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Professional remote control system that retains my power to modify as I see fit?
This thread has 4 replies. Displaying all posts.
Post 1 made on Thursday February 2, 2012 at 13:50
mvgossman
Lurking Member
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3
Time has come to switch from my current system of Harmony remotes coupled with an infrared command distrubution system to control devices around the house. I've been unhappy with the distribution of noisy standard definition TV over coax and the remote control system is not as robust as I would like.

I decided to approach a professional installer, and he is extremely knowledgable and capable, and has recommended a couple HD modulators along with a professional grade remote system from RTI, and iPad and iPhone apps to control TVs etc. in less frequently used spots.

What I have a real problem with is that this is a professionally programmed system and there is (he says) no way to "give me the car keys" to make changes when I want afterward. I'm a control freak, a computer programmer, and of course experienced with the Harmony programming and I have no doubt I can do it myself. It's not so much I want to save the $ to make changes, and he has assured me that he will make small tweaks as part of the overall fee for the services even remotely from his office, but I want instant gratification and just want to do the later tweaks. I'd do all of it from the get-go but I concede that I'd rather have him do the initial programming because he'd be much faster and better.

So A) Is there a way to seize control of the programming for this specific system and if not, B) Is there a professional grade system of RF remotes that will do this?

I understand the motivation for the professional grade systems companies to keep control in the hands of the pros in order to keep their systems reputable, working, etc. for their reputation's sake.
MVG
Post 2 made on Thursday February 2, 2012 at 17:20
TRCGroup
Super Member
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December 2007
4,149
First off, the software isn't his to give out. You being a "programmer" should understand that.
Second, comparing being able to program Harmony with programming RTI is like comparing changing the oil and rotating your tires on you car with working on a NASCAR.

You may want to look into URC, the dealer has the option of giving you the software. AFAIK, they are the only company that allows this.
"You can't fix stupid."
OP | Post 3 made on Saturday February 4, 2012 at 12:15
mvgossman
Lurking Member
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Don't have a cow, man! Typical snarky tone that a normal person would never make speaking in person.
1. You jump to a conclusion that my intent is to illegally obtain software to program a system, that is incorrect, I am looking for a system that allows that or a way to do this with the RTI system whether that requires purchasing software or not.
2. You incorrectly assume that I know that anyone who can program a Harmony remotes can also program a professional grade system. That might not be true in all cases, but "I have no doubt" that it is true in my case that I would have no difficulty programming such a system.
3. Love the scare quotes around the word "Programmer", it implies you know more about my qualifications than I do myself. Interesting.

But I'll look at the URC system, thanks for that information.
MVG
Post 4 made on Saturday February 4, 2012 at 19:31
goldenzrule
Loyal Member
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July 2007
8,470
On February 4, 2012 at 12:15, mvgossman said...
Don't have a cow, man! Typical snarky tone that a normal person would never make speaking in person.
1. You jump to a conclusion that my intent is to illegally obtain software to program a system, that is incorrect, I am looking for a system that allows that or a way to do this with the RTI system whether that requires purchasing software or not.
2. You incorrectly assume that I know that anyone who can program a Harmony remotes can also program a professional grade system. That might not be true in all cases, but "I have no doubt" that it is true in my case that I would have no difficulty programming such a system.
3. Love the scare quotes around the word "Programmer", it implies you know more about my qualifications than I do myself. Interesting.

But I'll look at the URC system, thanks for that information.

The guy helped you and you snap back? He explained that you cannot get the software from RTI, not from your installer, not from anyone. RTI company policy, the software is available ONLY to dealers. No dealer will hand it out as they are at risk of losing the line if they do so. He suggested URC because of the fact that their policy is that it is up to a dealer if they wish to provide software. This does not mean that every dealer will. URC will not support these end users, so that would like on the dealer to offer support. If they are not in a position to do so, they most likely will not be providing software.

He also pointed out how different Harmony is than RTI in the programming process. Harmony programs the remote for you, you do not actually do any programming. With RTI, you program EVERYTHING from scratch, and I do mean everything. It requires training and experience. I don't doubt you have programming knowledge, but it doesn't mean you can program everything, without some sort of training or support. URC is a bit easier to program then RTI, and you may have access to the software, so it is a better choice if you wish to work on it yourself.

Lastly, you have to understand you saying you want a Professional remote to program yourself whenever you want is like saying you want a private jet to fly around the world on a whim when you feel like it, but you wish to pay for business class. Professional remotes are designed and built for people that are trained and certified to sell them. I would not tell a computer programmer that I could create a sophisticated computer program because I consider myself a "programmer" because I can program remotes. It's apples to oranges.
Post 5 made on Sunday February 5, 2012 at 16:27
TRCGroup
Super Member
Joined:
Posts:
December 2007
4,149
On February 4, 2012 at 12:15, mvgossman said...
Don't have a cow, man! Typical snarky tone that a normal person would never make speaking in person.

You, yourself, are making an incorrect assumption.

1. You jump to a conclusion that my intent is to illegally obtain software to program a system, that is incorrect, I am looking for a system that allows that or a way to do this with the RTI system whether that requires purchasing software or not.

Yet you said:

So A) Is there a way to seize control of the programming for this specific system

You were referring to the RTI system that was quoted for you by a dealer. That sure sounds like you want do something illegal, or at the very least shady.

Just out of curiosity, what do you program?
"You can't fix stupid."


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