I know this has been asked previously, and the answer was that currently the iPronto currently does not support any sort of RF extender functionality, but I wanted to revisit the topic.

I'm sort of incredulous that a high end device such as the iPronto would not be able to support RF functionality given that many people who would be interested in this device have complex systems that are mounted in racks or closed cabinets (yes--me included).

Does anyone know if this functionality is forthcoming (I assume it is) and if so, when? This is really the make or break variable that it would hinge on for me.

Alternatively the option to send the commands over 802.11 to a PC in my equipment rack and then somehow output IR commands through some sort of IP-to-IR repeater hung off the serial or USB port would probably work as well, but I'm not sure if such an animal exists.

Has anyone done anything like this or have any other suggestions for someone who's itching for an iPronto but cannot use IR?

Thanks,

Jonathan

1) according to Daniel's what's new [Link: remotecentral.com]


that might be what you are looking for

2) also like you said, you might be able to use your PC for the job. Don't know about the iPronto-PC part (can you send commands, or will you need to create a web site) but there are PC/IR devices

Thanks, I guess I missed that. Now it's just the waiting that's killing me! ;-)

www.netremote.org

the iPronto uses 802.11b to pass the IR codes RF to the Network Extender and then converts it to IR to flash the equipment.

Thxdudetx,

That raises an interesting possibility--i.e., could you use other 802.11 device in conjunction with the RF extender to control devices? I don't want a computer hung on my HT setup, but I could deal with a small 802.11 device that has an IR emitter... Wonder if the protocol for the RF extender will be open...

There are some small options out there for computers that aren't wimpy laptops. I refuse to build systems with out a computer incoporated. There are some form factors out there that you might not be aware of. One is the shuttleX that runs on a mini pc form and the other is a micro pc. Personally I like the shuttleX since you can build one top of the line massive ass kicking gameing machine (hooked up to your HDTV w/dvi) and then with a 200 gig hard drive filled with mp3s hooked up to your AVR...so I now have a digital juke box with over 1600 cds on it..check these links as you will see that the shuttleX isn't much bigger than a toater, with some future planning you should be able to put one in the cabinet with the rest of the gear and run a wireless keyboard mouse set w/it.
[Link: www6.tomshardware.com]
and
[Link: firingsquad.gamers.com]
But still I agree that anyone buying the ipronto is buying high end gear and demands versitilaty and customization of their systems. To not have the RF feature is insane and to have to work so hard for a work around is just ridicuolous.

but it does have RF, that is what 802.11b is all about. Also from Daniel's review


it will have a base that will work as an extender and possibly a bit more

----

802.11b is a different RF standard then the one used on the Pro, but it is RF 2.4 GHz to be exact.

Okay, here's the deal with the iPronto...it's a IR remote that can 'surf the web' utilizing a wireless network within a home. So, here's where they get off stating that you can control RS-232, Contact Closure, etc...whether it's Crestron, AMX, or even now the Aurora WACI piece, you can create web pages that will trigger events within those systems, but viewed on your iPronto's Web Browser (or so they are banking on). WHAT A JOKE!!! Why not get a PC tablet and do the same thing? I personally don't see the value of having an IR remote\web browser. Philips was on the right track, but I think they fell a little short with this one. Maybe next generation will get it right. By the way, I just went to there website and looked at the pdf manual to see what it was all about.