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Some Info from the Philips RC9800i Team
This thread has 44 replies. Displaying posts 31 through 45.
Post 31 made on Tuesday May 31, 2005 at 20:37
dhallag
Long Time Member
Joined:
Posts:
January 2005
42
From Philips team, they said that the WiFi was 802.11b; however, the web site says:

"Wi-Fi networks operate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands, with an 11 Mbps (802.11b) or 54 Mbps (802.11a / 802.11g) data rate or with products that contain both bands (dual band)."

Can we ask for a clarification? To that point, I really hope that it's 802.11g and not 802.11b. To put out a new device with b instead in g is not keeping up with the times. G works a whole lot better than B for audio streaming.
Universal Remote: Sony AV-RM3100, TV - Samsung TXJ2766, AMP - Sony STR-DE845, DVD - Sony DVP-3000, Tape - Sony TC-WE435, VCR - Panasonic PV-8661
Post 32 made on Sunday June 26, 2005 at 18:14
ajglass
Lurking Member
Joined:
Posts:
June 2005
4

Is there any way to rename the user function keys to correspond with their actual deployment?

Thanks.
- Andy
Post 33 made on Monday June 27, 2005 at 14:02
follow who03
Long Time Member
Joined:
Posts:
April 2003
181
On 05/31/05 20:37 ET, dhallag said...
To put out a new device with b instead in g is
not keeping up with the times. G works a whole
lot better than B for audio streaming.

More important than that - most wireless G networks slow the entire network down to 'B' speeds when they see 1 'B' device. If this thing is 'B' they need to be clear. I'm not going to get a product that slows down my entire nework!
"We are only immortal for a limited time." -Neal Peart
Post 34 made on Monday June 27, 2005 at 16:51
Daniel Tonks
Wrangler of Remotes
Joined:
Posts:
October 1998
28,779
It's 802.11b. Performance will depend a lot on your access point... I've got a Linksys that gives pretty good "g" performance in mixed mode.
Post 35 made on Sunday August 14, 2005 at 04:47
gmaier
Lurking Member
Joined:
Posts:
August 2005
2
A few comments, questions and a bit of an early review from a new user...

Per the earlier feedback from the Philips team, I recently purchased this remote, fully expecting to be able to use it to browse and play media stored on a Mac, even without a separate UPnP media hub, like Streamium. As I understood the Philips claim, the RC9800i, itself, could function as a media rendering device and access content served by the included Philips Media Manager software. Thus far, this does not appear to be the case.

I recall Daniel, earlier, alluding to the fact that, in his experience, a physical media hub was in fact required, in order to even enable this kind of "browse and stream" functionality on the remote; he reasonably attributed this to a beta sotware limitation. Since I purchased the unit, only today, and I've downloaded the most recent software, I guess I'll either have to assume that I'm a paying beta customer; that I'm missing some critical step in my configuration; that the software will be updated, shortly; or, that the functionality was misrepresented in the first place. Anyone have any insight into which is the right answer?

Couple of other things I've also noticed:

(1) When setting up a second room that has an identical cable box to a prior one, the RC9800i correctly asked if I wanted to use the prior configuration of the device, already stored on the remote. The idea, of course, is to save setup time, and I promptly answered "yes," only to discover that no activities were presented for this second room that actually included the cable box as part of the mix: only one, isolated, "watch TV" activity was made available for OTA broadcasts, even though the room had both a cable box and tv, clearly defined. In order to get a "watch cable" activity to appear, I needed to recreate a duplicate of the original cable box, repeating the same device setup steps and using a different name. Curious, but seems to be a bug in the current firmware.

(2) Ability to rename user-defined buttons is missing. I know this has been reported, before, but it really should elicit an enhancement in the next software release. Also, in some cases, like when an activity only requires a single device (i.e. listening to FM stereo), the device functions are consolidated to a single page and, as a result, user-defined buttons are not available.

(3) Unable to get multi-room functionality working on my HK AVR-335. Unfortunately, it does not appear like HK defines distinct code sets for multi-room functionality. Instead, you can purchase a separate IR interface that plugs into a "multi-room" port in the receiver; this interface translates the standard HK set of codes, emitted from any remote, into multi-room actions. Without this interface, the primary HK remote works in tandem with the receiver to establish a binary multi-room state, such that certain keys are interpreted as multi-room actions when this state is active. This kind of two-phase mode seems difficult to support on any universal remote, especially those with limited programming capabilities, like the RC9800i. I suspect a more programmable option, like the Pronto TSU7000, might be able to manage this better, however.

Overall, the remote has a clean appearance and form factor; it's much smaller than I would've imagined. Of note, the EPG feature is nifty, though perhaps a bit more flash than usefulness, since most cable and satellite providers already offer a guide as part of their services. If a few critical enhancements can be introduced, along with some bug fixes and the advertised remote-centric "browse and stream" functionality, the RC9800i would appear to represent a nice option for those who want a premium remote with an easier, less programming intensive, user experience - especially if compatibility with networked UPnP components fits into your plans. Hopefully, Philips won't drop the ball on these and other open issues and will keep users informed, while addressing them in a timely manner.

Gary
Post 36 made on Sunday August 14, 2005 at 15:36
gmaier
Lurking Member
Joined:
Posts:
August 2005
2
OK. So, after a long night of playing with my new toy, I've managed to make at least a bit of progress on the media server browsing capabilities of the RC9800i. It appears that the Mac version of the Philips Media Manager software simply doesn't work, as it is never recognized by the RC9800i. I was, however, able to browse my Mac media files with a trial download of eyeConnect from Elgato softare; similar trial software from Allegro allowed me to at least browse my MP3 library.

So...this is some progress. Unfortunately, I've still not been able to render any such browsable media on the RC9800i, itself. According to a basic statistics console, maintained within eyeConnect, the media server (eyeConnect) is receiving numerous "Browse" requests from the remote, but has not yet recorded any "Transfer" requests. It is, of course, these transfer requests that deliver media to the ultimate rendering device, like the RC9800i or some other media adapter. That such requests are nonexistant suggests that either the RC9800i is not issuing them, or something else is awry.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

Gary
Post 37 made on Tuesday August 23, 2005 at 20:15
nvandyk
Lurking Member
Joined:
Posts:
August 2005
1
Gary -

I purchased the 9800i yesterday and will be using it with my Mac G5 and wireless network, hopefully with the ability to interact somehow with iTunes. I'd love to compare notes with you. Can you email me at artisannvandyk at earthlink dot net?

Regards,

Nick
Post 38 made on Tuesday August 30, 2005 at 22:51
Russell N
Long Time Member
Joined:
Posts:
September 2003
11
On 05/11/05 13:03 ET, RC9800i Team said...
Dear Remote Central members,

First we would like to thank Daniel for creating
a dedicated forum for the RC9800i. We feel this
is an exciting new product that takes a new look
at controlling your Audio and Video devices and
combining the new area of multi-media control.

The RC9800i will be available in the US mid May
and will be launched later this year at the IFA
show in Berlin for Europe.

To get a general understanding of the RC9800i
and its capabilities please visit

www.homecontrol.philips.com

As several questions have come up already in the
forum regarding the capabilities of the RC9800i,
we will try to give a brief explanation here.

When we set out to create the Philips RC9800i
we had two goals in mind. First create a remote
that a general user is able to set up without
having to use a PC and secondly incorporate control
of multimedia content that resides on a PC in
a home network. This means the RC9800i is not
a Pronto. The Pronto range can be customized and
is more targeted at the custom installation and
the PC savvy consumer that has the knowledge to
create their own interface, macros and overall
system logic. The RC9800i creates its own interface
that is not customizable.

To make it simple to set up, the RC9800i incorporates
a wizard in the device that helps configure what
A/V devices you want to control. After that the
remote goes one step further and by asking questions
becomes intelligent about the devices in the system.
It figures out how devices are interconnected,
delay times for the different products, the most
efficient way to tune channels, etc. The RC9800i
then uses this information and generates an activity
based user interface, which includes macros to
automatically correctly switch all devices for
that specific activity. It also keeps track of
the status of equipment. Again all this on the
device without the need for a PC and in front
of the equipment you are trying to control.


As mentioned the second part of the RC9800i is
the control of multimedia content on the PC. WiFi
capability is incorporated in the remote so it
can attach to a wireless network in the home.
By doing so the RC9800i is able to do three things.
First you are able to browse multimedia content
residing on a PC in the network. The PC will need
to be running a UPnP server which we provide with
the RC9800i both for PC and Mac. You can even
view your digital pictures and listen to your
MP3 files on the remote. Secondly if you have
an UPnP compliant media adapter connected to your
TV or Audio system you can browse your PC content
on the remote and then send it to the adapter
via WiFi and UPnP. Thirdly the WiFi connection
is used to pull in program guide data from the
internet. This data can be displayed on the remote
so you do not need to bring up guide information
on the large TV screen.

As an added bonus you can stream MP3 directly
to your audio system. When you are listening to
MP3 files on the remote and you dock the unit
in the charger station the audio signal can be
routed through the line out to a stereo system.

Hardware
–3.5” QVGA touch screen
–802.11b WiFi
- Speaker
–USB
–Dedicated hard buttons for Channel up/down, Volume
up/down, Mute
–5- way cursor
–CPU with 32 MB Flash
–Li-polymer battery

–High end finish and design
–Charging cradle included

Features
–Unified and intuitive interface
–Control of legacy and networked devices (IR and
UPnP)
–Control of PC multimedia content
–Setup wizard
–Electronic Program Guide
–Software upgrade service
–Picture / Audio previewing

Specifics:
IR: over 1100 ir codes in the database, Learning
frequency 20kHz to 70 kHz and 455kHz

We hope this has answered some of your questions
and explained some of the capabilities of the
RC9800i. As mentioned if you have more questions
please take a look at the RC9800i website at www.homecontrol.philips.com.

Regards
The Philips RC9800i Team
Post 39 made on Tuesday August 30, 2005 at 22:55
Russell N
Long Time Member
Joined:
Posts:
September 2003
11
I just openned my new remote.
I upgraded the firmware.
I keep getting a phillips screen with a spinning circle and anytime I touch the corner screen marks I go back to a philips screen with the spinning circle.
What should I do ? Is there a different firmware than that on the website?
Is there an older version?
Please help.
Thanks.


On 05/11/05 13:03 ET, RC9800i Team said...
Dear Remote Central members,

First we would like to thank Daniel for creating
a dedicated forum for the RC9800i. We feel this
is an exciting new product that takes a new look
at controlling your Audio and Video devices and
combining the new area of multi-media control.

The RC9800i will be available in the US mid May
and will be launched later this year at the IFA
show in Berlin for Europe.

To get a general understanding of the RC9800i
and its capabilities please visit

www.homecontrol.philips.com

As several questions have come up already in the
forum regarding the capabilities of the RC9800i,
we will try to give a brief explanation here.

When we set out to create the Philips RC9800i
we had two goals in mind. First create a remote
that a general user is able to set up without
having to use a PC and secondly incorporate control
of multimedia content that resides on a PC in
a home network. This means the RC9800i is not
a Pronto. The Pronto range can be customized and
is more targeted at the custom installation and
the PC savvy consumer that has the knowledge to
create their own interface, macros and overall
system logic. The RC9800i creates its own interface
that is not customizable.

To make it simple to set up, the RC9800i incorporates
a wizard in the device that helps configure what
A/V devices you want to control. After that the
remote goes one step further and by asking questions
becomes intelligent about the devices in the system.
It figures out how devices are interconnected,
delay times for the different products, the most
efficient way to tune channels, etc. The RC9800i
then uses this information and generates an activity
based user interface, which includes macros to
automatically correctly switch all devices for
that specific activity. It also keeps track of
the status of equipment. Again all this on the
device without the need for a PC and in front
of the equipment you are trying to control.


As mentioned the second part of the RC9800i is
the control of multimedia content on the PC. WiFi
capability is incorporated in the remote so it
can attach to a wireless network in the home.
By doing so the RC9800i is able to do three things.
First you are able to browse multimedia content
residing on a PC in the network. The PC will need
to be running a UPnP server which we provide with
the RC9800i both for PC and Mac. You can even
view your digital pictures and listen to your
MP3 files on the remote. Secondly if you have
an UPnP compliant media adapter connected to your
TV or Audio system you can browse your PC content
on the remote and then send it to the adapter
via WiFi and UPnP. Thirdly the WiFi connection
is used to pull in program guide data from the
internet. This data can be displayed on the remote
so you do not need to bring up guide information
on the large TV screen.

As an added bonus you can stream MP3 directly
to your audio system. When you are listening to
MP3 files on the remote and you dock the unit
in the charger station the audio signal can be
routed through the line out to a stereo system.

Hardware
–3.5” QVGA touch screen
–802.11b WiFi
- Speaker
–USB
–Dedicated hard buttons for Channel up/down, Volume
up/down, Mute
–5- way cursor
–CPU with 32 MB Flash
–Li-polymer battery

–High end finish and design
–Charging cradle included

Features
–Unified and intuitive interface
–Control of legacy and networked devices (IR and
UPnP)
–Control of PC multimedia content
–Setup wizard
–Electronic Program Guide
–Software upgrade service
–Picture / Audio previewing

Specifics:
IR: over 1100 ir codes in the database, Learning
frequency 20kHz to 70 kHz and 455kHz

We hope this has answered some of your questions
and explained some of the capabilities of the
RC9800i. As mentioned if you have more questions
please take a look at the RC9800i website at www.homecontrol.philips.com.

Regards
The Philips RC9800i Team
Post 40 made on Saturday September 3, 2005 at 17:02
jimmt
Lurking Member
Joined:
Posts:
December 2004
5
I haven't heard any mention of the "remote control extender via WiFi" for the RC9800i. Is this supported? Is it the NTX6400 from the iPronto product?
Post 41 made on Sunday September 4, 2005 at 17:27
Anthony
Ultimate Member
Joined:
Posts:
May 2001
28,867
I have not heard of an extender
...
Post 42 made on Tuesday September 13, 2005 at 15:58
nooster
Lurking Member
Joined:
Posts:
September 2005
4
Hrm. I have been looking for a universal remote that just captured my attention for a long time. I thought the RC9800 was it. Alas.

Certainly I understand and applaud Philips' goals. There are tradeoffs everyone makes when putting out any product, and sometimes you sacrifice capability for ease of use. However, you -can- offer a product that has wizards and such to help novice users who don't want to customize, but still have a depth of features and capabilities to allow those of us that can/want to.

Is there any plan to support this customization? I'm afraid that until it does, I will not be rushing to buy this.
Post 43 made on Thursday November 17, 2005 at 11:25
terpsrno1
Long Time Member
Joined:
Posts:
November 2005
11
I have laoded all my devices, and pretty much have everything working, however, when I am in activities, the 9800 shows buttons that do not have any associated codes with them. There are several bottons that the original remote does not have, but i can't get rid of them. Does anyone know how to eliminate these buttons?

Also, I have Lutron IR controled lighting, and there are no codes for any home automation. Any ideas?

This device needs a PC editor!!!!!
Post 44 made on Sunday November 20, 2005 at 22:02
dpepper
Lurking Member
Joined:
Posts:
November 2005
4
You mentioned the MAC. I use OS10.4, do not have access to a Windows machine. What functions of the RC9800i won't I be able to utilize.

Also, what devices are available for the RF relayer, or should I just go with the IR repeater now for a closed door cabinet.

THanks,,

Daniel Pepper
Post 45 made on Sunday December 4, 2005 at 22:39
Badapple
Lurking Member
Joined:
Posts:
September 2004
4
I dont care for it, anyone want to buy, I think a TSU3000 smokes the performance. I can only compare the reliability to that of the NETX that goes with the I-Pronto.
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