Iphone / Ipad as AV Remote ?

[M@verick]

Hi All,

I am still rebuilding my AV system and turned to thinking about replacing my aging Logitech Harmony universal remote. As there are two iphones, and an Ipad in the household I am thinking about using an iOS app for AV control.

I have done some basic research and as usual the results are broader than I expected, and a bit on the baffling side. I think I am leaning towards trying to get hold of a Harmony Link unit. Does anyone have experience of using these ?, and in general does anyone have recommendations or do’s and don’t’s lists in this area ?. Are there any pitfalls I should be aware of ?.

I already have a set of IR blasters (Logitech) to extend the remote signal into my AV cabinet, and a PS3 IR device (logitech) to allow control of the PS3 as a Blu Ray source via IR. So I would need the solution to utilise those. My AV kit is not particularly current and I don’t have budget to update it right now so using hardware with iOS control interfaces built in is not an option right now, it would need to be IR.

Kit to be controlled:
Yamaha RXV-1800 Amp
Denon DVD 2930
Sky 1TB Amstrad DRX850
PS3
Wii (?)
AppleTV3
Sony 47KDX something or other

All help gratefully received !!

R.

[Ekona]

The thought had occurred to me to do something similar, however one thing rules it out for me...


Currently:
Pick up correct remote
Push button
Put down remote

iOS App:
Pick up iDevice
Swipe to unlock
Tap in PIN if haven't touched it for 5mins
Push app button
Wait for app to load
Navigate to correct menu in app
Push button
Put down iDevice


It's just adding too many layers of interface just to reduce the amount of remotes I use. If you were going down the singe remote road, you'd be better off with a Harmony One I think, certainly a mate of mine has one and it's a good solution.

[VEX]

Stick to the Harmony or something a little more advanced

I supply them all the time and when you get to know how they work and program up they operate bloody well.


I have done a couple of homes with complete iPad control and it is expensive and convoluted if your using it just for av control. Jphowever both the systems I have done do a whole lot more. The major house hase 5 iPads all with control over av, cinema, lighting, music and CCTV thought the whole of the house.

Hth.

V.

[Bullett]

I have a Harmony and an Ipad.
I control the TV, PS3, Denon amp and Humax PVR and a Squeezebox plus a Roku (more on this is a second).

All of the above are controlled via the Harmony and IR repeaters. Works 100%. I also use the ipad to control the Squeezebox track selection if I want to put together a tracklist or pick out a selection of specific tracks. Random play or radio I just use the harmony.

The Roku isn't set up on the Harmony yet. So I've been using the ipad as a remote. It's a real pain. The biggest issue is you have to keep checking your finger is in the right place. It switches off between use etc etc. It's great for typing in searches or anything long winded on the controller but for channel hopping and messing with the volume, harmony every time because I don't need to look at the device I can feel my way.

The ipad is a great device for picking tracks or selecting movies to play on the Roku. For day to day controling it's rubbish it's the tactile elements that are missing.

[M@verick]

Hmm.

Thanks all - well that wasnt the consensus of opinion I was expecting, but what you have all said does make sense. Ill stick with the Harmony for now then, ill just get it reprogrammed up (i havent updated the firmware or added the new devices I have for quite some time now) and have a tinker with it.

Cheers for the responses, much appreciated.

R.

[GhostDriver]

this what your after?

http://www.keene.co.uk/electronic/keene-electronic...

[IforB]

I use the Pioneer Ipad amp to control my LX-85. It works brilliantly. I also have the Panasonic app to control the telly and that's pretty good as well. Once they release the sky box app, then I'll use the ipad exclusively.

I do find myself reaching for the remotes more often than not, but I'm getting used to it now, however I always think that the remotes will be the primary controller, but for complicated setting changes or tweaking, then the app for the amp is far superior and easier to use than the standard remote.

[M@verick]

GhostDriver said:

this what your after?

http://www.keene.co.uk/electronic/keene-electronic...

I must admit i do like that.

R.

[danyeates]

I never have a problem myself. Program the Sky remote to control the Sky box and TV and add the punch through volume function so it controls the volume on the amp.

Come into the lounge, turn on the TV, amp and Sky box at the units. I never leave them on standby.
TV is already programmed to default to HDMI 1 - the HDMI feed from the AV receiver.
AV receiver is usually on the Sky feed.
Sky box turns on. I then only ever use the Sky remote. Never had a need to touch any of the others.

If I watch a blu-ray or use Apple TV, I'll get up and push the appropriate button on the amp and will use my iPhone to control the blu-ray player or Apple TV with the apps.

All my other remotes are hidden away in a drawer.

[VEX]

^^^^^^^^^ this.

The sky remote is amazingly flexible, they just don't shout about it.

V.

[Adrian W]

Interesting thread this, I have a Sony smart TV in the kitchen, the web interface is useless as there is no keyboard, I downloaded their Ipad app, it controls the telly but guess what, the keyboard still doesnt work as sony advertise, I have called a few Sony shops and they dont know, just wondering has anyone got it to work?

[talkssense]

danyeates said:

I never have a problem myself. Program the Sky remote to control the Sky box and TV and add the punch through volume function so it controls the volume on the amp.

Come into the lounge, turn on the TV, amp and Sky box at the units. I never leave them on standby.
TV is already programmed to default to HDMI 1 - the HDMI feed from the AV receiver.
AV receiver is usually on the Sky feed.
Sky box turns on. I then only ever use the Sky remote. Never had a need to touch any of the others.

If I watch a blu-ray or use Apple TV, I'll get up and push the appropriate button on the amp and will use my iPhone to control the blu-ray player or Apple TV with the apps.

All my other remotes are hidden away in a drawer.

You probably know this already and just like using the app, but we control the apple tv from the sky remote.

Programmed th atv to learn so that in TV mode on the sky remote the number buttons are up, down, left, right, select and menu.

Works a treat, even the wife can do it.

[danyeates]

talkssense said:

danyeates said:

I never have a problem myself. Program the Sky remote to control the Sky box and TV and add the punch through volume function so it controls the volume on the amp.

Come into the lounge, turn on the TV, amp and Sky box at the units. I never leave them on standby.
TV is already programmed to default to HDMI 1 - the HDMI feed from the AV receiver.
AV receiver is usually on the Sky feed.
Sky box turns on. I then only ever use the Sky remote. Never had a need to touch any of the others.

If I watch a blu-ray or use Apple TV, I'll get up and push the appropriate button on the amp and will use my iPhone to control the blu-ray player or Apple TV with the apps.

All my other remotes are hidden away in a drawer.

You probably know this already and just like using the app, but we control the apple tv from the sky remote.

Programmed th atv to learn so that in TV mode on the sky remote the number buttons are up, down, left, right, select and menu.

Works a treat, even the wife can do it.

That's clever. Didn't know that. TBH, I do just like using the app. I usually only use it when I'm flicking through photos or videos on my phone or Youtube, so just Airplay it over anyway.

[Shadytree]

Simialr to the OP I'm fed up with a bucket full of remotes. I've been looking at all teh fancy solutions using network IPs and IFR but keep coming back to the Logitech Harmony 1100. I don't want an expensive third party expert to program anything so hoping the Harmony would fit the bill for a DIY tinker?

Any other thoughts or suggestions before I pull the trigger on an 1100 ?

[Bullett]

Unless you have a specific need for all the features in the 1100 a lesser model may suffice. The One is a brilliant piece of kit and importantly can be used one handed and doesn't intimidate the not technical user.

[carlymart]

i used my ipad as a custom remote much like the old Philips pronto and its great, 1 app to control everything
you need a wifi or network to ir unit. i have an itach wf2ir unit and i use Irule app. if you have the time and the skill its great and far more flexable then any harmaony remote, i have a couple of those too lol. most apps will work in ipad iphone android etc

[Shadytree]

Just reporting back that I dealt on the Logitech Harmony 1100 and am very impressed.

The software is a bit sticky on my MAC but apart from that, very simple to use and setup and works perfectly with all my kit.
I even managed to add some macro commands to flip my Epson projector from 2D to 3D which is not that simple.

[LaurasOtherHalf]

Does anyone know what the iPad app was that comes with a superstate signal booster?

It was well reviewed in the Sunday times but I threw it out before making a note of who made it?