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Posted by Gene E. Bloch on 02/06/07 18:28
On 2/05/2007, Hertz_Donut posted this:
> "Gene E. Bloch" <spamfree@nobody.invalid> wrote in message
> news:mn.2b857d724eff8d9a.1980@nobody.invalid...
>> On 2/05/2007, Hertz_Donut posted this:
>>> "Gene E. Bloch" <spamfree@nobody.invalid> wrote in message
>>> news:mn.2aa97d72d22b83e5.1980@nobody.invalid...
>>>> On 2/03/2007, klugja@hotmail.com posted this:
>>>>> Is there a device that can send the IR command to change the channel
>>>>> of my terrestrial HDTV set top box at the appropriate time so my DVD
>>>>> recorder can record the correct channel? I have a Samsung DTB-H260F
>>>>> set top box, and am able to record the S-Video output signal, and play
>>>>> back what is recorded OK, but I have to set the channel of the set top
>>>>> box, and change it before the next time I want to record.
>>>>>
>>>>> The panasonic DMR-EH50 has this IR blaster thing, but so far it hasn't
>>>>> done anything useful. Maybe I should disconnect the antenna from the
>>>>> DMR-EH50?
>>>>>
>>>>> The set top box is able to change channels itself, but has to be set
>>>>> up again every day.
>>>>>
>>>>> Another possibility would be another set top box, which actually has a
>>>>> useful programming feature, if such a device existed.
>>>>
>>>> Look into the Pronto series of remotes by Philips.
>>>>
>>>> They are programmable IR remotes that can be programmed to operate all
>>>> sorts of devices[1], and some or all models can be additionally
>>>> programmed to issue one or a series of IR remote commands at scheduled
>>>> times.
>>>>
>>>> I am not currently using mine in the above way, but I have used it to do
>>>> such things as recording FM programs onto MiniDiscs by programming the
>>>> Pronto to turn on the receiver and tune it to the desired channel and
>>>> then turn on the MD recorder and start recording. Then all gets turned
>>>> off after the programmed time. But wait, there's more :-) By which I mean
>>>> the above example only hints at the flexibility of these devices.
>>>>
>>>> They aren't especially cheap...
>>>>
>>>> [1] They have built-in command sets for many devices, they can learn
>>>> commands from other remotes, and other commands can be added by loading
>>>> hex strings from files.
>>>>
>>>> -- Gene E. Bloch (Gino)
>>>> letters617blochg3251
>>>> (replace the numbers by "at" and "dotcom")
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>> And it pales in comparison to the Logitech Harmony remotes.
>>>
>>> No codes to input.
>>> No hex code to input.
>>> Not only does the Harmony know what equipment you have, but it knows how
>>> they are connected, and what status each device is in at any time.
>>>
>>> No programming required.
>>>
>>> It requires only the push of a single button to accomplish any command
>>> set.
>>>
>>> It makes the Prontos (and all other remotes) look sad by comparison.
>>>
>>> Honu
>>
>> Yeah, "it pales in comparison to the Logitech Harmony remotes".
>>
>> I spent many - too many - hours with a Harmony remote, and finally totally
>> gave it up. The requirement to program it only through Logitech's Internet
>> site, the consequent inability to directly make changes, the bugs, the
>> slowness, and the inflexibility in the programming interface, the
>> awkwardness of that interface, and more and more (I have pages and pages of
>> notes; I won't try to do more than scratch the surface here), made me just
>> give it up. I gave it to a friend with a different setup, warning him of my
>> problems, but he tried it for a while. He gave up too. Neither one of us is
>> a dolt or inexperienced with computers and home entertainment systems,
>> either.
>>
>> But worse for the OP's needs - the Harmony doesn't provide any way to
>> schedule events to happen without a user present.
>>
>> I have to say that my experience with the Harmony was one of the worst
>> experiences I have ever had with a high tech device.
>>
>> -- Gene E. Bloch (Gino)
>> letters617blochg3251
>> (replace the numbers by "at" and "dotcom")
>>
>>
>
> I own three Harmony remotes, and never had any of the issues you report.
> Programming can be accomplished without the web interface, although it is
> beyond me how anyone can have any problem with the web interface, or the
> programming of the unit. You can modify the behavior of the remote to suit
> any needs.
>
> The lower end Harmony remotes do not have a scheduling option, but others do.
>
> In every single area that can be compared, the Harmony outperforms any other
> remotes; I am sorry you had issues with yours.
>
> Honu
Looks like a perfect exemplar of "YMMV" :-)
I didn't know that the higher-end Harmonys had a scheduling option. I
stand behind the rest of my comments (of course!), even though I am
also aware that many other people besides you give very high ratings to
the Harmonys. But recall that my friend and I are not alone in giving
them very low ratings.
--
Gene E. Bloch (Gino)
letters617blochg3251
(replace the numbers by "at" and "dotcom")
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