Posted by Hertz_Donut on 02/06/07 04:07

"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

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