about 3/4" longer then the TivO but thinner so I prefer this size.  The DPAD is a nice size too.   So the ONN + this remote for $33 compares pretty well with the TiVo 4K at $30 when it is on sale (as it is now)

Pros

- all keys work in uidroid. 
- air mouse in BT and 2.4 mode
- more logic keyboard then the TivO
- backlit

Cons

- in BT mode many keys are not standard in need to be defined. I will be posting a clientstore setup but might build it in if there is support. Definitions mapping are the same in on multiple BT devices though.
- might not support CEC, but the power and mute button can be reprogrammed from Android default.
- defaults to mouse on on start up and after Android screensaver.
- info/context at bottom right

Pro or Con? 
- no dedicated Netflix, Prime buttons.

[VCR58]

Thanks for the review.

Looked it up on Amazon. Seems like a nice remote.

I noticed it has a backlight button which I would use sometimes.

Does the Voice button work for you?

I would also have a use for the mute button in IR mode. Sometimes when I hit the Home or Power button on the Tivo remote to wake up the NVShield, the sound doesn't come through because my home theater receiver selects the wrong HDMI input. Then I have to use the other remote to select the right input. The Mute button could be learned to select the receiver HDMI input if needed.

One thing I noticed about the cheaper remotes is the button markings rub off after minimal use. My Tivo remote button markings are still like new after months of daily use.