Hey just wondering if anyone has a cheat sheet they give to their clients when they are done a remote install. I am finding more and more clients are not writing things down and i am going for service calls for ridiculous things that if they wrote my directions down i would not have to waste my time.

Let me know

Thanks

I don't typically, but I have put together an instruction manual, complete with screen captures I took right out of CCP or the Editor (don't remember which it was at the time). This was for one of my best and wealthiest clients. I have found that for the most part, the remotes are so intuitive when I am finished that the clients can typically figure out everything on their own.

ahahha goldenzrule your that good eh?!?!?!? I find that the older my clients are the dopier they have become and i dont understand why people are not writing stuff down even after i tell them
UGG

we dont provide them standard, but do have a cheatsheet we can provide if someone really just doesnt get it....

I would seriously question what you are doing though if you get a lot of people that "Dont get" your remotes.

I generally find the most problematic remotes are the ones where the salesperson way undersold the remote. the system needed Savant or Control4 and they ended up with a MX450.... Recipe for disaster every time.

Customers will instinctively go grab a pen and paper when its time for the tutorial
but rarely write thing down once they see how the remote works.

Usually I hear...Its that easy?

I don't think I am anything special, however I have programmed a thousand remotes, all the same way with just different equipment. You pick up the remote and press whatever source you want (i.e. cable, bluray, appletv...) and everything just turns on and to the correct inputs. Then you just use the remote to control that device, controls volume, yada, yada. Just as everyone else does I am sure. Seriously, a 2 year old through a 102 year old can pick up the remote and just turn on the system. In the event they really are THAT stupid, they can just press ON which defaults to Cable/Satellite. When they are done just press OFF anywhere on the remote and the system shuts off. It really is that easy.

I believe Mac (Stamp) contributed to a thread about 2 months ago when someone asked for what software to use to do just the thing you're asking.
The answer I believe was MS Publisher or PowerPoint,both will work easy enough.
Do NOT use MS Word unless you have no other choice as moving text or text-boxes is a bit of PITA.
I can't do search now or I would just post the link.

Found it. Here you go: [Link: remotecentral.com]

mario

thats what i am looking for. Thanks

goldenzrules i usually program the ON button then source select. I suppose my extra step creates confusion. I have done 1000's of remotes as well but i still get questions about stuff

Do you program with discrete commands? While it will work the way you describe, it is not just one less step, but far less problematic to simply have the macro on each source or "activity" power everything on and change inputs. Then you simply tell your customer, just press the button you wish to watch/listen to.

I have seen other urc dealers in my area with these "cheat sheets". I don't understand this. I program my RTI systems very simple, I have a couple clients in their 80's and one in his 90's. I have never provided a cheat sheet and within about 10 mins of letting them use them they are off on their own.

Still don't get this....always use discretes, or the solid work around for the bluray, and we ALWAYS use a processor or the control system doesn't get sold. Too many headaches and missed commands without a processor

I agree with Golden and Innovative. The only time we ever provide a user guide (single page with a screen shot and call outs) for a hand held controller is if a) the client is not present during final install or b) the property is a secondary residence used by guests in addition to the owner. Other than that nobody has ever complained about "getting it"; not even an 88 year old woman I just recently setup with an mx-780. If she can understand it, your clients can.

I think that the "point" of these remotes is that you shouldn't need a cheat sheet. However, I've certainly been in your situation.  It's important to me that the system is as easy to use as possible. I tell clients "If you can read english, you can use the remote. period." 

For a small 1 or 2 room solution, it should take less than 5 minutes to show them how to use the remote, and that's basically familiarizing the client with where the specific buttons are.   If it takes more, I'd consider a different remote, or possibly a different programming style.

But I've certainly screwed up a few in my day, I think programmers after awhile start to think in a very logical fashion, similar to how a remote control works.  But that's not the way alot of people think, and there lies the problem.  We have to think like them, not us.  What we think is painfully obvious, is mind-boggling difficult to them.

Matching the right remote with the right system is essential.  I've over-estimated a remotes capabilities in my day, I've also learned my lesson, credited the client and installed the right remote for them.  

It might be the right remote, but it might not be right for them.  

If the system isn't easy to use. You lose. It's that simple.  

I always program with discrete codes. I just always have all the devices turn on first and then allow the customer to choose their source. It was the way i was taught five years ago and have never deviated. What is the purpose of the on button on the remote?