Considering NetRemote

[Tim K]

I am currently using a ProntoNeo and when that breaks (which will undoubtedly happen soon) I'd like to replace it with something more advanced, larger, and with more functionality. Ideally, something like the iPronto without the $1200 price tag. I've done alot of reading and think that a Tablet PC running remote software might be the perfect solution. Something like a Simpad or Viewpad that will allow me to directly control my HT by IR (without using an HTPC). I don't have an HTPC at this time but would like to add one in the future. In the meantime, I'd like to be able to use this device as a powerful remote control for my HT system, as well as be able to access the internet wirelessly to surf the web, obtain weather and sports info, as well as TV listings. I figure rather than spend $500 on a remote and $1000 on a laptop...I could do both for much less with Netremote and a Tablet PC.

My question is....Is NetRemote the solution? Can I do all of that? How complex is the setup and programming? Is it any harder than setting up a Pronto? What about learning codes...do I have to cut and paste Hex IR codes or is NetRemote capable of learning codes directly from another remote?

Finally, how customizeable is the interface? I am familiar with Pronto's and graphic design...I'm not just talking about buttons and backgrounds. I guess what I am asking, is if it is possible to integrate links, webpages, or other applications directly in the NetRemote interface...like creating a frame within the layout that can contain the weather or TV listings rather than having to open a seperate window with internet explorer? I guess I have seen someone's interface that looked like it streamed TV listings and weather info directly into the NetRemote interface. If that can be done, does it require other applications or hardware or can it be all be done on the Tablet PC? (Remember that I don't have an HTPC at this time and I need everything to operate on the Tablet)

I'm sure some of this has been explained here and there but I can't seem to find it. Most of the discussions are way beyond my understanding of this program. I'm just looking for the basics.

[danward79]

Tim,

Honestly my friend stop "Considering", just get your tablet PC, and start playing. There is not a lot you can't do.

I had a pronto for a long time, it is in the cupboard now... A load of rubbish it is!

Netremote (NR) Brilliant, X10, WiFi, IR, etc, etc. Basically, until you get you HTPC, it will out do your Pronto. When you get your HTPC and combine it with Girder, you will not beable to do everything you want due to lack of time.

Yes, you can do your ir learning. Yes you can link web pages, yes you can have weather. Next?

see http://www.promixis.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=8864&highlight= for my ppc pic's

I would love to show you what I have been working on at the moment but I can't!...

[sapnho]

I still use the good old Pronto RU870 (a very old model) AND a Dell Axim PPC with NetRemote. There remains this huge advantage of a Pronto that it doesn't need connect time (as it is infrared) which is a must for things like volume or transport control. It is also nice not having to wait for certain standard things, e.g. I have a smartlist called "Slow Jazz" which I have also programmed on the Pronto and here again I don't have to wait for the wifi to connect. So I ended up using my PPC for everything which requires two way feedback and the Pronto for everything else (which as my wife would say makes two remotes instead of one as I advertised for a long time...)

The other things to bear in mind is the choice between tablets PCs/Simpad and a small PPC. I had a Simpad before but did not feel that NR was running smoothly on that os, so I sold it again and bought myself a Dell Axim. The advantage is that it is much easier to put a PPC on the dinner table (or garden, or wherever) than a Simpad or even a tablet. On the other hand, a larger screen allows you to do lots of cover stuff, which is not ideal on a PPC. I have a small screen (6.4'') on my audio jukebox which also runs NetRemote where I can see the cover and track info all the time which I find quite ideal.

So what I would recommend to you is to try different solutions (maybe you can borrow some equipment for a while) and figure out your kind of personal behaviour and hence requirements. There is no best solution, it depends entirely on your preferences.

[Promixis]

If you do want IR control, I would look at one of the dell axims. They can functionally replace the pronto. Then as you want to add more sophistication using wifi you can. The tablets are also a cool solution but you will need more skill to set it up to do IR.

Any other questions?

[Jlee]

...and if you are worried about the wifi connection time (about 5 secs on my iPAQ) then just leave it on all the time when not in use and keep it in the charging cradle.

[Promixis]

JLee,

Avid was going to a button, that when that frame was displayed, the PPC wouldn't hibernate... does that exist? :o

[danward79]

Mike,

Yes you can do it with avid's plugin. You need a object for it to reference like a time.

[Tim K]

The delays and connection times you are referring to.....are those only when you are controlling equipment via a wifi connection to a "server"? I would assume there is no delay if you are transmitting IR directly from the tablet to your equipment....am I right?

As for the level of difficulty in setting up the IR...what makes it more troublesome?

[Jlee]

The delays and connection times you are referring to.....are those only when you are controlling equipment via a wifi connection to a "server"? I would assume there is no delay if you are transmitting IR directly from the tablet to your equipment....am I right?

Right.

[Promixis]

The delays and connection times you are referring to.....are those only when you are controlling equipment via a wifi connection to a "server"? I would assume there is no delay if you are transmitting IR directly from the tablet to your equipment....am I right?

As for the level of difficulty in setting up the IR...what makes it more troublesome?

Delay is wifi reconnection. No delay the device doesn't turn off.

IR is essentially equivalent to a pronto. You can use your pronto ccf with NR.