I'm looking for product that does most of what the Escient does, but doesn't cost thousands of dollars. No storage needed. Could pull artwork from DVD Profiler. Would simply control the 777ES via RS232.

I like the idea of the DVDLobby, but don't want to dedicate a laptop to sit nearby.

I must be smoking crack, cuz it seems to me this would be easy to do. But I haven't seen anything like what I'm describing.

I wouldn't even mind picking the movie from my PC (located in another room) and having it do something to control the 777ES. Walk over to the media room, and the DVD player would be on and at the right DVD... Only gotcha for that idea is that it would have to go over Cat5, perhaps using this (http://www.ipcas.com/products/serial-ethernet.html) near the 777ES?

Any ideas?

TWilly,

DVDLobby supports the control of multiple Sony CX777ES through the Global Cache:
http://www.cinemaronline.com/globalcache.html

Like you mentioned, get a cat5 near your Sony Changer and you could launch the movie from any PC in the house.

The Control4 HC-300 has the ability to scan all the slots of your 777ES, and automatically go out to the Internet to retreive the cover art and information for both CDs and DVDs. I know you have to be "tied to a dealer" and a lot of people here don't like that, but for the price of the HC-300 and you dont have to have anything other than a high speed internet connection (read: DSL or cable) connected to it, it's a good deal. Plus, the HC-300 can control your a/v gear too. Sorry about the bad picture quality, but I had to resize it to fit the attachment restrictions.

twilly,
What do you mean by thousands of dollars? The reason am asking is because I was in your same boat about a month ago. I wanted something to control my 777 but not be tied to a PC in my theater. I search the Internet back and forth from control 4, creston, and others. I finally ended up on ebay for escient. people were selling used escient items, but i wanted a warranty. I found this company http://www.secondact.com/, they sell refurbished escient items that are backed up by a 1 year warranty from escient. The prices are better than new and you still get a factory warranty. I bought a se-d1 for a great price 2 weeks ago, when it was on sale. Since i only need to control 1 777 the se-d1 was perfect. You might give them a look.

Steve

Well There is software freely available that controls the Sony, You just need to write very simple batch files for each disk, dont worry its just one line that tells the Sony to go to disc# , so you just make 400 copies and put in the right number for the disc, name the batch disc1.bat, disk2 etc.

Then you can use very inexpensive DVD database program like "DVDdatabase X" ( available from CNEt Downloads free to try $10 to buy)

It automaticall connects to IMDB ot Amazon, so when you are putting in the title it looks up and fills in info on the movie cover , cast & plot etc.
BUt The best part for 777 owners is it let you put in file to play so just browse to your dierctory of 400 batch files select the right one and your done.

You can then list your movies as a long text list or just the cover pics, makes it easy for non techy types, click the pic and your away

Works like a charm, has been controlling my 777 for 2 years, Total outlay is $10 plus cost of 30 ft serial cable

Hope this helps, if you cant find the freeware sony controller files PM me and will send you a copy with an example of the batch.

Cheers

Stu

There is also a program to program a URC MX-3000 ( if you want RS-232 control you will need to add a MSC-400). But for what the program and the MX-3000 and MSC-400 cost you could buy a New DVDM-100; which I think is a FAR better solution. Be warned that if you start down the Escient route, you will end up owning several as the interface just rocks and the quality is very good and the customer service is fantastic ( although for the price that is what you would expect )