Ready to take the plunge, but some questions, and which PDA?

[sas]

Hi all,
After much research, I 'm getting close to taking the plunge, but have a few question and would be very grateful to anyone taking the time to help. Let me explain my set up:

- Sony TV
- DVD player
- VCR
- Satellite Receiver
- Mini PC running J River Media Center, audio files (APE), linked to wired LAN.
- DAC (Digital -analogue converter) to convert SPIF signal from PC
- Amplifier, which handles music, and sound from Sat receiver, DVD, VCR, TV

As you all know this leaves me with precisely six remote controls
javascript:emoticon(':-?'), as well as an ugly keyboad, mouse and monitor to control the PC.
I would like to get rid of all of them. And see NetRemote with a PDA as the solution.
But before I buy a wireless access point, wireless adaptor, PDA and NetRemote Pro, I would like to double check a few things:

1. Integration with J River Media Center seems pretty good and would allow me to get rid of the keyboard, LCD and mouse. But it would be nice to hear of anyone's experience in searching through album thumnails on a PDA. Is it fast, smooth and a satisfactory alternative to a bigger screen?

2. I'm ready to put in the time, but is programming NetRemote to replace standard remote controls for the TV, DVD, hi-fi etc a fairly straightfowrad process? I've looked through the documentation for NetRemote IR, but need to be reassured.

3. I am also assuming I don't need some IR device to attach to the PC (slinky, etc), and that NetRemote on the PDA can function as a remote by itself.

4. I've noticed on the forum a lot of talk about IR range with PDAs, and am wondering how much range I can expect from a PDA controlling the TV/Sat/DVD/VCR... I guess I would need about 5 meters (16 feet). If it would be just 3-4 feet, that would be a bit pointless.

5. This brings me to the big question: which PDA? Most people on the forums seem to suggest Dell Axims, with IR and wi-fi. But what about HP, Asus and the rest? Should I just forget them?

6. Finally, I assume Netremote Pro is what I need -- as it includes IR and Music. I assume girder is something I don;t need -- although I admit I'm not so sure what girder is.

Thanks in advance for any help and advice. Would be good to hear from anyone with a similar set-up, and to know what works well for them.

Apologies in advance for the long first post to this forum - but if I get it sorted ou I'll be sticking around to help others.

cheers, sas

[Jlee]

Your set up is almost identical to mine. I ditched all the remotes in favour of NR on a Pocket PC. Check out the HTPC and NetRemote pages on my website for info.

1. Everyone has different views about this. It's certainly doable especially if you are careful to set up your view schemes with a sensible heirarchy. Personally if I'm browsing my library I tend to use NR's built in tree view (not covers) as it's quicker. Remember that you can trial NR without buying a PPC - just install it on your standard PC and use the mouse to see what it's like. Try my CCF and see how you get on.

2. If your PC is in your lounge near the kit you are trying to control with IR then the simplest method is via the USB-UIRT (http://www.usbuirt.com) controlled by Girder. That's what I do and it's really easy to set up.

3. You can do direct IR from your PPC (I don't) but see answer above. If you want to do direct IR your choice of PPC is important. Certain models of Dell Axim (look in forum) are the most recommended.

4. I'm not qualified to answer except to say get a USB-UIRT if you can. It's a much better solution if it fits your layout. With this set up you have no line of sight issues from your PDA so you could control your satellite box, for example, from anywhere around your house.

5. I use an iPAQ 4150 and love it (though it's not suitable for direct IR).

6. You'll need NR Pro for sure. You will need Girder if you go USB-UIRT in which case Girder will give you some other benefits, though not enough (in your case) to justify it's purchase if you don't go USB-UIRT.

Good luck.

[sas]

Hi Jlee,
Thanks a million for taking your time, I really appreciate it. I checked out your site, very useful, and looked at the Media Center screen shots for PPC. Very impressive.
As for the USB-UIRT and girder -- yep, that looks to be a MUCH better solution than direct IR. It also provides a bit more flexibility in chosing the PDA, given that all you need is Wi-fi. I think the line of sight issue could have been a real headache.
I think I can deal with adding that to my shopping list.

A good idea also to test netremote on the PC first -- I'll give that a try, and then get down to implementation...... so expect I'll be back here before too long!

all best, sas

[Jlee]

Sounds like you're all set sas. Have fun!

[Jlee]

I should have mentioned that NR does have an included server-side component called NRIRServ that can manage the IR out of the USB-UIRT. For some people this removes the need to pay $$ for Girder. Personally I just wouldn't know where I'd be without Girder as it does a lot more for me than manage IR but I thought I should mention NRIRServ anyway.

The benefit of Girder over NRIRServ (besides the fact that it can automate just about any button press or function on your PC) is that it's much easier to create and manage IR macros e.g. when I change channel on my sat box I just get NR to send the 3-digit value to Girder and then Girder manages the IR i.e. send value 1, pause, send value 2, pause, send value 3. You can do this without Girder but for the small price of Girder and all the extra power it gives you it's just not worth the hassle.