Home Cinema remote control automation?
Discussion
Shadytree said:
Any suggestions for a good value universal remote control solution for all things home cinema, either by infra red or networked (idealy both).
Controlable and programable by a iPhone/iPad interface ?
What devices do you have? All my kit is controlled via the network, TV, AV AMP, Bluray/Network streamer and Mac running Plex etc. All apps were free from manufacturers via app store. Current limitation is they are all separate apps - quite fancy writing an iPad app that has it all controlled from one place, project for next year perhaps.Controlable and programable by a iPhone/iPad interface ?
I was going to get one of those IR ones, but having it on the network is much easier - no need to be in the same room and you can control it wherever you are.
paulrockliffe said:
Run everything through XBMC and then use a phone or iPad to control everything.
How do you control amp etc for things like volume and sound modes through to input selection (I guess you don't need the later if XMBC is the sole source), do you use a CEC interface to control things via HDMI or do you have another method?Depends on a few things really ... if you have line-of-sight or need to control all equipment hidden, either remotely or locally.
Using a number of apps is a pain ... switching between apps to control devices is a waste of time IMO ... why not just use their dedicated remotes.
It all depends on budget ... for the cheapest option, use a Logitech Harmony and an IR kit. Further up the cost bracket, use a wireless RF remote such as the Logitech 900 or RTI. Once you get up to the level of RTI, you can get an iPad app which has a controller with IR, serial and IP control of devices from one app. This will probably need to be purchased and installed professionally so although it will give you single app control of power, volume control, source selection, scene setting etc it will be reasonably expensive.
Saying that, we use RTI and Control4 as a simple way of controlling multiple devices in a cinema.
Using a number of apps is a pain ... switching between apps to control devices is a waste of time IMO ... why not just use their dedicated remotes.
It all depends on budget ... for the cheapest option, use a Logitech Harmony and an IR kit. Further up the cost bracket, use a wireless RF remote such as the Logitech 900 or RTI. Once you get up to the level of RTI, you can get an iPad app which has a controller with IR, serial and IP control of devices from one app. This will probably need to be purchased and installed professionally so although it will give you single app control of power, volume control, source selection, scene setting etc it will be reasonably expensive.
Saying that, we use RTI and Control4 as a simple way of controlling multiple devices in a cinema.
RedEye does it, its basically an IR blaster that connects to your Iphone/Ipad via wifi. You can make all kinds of macros in the app and they have a massive code library online and can also learn for your remote if there are no codes for your devices listed.
http://thinkflood.com/products/redeye/
http://thinkflood.com/products/redeye/
Edited by headcase on Thursday 22 December 21:57
headcase said:
RedEye does it, its basically an IR blaster that connects to your Iphone/Ipad via wifi. You can make all kinds of macros in the app and they have a massive code library online and can also learn for your remote if there are no codes for your devices listed.
http://thinkflood.com/products/redeye/
I bought something similar to this - the Gear4 one. I found I didn't really get on with it. The built-in codes were not really good enough so I need to get it to learn most of the button presses. I then found the macros to be unreliable, they would work sometimes but not others.http://thinkflood.com/products/redeye/
Edited by headcase on Thursday 22 December 21:57
Added to that having to get out the iPad, unlock it, find the app etc etc just to turn the volume up slightly, it just got on my nerves.
Ending up sending it back and using the normal remotes.
I think I will end up getting a dedicated all in one remote like the Nevo that someone mentioned.
M
It depends on how much you want to spend? You could get a Beo5 from Bang and Olufsen, watch the video but keep your credit card in the other room! http://www.bang-olufsen.com/home-integration
You could get a second hand Beo5 for around £250.
You could get a second hand Beo5 for around £250.
surfymark said:
I bought something similar to this - the Gear4 one. I found I didn't really get on with it. The built-in codes were not really good enough so I need to get it to learn most of the button presses. I then found the macros to be unreliable, they would work sometimes but not others.
Added to that having to get out the iPad, unlock it, find the app etc etc just to turn the volume up slightly, it just got on my nerves.
Ending up sending it back and using the normal remotes.
I think I will end up getting a dedicated all in one remote like the Nevo that someone mentioned.
M
The Op hasnt been back on since early on in the thread but this is what he asked for. I agree that getting out the ipad to change the volume may be a bit much its not something i would be doing but if your the type of person who is glued to an iphone then its ideal. I have first hand experience of the RedEye and I can tell you its a breeze to set up and the macros do indeed work. I set on up a few months back with a projector, electric screen, Blu-Ray, Sky and a lighting system in our demo room and upto now it hasnt missed a beat (until one of the sales people sat a sales brochure infront of the ir blaster) Added to that having to get out the iPad, unlock it, find the app etc etc just to turn the volume up slightly, it just got on my nerves.
Ending up sending it back and using the normal remotes.
I think I will end up getting a dedicated all in one remote like the Nevo that someone mentioned.
M
oo it also puts the sky TV guide on your iphone/ipad screen too. Gassing Station | Home Cinema & Hi-Fi | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff