02-16-2002, 05:07 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 135
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Remote IR
It seems that most people are really interested in using their Pocket PCs (and Palms) as neat universal remote controls. It makes perfect sense: you have a great device that is properly equipped for the most part, and besides it would be just plain cool.
I must admit, however, that the idea doesn�t really appeal to me. I don�t watch enough television to really even use the non universal remotes that I have, and even when I do watch television I�m never more than 15 feet from the set, so long range remotes don�t really have any use in my household; but nevertheless, the geek in me is interested in the idea of the universal remote.
So of course I was quite interested when I found not one, but three messages in my inbox relating to the development of two different tools for using your iPAQ or other Pocket PC (I presume) as a Universal Remote. The biggest problems people are running into are limitations of memory (storage and usage of the right codes) as well as limitations of range.
The UltraMote software and accompanying software and hardware IR extender seems to make a powerful Universal Remote. Ultra Mote has support for macros, multiple devices, and with the optional hardware extender, up to a 50 foot range.
PDAwin, a company specializing in developing software solutions for the Pocket PC and other Windows CE based devices, is marketing the second generation of their TV Remote Controller software. This program runs on all StrongARM powered devices, without additional hardware, while still providing users with (what is in my opinion) a suitable range of nearly 20 feet according to one user and reader of this site.
Now that suitable options for using your Pocket PC as a universal remote are available, dare I ask �How good of a Universal Remote is a Pocket PC?�
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02-16-2002, 06:45 PM
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Sage
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 630
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Too Limited
I downloaded the PDAWIN remote and gave it a try. It only had one piece of equipment in my home theater loaded in it's database that worked. I would also like to see the satellite equipment added. I change channels through my DISH remote. I didn't want to fiddle around with learning - too much trouble. It would be nice if there was an associated desktop program where you selected equipment modules from an extensive list and these would be loaded on your PPC. Macros would be cool also. There are remotes that do this right now like the marantz and Philips models (but they're hecka expensive). I would like a macro that shuts everything off at once, or switches all components from watching TV to watching a DVD. These remotes also allow you to customize your scren(s) to put what controls you want on a single page. Now that is great. And why can't we associate buttons with functions? We can for WMP! Understand that I'm a bit of a Home Theater enthusiast and am picky about these things!
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02-16-2002, 06:52 PM
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Pupil
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 26
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I just tried Ultramote remote control software, and I have to say, it works fairly well. I even took the time to make a Tivo skin for it. I can actually get fairly reliable results from about 8 feet away. It would definitely be better with the extender. I'm thinking this is worth $40 for the extender card and software bundle!
My only gripe is the limitation of having to layout your buttons on a 5x5 grid (25 buttons on one page). 25 is enough, but I wish we could define the locations of those buttons...not just a square grid. But you can get creative with it...here's my skin:
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02-16-2002, 07:05 PM
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Pupil
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 37
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Furby
Via OmniRemote on my Palm and a custom .pdb I am able to IR 'control' Furby and Shelbys.  Not just TV. Wish there was a config file for the Pocket PC. Heh.
http://www.blueneptune.com/~maznliz/marius/furby.shtml
0000 - Hello
1000 - Hello
0001 - Boo Koo- Doh / Sneeze
1001 - Wee-Tee / Sing
0010 - Noh-Lah / Party
1010 - Noh-Lah / Dance
0011 - Who-Bye / Hide
1011 - Who-Bye / Hide
0100 - Hello
1100 - Hello
0101 - Loo-Loo / Joke
1101 - Twinkle Twinkle
0110 - Mmm... OK
1110 - Noh-Lah / Dance
0111 - Way-Loh / Tired
1111 - Way-Loh / Sleep
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02-16-2002, 07:16 PM
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Sage
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 623
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I think a PocketPC can make a great universal remote controls. If nothing else it narrows the amount of devices you have to hold! :wink: And like I said in a previous post, "if my remote cost me $500 I would be much less likely to lose it!". :lol: The only thing I don't like is that you have to use your stylus. With other universal remotes you can sorta memorize where the buttons are and press them with out even looking. That is hard to do when you have to keep your fingers off the buttons. Anyway, just my two cents.
__________________
~SpencerOwner-Editor of TabletPCBuzz.comMicrosoft MVP - Tablet PC
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02-16-2002, 08:11 PM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 95
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I actually think a Pocket PC is not suited as a remote control.
When I watch tv, I want to operate my remote without having to look where I must push a button. I just hate it always having to look at the touch screen where the buttons are.
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02-16-2002, 08:13 PM
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Sage
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 792
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Remote IR
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Sam Kleinman
Now that suitable options for using your Pocket PC as a universal remote are available, dare I ask �How good of a Universal Remote is a Pocket PC?�
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I have tried various other software to use my Pocket PC as a remote, but nothing ever seemed to work quite right with my TV. It will be interesting to see how much better this product is, but I fear it could be a little bit of a problem beacuse it is a CF card and not on the device. Tell you more about it Monday when I get it!
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02-16-2002, 09:27 PM
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Pupil
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 26
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Here's a skin for Ultramote using the Dish Network.
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02-16-2002, 11:10 PM
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Thinker
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 360
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I have been taking Ultra Mote for a spin. I am liking it a lot. The learning feature is easier to use than other PPC remotes apps I have tried. It works very well. Unfortunately my range is only about three feet tops.
My take on the whole PPC as an Universal Remote is this... If you can get the IR range to match that of a true remote and if you can get Apps out there that Will learn ANY! IR Remote control than why the heck not?!! PPCs cost quite a bit. They are the ultimate gadgett there are quite a few users out there who are technophiles. THe bigger the tech stuff sitting at home the better and personally I would love to see my PPC work it all!!! What about having my PPC able to work the lights and the coffe maker at home? Using like the GE/RCA line of home outlets that can be remotely controlled by IR or PC?
Off hand question can the IR on a PPC be replaced with the components from a remote controll? I am weird and just wondered.
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02-16-2002, 11:12 PM
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Thinker
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 360
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BTW PDA Alien Your Skins Are very Nice I like them a lot! Keep up the great work.
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Linear Mode
