10-28-2002, 03:09 PM
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Pontificator
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,177
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The Ultimate Remote Control?
http://www.griffinmobile.com/
This is quite an interesting remote control implementation. Pocket PC remote controlling finally ready for prime time?
"HOLLYWOOD, CA, POCKET PC SUMMIT � October 23, 2002. Griffin Technology, Inc. today announced Total Remote, the first complete solution for turning Pocket PCs into an all-in-one infrared remote controller. Total Remote allows your favorite Pocket PC to function as one master control for all your remote controlled devices. The product is being demonstrated for the first time at the Pocket PC Summit this week in Hollywood. Total Remote�s unique Infrared Transmitter Module (ITM) allows you to control infrared devices from nearly 100 feet away. Designed specifically for Pocket PCs, it uses the audio port to send infrared commands to any device that can be controlled via IR. It�s patent-pending design gives users up to 3 times greater range than standard remotes. The Total Remote software can also support built in Infrared ports (IrDA) at shorter ranges."
Read the entire press release...
Griffin Announces Total Remote Pocket PC solution
New application turns Pocket PCs into all-in-one remote controllers
HOLLYWOOD, CA, POCKET PC SUMMIT � October 23, 2002. Griffin Technology, Inc. today announced Total Remote, the first complete solution for turning Pocket PCs into an all-in-one infrared remote controller. Total Remote allows your favorite Pocket PC to function as one master control for all your remote controlled devices. The product is being demonstrated for the first time at the Pocket PC Summit this week in Hollywood.
Total Remote�s unique Infrared Transmitter Module (ITM) allows you to control infrared devices from nearly 100 feet away. Designed specifically for Pocket PCs, it uses the audio port to send infrared commands to any device that can be controlled via IR. It�s patent-pending design gives users up to 3 times greater range than standard remotes. The Total Remote software can also support built in Infrared ports (IrDA) at shorter ranges.
Total Remote comes with preinstalled profiles for hundreds of devices such as TVs, VCRs, DVD players and more. Users can easily add additional devices by downloading new device profiles or creating their own in learning mode. Total Remote can sample commands from your existing remotes and creates �virtual� remotes that look and function the way you want. The program also provides a set of skins that enable you to change the remote control appearance any time. Additionally new skins can be custom made by a user or downloaded from the internet.
�The Total Remote solution combines the simplicity of the all-in-one remote concept into the portability of your Pocket PC,� said Don Stratton, product manager of Total Remote. �In addition, we give users increased infrared distance and flexibility with our unique IR transmitter. In one of its more entertaining applications, we�re giving users the ability to sit in a restaurant or lounge and be able to change the channel or volume of any television in the establishment at will.�
Total Remote works with Windows CE 3.0 and above on all ARM Pocket PC�s. In addition, Total Remote is compatible with the new X-Scale Pocket PC�s including HP/Compaq 3900 series, Toshiba E740, Viewsonics PCV35, Acer N-Series, and the Audiovox PDA1032. Trial software is available on request.
Griffin also is announcing the new 3-in-1 Pocket PC Charger Kit for Pocket PCs. The all-in-one travel kit offers an auto charger, AC outlet plug and a unique charger that attaches to a USB port.
Pricing & Availability
Griffin Total Remote package retails for $29.99 USD and is available for purchase directly from Griffin Technology at www.griffintechnology.com beginning November 15th, 2002. It will also available at most major computer stores. OEM inquires can contact Jeff Pack, [email protected]. The Griffin 3-in-1 Pocket PC Charger Kit retails for $34.99 USD.
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10-28-2002, 03:25 PM
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Thinker
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 319
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Looks great, but will the IR transmitter fit next to my Socket WLAN card at the top of my Maestro? It would have to be a bit less that 1/2" diameter to fit. Can anyone come up with an OD on that xmtr :?:
Thanks.
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10-28-2002, 04:17 PM
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Neophyte
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 9
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Question
Can someone give me a good reason, why to pay 30$ to turn a 700$ device into a device that can be purchased for approx. 20$ at almost every store?
And about the 100 feet range for IR-remote: It would possibly make sense if it wasn't IR-based technology.
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10-28-2002, 04:42 PM
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Editorial Contributor
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 5,411
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Re: Question
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Stefan
Can someone give me a good reason, why to pay 30$ to turn a 700$ device into a device that can be purchased for approx. 20$ at almost every store?
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Because you can not buy a universal, programmable, learning remote with PC screen design capabilities, that actually supports every command on every remote you own, for $20. Those go for just a bit more.
With the added capability of wireless on the PPC, you can also use the same device as the controller for your PC based multimedia system. The one that has all your MP3s and PVS saves, and is hooked to your home entertainment system. You can also automatically download TV guide and other entertainment media to access via Avantgo, Offline/Online Browser files, or dedicated software, allowing custom searches.
When you put this with a $200-$300 PPC you have a remote to rival and exceed the capabilities of those that home entertainment junkies are paying over a grand for. I'm not even thinking of a PPC being used as a remote as an added feature. I see a market for the PPC as a remote period, with some nifty PIM functions BTW. I did this with a $100 Handspring and a $40 Omniremote and it is great.
__________________
Sometimes you are the anteater, sometimes you are the ant.
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10-28-2002, 04:52 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 173
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"Can you use your pocket pc for a remote?"
This is one of the top PPC newbie questions (an "FAQ" as it were) 
I talked to the dude at the booth at the Summit and I was gonna say something like "wow, that's brilliant to use the audio port"
I said, "Wow, that's..."
"Impossible, right?"
"Well, I mean, if you have audio signals that turn into infrared signals, it seems very possible. Plus, you're selling this product, so it's possible," I joked.
"But it wasn't possible from the start until we developed some very clever circuitry to overcome the shortcomings of a direct sound-to-infrared conversion"
He went on to explain that they're really excited about this circuitry because some engineer told them that it was nothing like he'd seen before and that it could be used in processors and such to speed them up with little to no extra parts/money.
I thought that was quite interesting, so I'm gonna keep an eye on them to see just what the heck he was talking about and if anything comes out of that.
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10-28-2002, 04:58 PM
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Thinker
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 338
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At this price point, I think this is a steal!
Now, of course, the old adage "you get what you pay for" comes to mind and before I plunk out $30 I want to see some reviews... so I hope they send a sample to someone at PocketPCThoughts so we can get the real low-down on how it works, not the flim-flam sales press release!
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10-28-2002, 05:08 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 178
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It seems like you would have to have the PPC sitting on the coffee table all the time to be useful as a remote. When I go out of town which is fairly often I take my PPC with me, of course, so then what does everybody else use while I'm away?
I would have to buy a PPC that is pretty much dedicated to remote control duties in my household. So I guess the question becomes which would give me more value and usefullness, a universal programmable remote (Which I don't know how much they cost) or a dedicated PPC (Which I do know how much they cost 8O ) with this setup acting as a remote.
I just don't see this of being an option for me-unless I win the Tennessee state lottery :wink:
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10-28-2002, 05:22 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 121
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Busdriver
It seems like you would have to have the PPC sitting on the coffee table all the time to be useful as a remote. :
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Unless your a geek like me and wear your Pocket PC on your belt at all times.....
heyday
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10-28-2002, 05:31 PM
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Thinker
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 390
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Why stop shot just making it a remote control?
why not include a networking protocol into this little flashlight, I bet this puppy will act as a poor's man Bluetooth. 20feet low rate data transmission between handhelds?
for $30 that isn't too bad.
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10-28-2002, 06:08 PM
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Pupil
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 35
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Just What I NEED
I find the negative comments about turning my $600 PPC into a remote to be disingenous (and I've read this type of comment regarding all sorts of computer innovations). I know we're all different. I don't expect others to think as I do -- so please return the favor. For me, it adds to the value of my machine. This is an exciting product.
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Linear Mode
