iPad as Remote Control

[scene]

I've got an iPad, which is great for controlling my Sonos kit - [Y] Sonos, great app! - but to control all my other kit, I'm currently using an IR repeater and the remote control that came with my Arcam AVR250, which is OK-ish... Well, the on/off switch on the CR80 is a bit intermittent, in that it only works 25% of the time, it doesn't control the Kuro, or the Sony BDP - which I suppose I could sort out - and it doesn't control the Sonos - which I can't.
I need a single controller for all my kit. If it wasn't for the Sonos, I'd get a Logitech Harmony, or the like. But what I want is a single controller, which will be the iPad.
What are my choices? I know there is the (expensive) RedEye hardware + software - which looks good, as it is WiFi based. And the RedEye mini, which just is the Software + an IR transmitter for the iPad - which is cheaper, but I like less, as I don't like the thought of the huge dongle hanging out of my iPad.
Are there other iPad-based solutions I should consider?

 

[Gerrardasnails]

scene:I've got an iPad, which is great for controlling my Sonos kit -

Sonos, great app! - but to control all my other kit, I'm currently using an IR repeater and the remote control that came with my Arcam AVR250, which is OK-ish... Well, the on/off switch on the CR80 is a bit intermittent, in that it only works 25% of the time, it doesn't control the Kuro, or the Sony BDP - which I suppose I could sort out - and it doesn't control the Sonos - which I can't.

I need a single controller for all my kit. If it wasn't for the Sonos, I'd get a Logitech Harmony, or the like. But what I want is a single controller, which will be the iPad.

What are my choices? I know there is the (expensive) RedEye hardware + software - which looks good, as it is WiFi based. And the RedEye mini, which just is the Software + an IR transmitter for the iPad - which is cheaper, but I like less, as I don't like the thought of the huge dongle hanging out of my iPad.

Are there other iPad-based solutions I should consider?

You will never lose that between the cushions of your sofa!!

 

[Andrew Everard]

scene:What are my choices? I know there is the (expensive) RedEye hardware + software - which looks good, as it is WiFi based. And the RedEye mini, which just is the Software + an IR transmitter for the iPad - which is cheaper, but I like less, as I don't like the thought of the huge dongle hanging out of my iPad.

The RedEye Mini unit isn't huge, by any means. But there's also the Gear4 UnityRemote, which uses Bluetooth communication between the iPad and its infrared flasher module.

 

[scene]

Gerrardasnails:You will never lose that between the cushions of your sofa!!
That is one of the plus points of the iPad

 

[scene]

Andrew Everard:
scene:What are my choices? I know there is the (expensive) RedEye hardware + software - which looks good, as it is WiFi based. And the RedEye mini, which just is the Software + an IR transmitter for the iPad - which is cheaper, but I like less, as I don't like the thought of the huge dongle hanging out of my iPad.

The RedEye Mini unit isn't huge, by any means. But there's also the Gear4 UnityRemote, which uses Bluetooth communication between the iPad and its infrared flasher module.

Thanks Andrew, the UnityRemote looks quite neat. Is the app only for the iPhone/Touch, or is there an iPad specific version - it's not very clear from their website. Also, the website is a bit light on details of what functionality the app provides - maybe there's more in the Apple App store (but I can't access that from work

) - like does it have pre-canned RC codes for various devices...

 

[Anonymous]

My harmony 895 is now on it's last legs (thanks to the kids dropping it).

I was thinking of using one of these with my iPhone/iPad as a replacement ( don't see the point of buying a replacement as I have both of these).

The redeye is £179.99 but the gear4 Is only £99.99.

The gear4 uses Bluetooth to connect to your iPhone, and I have read some reviews of the signal dropping out, whereas the redeye uses your wireless network.

Is there anybody who has any experience with either of these? I prefer the aesthetics and cost of the gear4, But I don't want to buy something I will have problems with.

Any input would be appreciated

 

[Andrew Everard]

I've used the RedEye products extensively over recent months with no problems, and there's a sample of the Gear4 in the hands of our review team at the moment.

 

[scene]

Andrew Everard:I've used the RedEye products extensively over recent months with no problems, and there's a sample of the Gear4 in the hands of our review team at the moment.

Considering my other post on an iPad RC - when will the Gear4 review be printed AE?

 

[Anonymous]

Now that's service!

Do you know when a review or feedback will be in the magazine Andrew, as I could hold off for a while before purchasing.

Thanks,
Mark

 

[Andrew Everard]

As far as I know it's scheduled for First Tests, I guess in March or April editions. If not, I'll endeavour to retrieve the unit and have a look at it in a blog piece in the near future.

 

[scene]

Andrew Everard:As far as I know it's scheduled for First Tests, I guess in March or April editions. If not, I'll endeavour to retrieve the unit and have a look at it in a blog piece in the near future.

Yes, that is service, and most appreciated

 

[Anonymous]

Andrew Everard:As far as I know it's scheduled for First Tests, I guess in March or April editions. If not, I'll endeavour to retrieve the unit and have a look at it in a blog piece in the near future.

Much appreciated

 

[Andrew Everard]

Doesn't seem to have been scheduled for March or April, so I'll try to retrieve it when back in the office this afternoon and have a look at it over the next day or two. Bloggage will - hopefully - follow when time allows.

 

[Andrew Everard]

All I know so far is in the news story I linked to, As I have said in the other thread, which I am about to merge with this one, I hope to get my hands on our sample later today and have a play over the next few days.

 

[scene]

Andrew Everard:All I know so far is in the news story I linked to, As I have said in the other thread, which I am about to merge with this one, I hope to get my hands on our sample later today and have a play over the next few days.

Fair enough, and as I said in the same other/soon to be the same thread, most appreciated.

 

[Anonymous]

Scene, who scary is that, we both posted a similar thread ( mine in the wrong place as usual) within an hour or so of each other.

 

[scene]

markjaspi:Scene, who scary is that, we both posted a similar thread ( mine in the wrong place as usual) within an hour or so of each other.
Great minds think alike

 

[Big Aura]

there's a user review on amazon (with iPad):

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004CRU3IQ/ref=asc_df_B004CRU3IQ1756888?smid=A2OMTXKFADW0PO&tag=googlecouk06-21&linkCode=asn&creative=22218&creativeASIN=B004CRU3IQ

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the link, still a little worried about the Bluetooth drop out, hopefully Andrews blog will help, and I will keep an eye on the app. Reviews on iTunes.

 

[Tonya]

Crestron has an amazing app for complete home automation which is what I use daily, but be prepared for many weeks of sweat & tears to program the thing!
The good thing is that it can control via RS232, IR and even relays, so one touch of the control panel (or iPad/iPhone) will turn on everything, select the correct inputs, lower the lighting level, pull the shades and you're ready to go.

 

[john1000000boy]

Very interested too!!!!

 

[scene]

Tonya:Crestron has an amazing app for complete home automation which is what I use daily, but be prepared for many weeks of sweat & tears to program the thing!
The good thing is that it can control via RS232, IR and even relays, so one touch of the control panel (or iPad/iPhone) will turn on everything, select the correct inputs, lower the lighting level, pull the shades and you're ready to go.
Crestron stuff seems to be the Rolls Royce of home and AV control, and I believe it's not that cheap. Am I right in thinking, that typically Crestron systems are programmer up by specialist installers?

 

[scene]

Big Aura:
there's a user review on amazon (with iPad):

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004CRU3IQ/ref=asc_df_B004CRU3IQ1756888?smid=A2OMTXKFADW0PO&tag=googlecouk06-21&linkCode=asn&creative=22218&creativeASIN=B004CRU3IQ

Thanks for that BA. I've just re-visited the Gear4 site and spotted the small link in the bottom lhs that gives more details of the Unity app

missed that before...

The review is interesting, shame ther's only one! I suppose my only slight concern is the lack of iPad specific app, especially with the "I experienced a few crashes" comment...

 

[Tonya]

QUOTE : "Crestron stuff seems to be the Rolls Royce of home and AV control, and I believe it's not that cheap. Am I right in thinking, that typically Crestron systems are programmer up by specialist installers?"

Correct, but as I went on a course to learn the programming I went with that one.
Got a sweet deal on eBay for the hardware from USA and that was that.
It's great for The Wife as she isn't technical at all and my home system is insanely complex and getting worse all the time (must get around to posting some photos one day).
In fact when someone touches the panel, it actually has a "Wife Mode" option.
Well, it amuses me.
Crestron used to be King Of The Hill but there are now many serious contenders to the throne.

There are several alternatives available on the market that are more friendly to program, I personally like the MediaLon solution we have at work, but at £6000 just for the software interface, it's not very wallet friendly but it's a peach to program.

Just saw a sweet system that is more or less a copy of the Crestron rig but in one small box that has it's own webpage that you can access with any device that has a web browser, so you can simply drag and drop the drivers that your equipment needs and then interface to a touch screen.
Can't remember the name offhand but it was very nice indeed, I'll post it when I remember!
Over here Samsung have launched a very nice 22" touchpanel at around £200, the LD220Z, that would form a great AV interface, especially as it also has an HDMI input as well.

 

[Anonymous]

Tonya:Crestron has an amazing app for complete home automation which is what I use daily, but be prepared for many weeks of sweat & tears to program the thing!
The good thing is that it can control via RS232, IR and even relays, so one touch of the control panel (or iPad/iPhone) will turn on everything, select the correct inputs, lower the lighting level, pull the shades and you're ready to go.

Thanks Tonya, I've looked into this option and it's a mixture of expensive components and more expensive developer time.

I've also looked into this:

http://www.iruleathome.com/

The kit isn't too pricey but you have to download the software and design the planes yourself, although they do give out the contacts of a programmer who can do it for you, for a cost.

However, I like the idea of the gear4 and unity if they work, because all the templates are prepared, it's just a shame no (besides Andrew) has their hands oon one to comment.