Okay, I've been reading all the posts regarding using a PDA as a remote; I've been seriously considering upgrading my TSU1000 to the ProntoPro, but now I'm wondering if I should consider a PDA and some software package instead; Seems that some use normal CCF files as I would in the Pro; anyone have some ideas on what I should be focusing on? thinking an IPAQ or Journada and maybe Remote Controller 3.0??? Please give me your pros and cons!

It kind of depends...

I've got an iPaq, so I didn't want to fork out another $1000 for a prontopro. The TV Remote Controller software seems to cover it well, and uses the ProntoPro CCF's (still trying to get it to work %100, but not spending time on it much).

If you just want a remote, then get the pronto, if you need a PIM, web browsing etc, get the iPaq (or whatever PocketPC type thing you want).

The PDA route will generally be cheaper than the pronto pro, but not significantly ($100-$200 at most with accessories).

The downside of using PDA's as remotes is that most of them have virtually zero range. The IR ports they have are IRDA ports designed for high-speed, close-range data communication, not standard IR control. My IPAQ, for example, has a range of about 6-feet using it as a remote. You can get around this by buying and using remote extenders that either attach to the PDA or "relay" IR commands to a more powerful emitter via radio or hard-wired systems. But the attachments are ugly and generally unwieldy; the "relay units" will work fine as long as you can put the receiver within range of your PDA, which isn't always practical (especially since they generally require 110v power). Also, you should know that PDA's sometimes have problems learning IR codes. Unlike a Pronto, which has a dedicated learning circuit in it, a PDA relies on software and the IRDA port to learn codes. This works 98% of the time, but if you happen to own a component that falls in that 2%, you are hosed (Philips cable boxes are notorious for this).

BUT, Sony has released a series of PDA's (the T series) that include an standard IR emitter in addition to the IRDA port. The result is a truly useful remote. My Sony PEGT615 will control components from 15-20' on a straight line, 10-15' off-axis. It has a 320X320 64,000 color screen and retails for $399, much less than the current version of the IPAQ. It uses the Palm operating system, rather than Windows CE, but I don't find that a hindrance (in fact, I prefer the Palm OS to Windows CE for standard PDA tasks, but I'll admit that Windows CE has some nifty features the Palm lacks).

I'm using the beta version of OmniRemote (version 1.2 beta) from Pacific NeoTek as my remote software with the Sony. So far, I haven't found anything I can't do with my Sony that I can do with my Pronto 1000 - macros, timers, page jumps, custom bitmaps for backgrounds and buttons, etc. It's not quite as elegant to program as the Pronto, and takes more time because you basically have to lay everything out using the PDA (there is a software package called OR Desktop that worked with previous versions of OR to allow you to lay out button panels on a computer, then download to your PDA, but this software doesn't work well with the new version of OR).

My strong advice, having tried both the IPAQ and the Sony, is that unless you are happy dealing with kludges to extend the remote range, or you happen to sit right on top of your components, the Sony T615 plus OmniRemote 1.2 is a MUCH better solution than the IPAQ route. If you don't want color, you can get the same IR control package with a Sony T415 and save a couple hundred dollars (but the monochrome screen isn't as easy to read and isn't nearly as much fun!).

John Colombo

John, in regard ot the IPAQ, I'm afraid I have direct experince to the contrary.

I just purchased an IPAQ 3835 Today. I loaded TV remote controller 3.0 and grabbed a couple of .ccf files to play with. I was fully expecting anemic range, but I thought I would try anyway. I am getting reliable operation of my TV and stereo rack from a little over 16 feet away.

It's possible I suppose that different IPAQ's might have different IR emitters. that wold certainly explain things.

Anyhow, I am totally stoked. I was going to get a pronto pro later this year, but not now. What a pleasant suprise.

WOW I am also Totally Stoked!! I returned my Pronto Pro for an IPAQ 3850. I received it today. I love it I copied my CCF file in and can't wait to get home to try the IR to see if it works OK. Saved over $300.00 using the IPAQ!!!!!

I am also intersted in some differences between the Pronto Pro and a very specific PDA setup. First of all for this comparison assume cost difference between the two is irrelevent. The PDA I'm looking at is the IPAQ 3835, using TV remote controller 3.1, and the UltraMote Extender (to eliminate the IR effective distance problem). Given this setup and no consideration to price, what are the advantages and disadvantages of the Pronto Pro, Pronto (TSU2000), and the PDA setup as I have described? Thanks.

The IPAQ is faster, has a far superiour display, and you can use it for everything. You can have more than one setup available, without having to connect to a pc to change it.
Well even if you disregard the price difference I would not even consider the Pronto Pro any more.
On the downside you have to switch the IPAQ on before you use it, only 5 of the hardware keys will wake it automatically.
Hope this helps

Wilhelm



This message was edited by Wilhelm on 05/26/02 07:17.55.

Thanks that does help!

Has anyone used TV remote controller 3.1 with the UltraMote Extender on the Ipaq? How is the performance? Could they work together to strengthen the IR range?

I emailed the person from pdawin, where tv remote control 3.1 is sold about the ulramote extender, and I was told 3.1 does support it. Here is the very short and simple response:

"Dear Thomas,

yes, but only for iPAQ with our latest release TV remote controller 3.1.

Best regards,
Peter

----- Original Message -----
From: Thomas Kennedy
To: [email protected]
Sent: Saturday, 25 May, 2002 5:01 AM
Subject: TV remote control compatibility w/IR extender


Does your software program support the UltraMote Extender ? Thanks

Thomas"

Check out Sony's new PDA. 15 foot IR range plus a whole lot more!

SONY NR70

... Greg :-)

Sony Runs Palm's OS :(

Yes, this is unfortunate. I'd LOVE to see what Sony would do with a PocketPC device....