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(Spun off from my new to CHT thread)
Okay, a bit more of an indepth look at my OCD concerning "control" of my electronics. I work in IT for a living managing the networks and servers of about 30 different companies, so having things work smoothly is a pet peeve! Doubly so for my own stuff lol. Low stress environments required!
Previously, I've always used harmony remotes. Most recently, the 1100 with the RF extender. I had all my equipment running off the RF extender which showed me the "freedom" of no line of sight required. The reliability of RF to IR alone makes many remote headache problems go away, so if you haven't looked into it, I highly recommend you do so, regardless of whether you're on a harmony or ipad etc.
I picked up a new iPad (first gen) from one of my medical practice clients just before Thanksgiving dirt cheap. I'd been waiting to get my hands on one inexpensively for just this purpose: The ultimate remote control project. I had no idea what apps I would use, I just knew from reading around that it was possible, and I wanted it.
I settled on iRule because of it's apparent flexibility, ability to customize the interface 100%, network control capabilities, and the support of Global Cache products, which from all appearances appeared to cover all of your remote automation needs including: IP to IR (wired ethernet or wireless network control), IP to RS232, IP to Switched Relay, etc.. iRule is also fully capable of handling room automation. If you have controllable lighting, blinds, screen etc, it can all be integrated into the same screens!
With a few weekends building/customizing interfaces and tweaking and learning about network remote control methods, I was able to control my Onkyo 100% over the network, no IR required. Same for my Roku box. I used the iTach unit, which has 3 assignable IR outputs to control everything else. I centrally mounted an IR blaster to hit whatever it could hit reliably, which ran off one IR port, and used another dual emitter IR and bugged my cable box and XBox to ensure reliable communication. I still have an empty IR port on my iTach which can be used for additional devices in the future. I most recently added an Emotiva 12V trigger module to my Onkyo to allow me to power on and off the Dayton SA1000 along with my XPA-3.
I tried taking a mix of the harmony approach and "device" control when I decided what to do. "Watch a movie" these days is just too vague, so I decided on specific devices for the remote, which you can see in the pics below.
A quick note on the network control. Certain network/serial control devices support something called "Feedback", which means it sends information back to the remote control. I utilize feedback extensively on the Onkyo. It provides me current volume level, muting status, on/off status, Source, Listening Mode. It can provide way more, but I found these to be enough.
So, example #1, the Bluray "Panel", which controls my Panny BDP. Anything outside in the "edges" I wanted to be static. That rarely changes between screens so that your main controls are consistent across devices. I can change panels (activities), adjust listening modes, adjust volume, bump the subs in +/- .5 increments, mute or turn off the whole system.
Example #2, the 360 panel I made from scratch. (Any COD players out there???? :) )
Example #3, Comcast option, this is the second panel. For each "device" you can have many, many panels. You can simply swipe left and right. The default panel is very similar to the Bluray panel, controls for the DVR, channel etc, but if you swipe left, you arrive at the favorite channels.
Annndd.... that's it I guess. I hope this has inspired someone to take control of their home theater in ways they haven't previously envisioned. I really like my setup, I can control anything, and make it work every single time. There are MANY apps out there that can do what iRule does. A few came out after I started my project, so iRule may not be the king of the hill anymore.
Share your own remote setups! I love learning about new methods and products out there!
If you're new to this area, feel free to ask for help, direction, or a slap upside the head.
Enjoy! :)
Okay, a bit more of an indepth look at my OCD concerning "control" of my electronics. I work in IT for a living managing the networks and servers of about 30 different companies, so having things work smoothly is a pet peeve! Doubly so for my own stuff lol. Low stress environments required!
Previously, I've always used harmony remotes. Most recently, the 1100 with the RF extender. I had all my equipment running off the RF extender which showed me the "freedom" of no line of sight required. The reliability of RF to IR alone makes many remote headache problems go away, so if you haven't looked into it, I highly recommend you do so, regardless of whether you're on a harmony or ipad etc.
I picked up a new iPad (first gen) from one of my medical practice clients just before Thanksgiving dirt cheap. I'd been waiting to get my hands on one inexpensively for just this purpose: The ultimate remote control project. I had no idea what apps I would use, I just knew from reading around that it was possible, and I wanted it.
I settled on iRule because of it's apparent flexibility, ability to customize the interface 100%, network control capabilities, and the support of Global Cache products, which from all appearances appeared to cover all of your remote automation needs including: IP to IR (wired ethernet or wireless network control), IP to RS232, IP to Switched Relay, etc.. iRule is also fully capable of handling room automation. If you have controllable lighting, blinds, screen etc, it can all be integrated into the same screens!
With a few weekends building/customizing interfaces and tweaking and learning about network remote control methods, I was able to control my Onkyo 100% over the network, no IR required. Same for my Roku box. I used the iTach unit, which has 3 assignable IR outputs to control everything else. I centrally mounted an IR blaster to hit whatever it could hit reliably, which ran off one IR port, and used another dual emitter IR and bugged my cable box and XBox to ensure reliable communication. I still have an empty IR port on my iTach which can be used for additional devices in the future. I most recently added an Emotiva 12V trigger module to my Onkyo to allow me to power on and off the Dayton SA1000 along with my XPA-3.
I tried taking a mix of the harmony approach and "device" control when I decided what to do. "Watch a movie" these days is just too vague, so I decided on specific devices for the remote, which you can see in the pics below.
A quick note on the network control. Certain network/serial control devices support something called "Feedback", which means it sends information back to the remote control. I utilize feedback extensively on the Onkyo. It provides me current volume level, muting status, on/off status, Source, Listening Mode. It can provide way more, but I found these to be enough.
So, example #1, the Bluray "Panel", which controls my Panny BDP. Anything outside in the "edges" I wanted to be static. That rarely changes between screens so that your main controls are consistent across devices. I can change panels (activities), adjust listening modes, adjust volume, bump the subs in +/- .5 increments, mute or turn off the whole system.
Example #2, the 360 panel I made from scratch. (Any COD players out there???? :) )
Example #3, Comcast option, this is the second panel. For each "device" you can have many, many panels. You can simply swipe left and right. The default panel is very similar to the Bluray panel, controls for the DVR, channel etc, but if you swipe left, you arrive at the favorite channels.
Annndd.... that's it I guess. I hope this has inspired someone to take control of their home theater in ways they haven't previously envisioned. I really like my setup, I can control anything, and make it work every single time. There are MANY apps out there that can do what iRule does. A few came out after I started my project, so iRule may not be the king of the hill anymore.
Share your own remote setups! I love learning about new methods and products out there!
If you're new to this area, feel free to ask for help, direction, or a slap upside the head.
Enjoy! :)
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