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Topic:
Semi-public remote/control solution
This thread has 17 replies. Displaying posts 1 through 15.
Post 1 made on Thursday February 6, 2003 at 16:11
Spiky
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My company is considering an HT in an apartment building. I'm looking for suggestions on capable remotes that aren't TOO capable. We don't want to get into RS232/Crestron type expense, but don't want to simply put a receiver's remote on the table so anyone can change menu settings, either. The only command needs are probably transport buttons for DVD/VCR, volume for receiver/prepro, cableTV channel functions, and of course the ability to switch between these sources-most likely macro based for ease of use. Oh, and power of course.

Is there an inexpensive way to get full serial control? Or am I just looking at a specifically programmed universal?

Related topic: How do you keep a remote from walking off? Anybody with experience in this area?
Post 2 made on Thursday February 6, 2003 at 16:27
Greg C
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Get a MX-700. Can only be programmed with a computer, so no accidental code changes. Matched with equipment with descrete codes, it is pretty much error proof.
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Post 3 made on Thursday February 6, 2003 at 23:14
cjoneill
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It may be easier to go with the Pronto. You could have a button for the VCR, DVD, and Cable on the front, which would bring you to the controls for that unit. You also have the option of write protecting it.

I agree with Greg, discrete codes are a must.

As far as security, you may want to look at some of the wired security products for computers. They basically have a signal cable attached to the computer. If the connection is broken, an alarm goes off. I'm not sure what you would do if there weren't reliable staff there during the same hours as the customers.

Also, this would be IR control, not serial.

CJ
I'm not a pro
Post 4 made on Thursday February 6, 2003 at 23:17
Nick20
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Hmm......we've done a few and put in an AMX touchpanel in the wall....nothing to hold/drop, won't walk off, etc... If that is just way out of the budject then you have to compromise. Maybe try an Intellicontrol and then chain it or attach it somehow to a seat or table?

Nick
Post 5 made on Friday February 7, 2003 at 09:30
Rob Grabon
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If all you need is source selection and transport than a real good option is a Niles Intellipad. Did one in a senior center and locked up the equipment other than the DVD and VCR. Never had an issue.
Technology is cheap, Time is expensive.
OP | Post 6 made on Friday February 7, 2003 at 16:10
Spiky
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Rob, that's almost precisely what we would do. Lock up the receiver and cable box and make just the front of the DVDp and VCR available.

We're a little concerned about loose remotes walking off. I've considered Pronto 2000, and glue (or whatever) it down, or a similar method with a button remote. But that's not the best idea. I'm currently looking at Xantech controllers mounted in a table; around $700-800 if I set it up myself. Or possibly the URC2 remote from Xantech. All these are powerful remotes, and I'd just limit the available buttons.

I'll check out Niles for comparisons next. Do you think I could stay under $1000? I haven't any idea yet of Niles prices.

If all else fails, I can always go the jp1 route and just replace inexpensive remotes as they walk off.
OP | Post 7 made on Friday February 7, 2003 at 16:13
Spiky
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Greg and CJ,
Thanks for the tips. Discretes and programming are already covered. I'm making sure all the components will be fully capable with discretes.

I like the Pronto and the MX series, I use the MX-500 at home. I'm just worried about losing such expensive remotes. Maybe that "on a chain alarm" method would work. Hmm....
Post 8 made on Friday February 7, 2003 at 16:35
Anthony
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...
Post 9 made on Friday February 7, 2003 at 22:06
Larry Fine
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Why not just leave the Weemote Sr. sitting out?

Larry
www.fineelectricco.com
Post 10 made on Saturday February 8, 2003 at 20:31
Ahl
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i'd get one of the One For All remotes from Wal Mart and call it art...

Any remote you get will walk away at least once a week, so get the cheapies. and have them all programmed and ready to go
We can do it my way, or we can do it my way while I yell. The choice is yours.
OP | Post 11 made on Saturday February 8, 2003 at 21:37
Spiky
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On 02/07/03 22:06, Larry Fine said...
Why not just leave the remotecentral.com]"
target="new">Weemote Sr. sitting out?

Larry,
I'm not sure whether to laugh or cry. ;-)
Post 12 made on Saturday February 8, 2003 at 23:51
Larry Fine
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Maybe Spiky can figure out a way to adapt this to keep the remote on a leash.

Larry
www.fineelectricco.com
OP | Post 13 made on Monday February 10, 2003 at 09:56
Spiky
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Thanks, everyone. Now we'll sit and wait for a month or 2 while the powers that be decide if we can afford the room modifications. I've convinced them I can do the A/V equipment within budget.
Post 14 made on Tuesday February 18, 2003 at 11:32
The_journalist
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January 2003
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You could always attach a Pronto to an old car wheel! (Watch the movie 'The Jerk' if you don't get the joke. It has to do with service station restroom keys.)
Post 15 made on Wednesday February 19, 2003 at 12:31
avgenius1
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Spiky you asked about full serial control, you could use an RTI TheaterTouch T2. This remote is capable of serial control and can use RF for control(just keep the range to a minimum). Locking up the equipment or putting it in a MAP rack with secuity screws on custom face panels will help deter theft. As far as the remote walking off, why not have the users sign the remote out with Security or the Main Office. Did a theater for an apartment complex a while back and used this scenario. It is a little bit of a hassle for the tenants but saves the remote from walking off. We had the tenants sign for the remote(which had basic functionality), put the gear in a locked closet which security had to open. NO problems as of yet, about 1.5 years now. I know that RTI has had some problems but for a programmable remote that can do serial it cant be beat. Also, the programming cable is very proprietary so if the remote walks off it will be very hard for the thief to do much with it. Hope this helps.
"Some may never live but the crazy never die" ~ Hunter S. Thompson
"There will be plenty of time to sleep when I am dead" ~ Me
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