oops thought it was released already.
I wonder what tablet this actually is?
I wonder what tablet this actually is?
post #31 of 128
11/29/11 at 1:11pm
AVS › AVS Forum › A/V Control & Automation › Remote Control Area › upcoming TouchSquid remote control (Android-based tablet) - thoughts/opinions?
Featured Stories
Topics Discussed
Related Forum Threads
- Vizio screen shot.... Last post on 3/21/13 at 11:19am in LCD Flat Panel Displays
- Recommendations - 32" to 42" LED for bedroom with lots of light. Last post on 3/20/13 at 11:20am in LCD Flat Panel Displays
- Looking for LCD/LED's that are Full Array and have Local Dimming Last post on 4/1/13 at 5:57am in LCD Flat Panel Displays
- Anyone have an idea when new Vizio E series are available to purchase Last post on 3/7/13 at 4:10pm in LCD Flat Panel Displays
- Which TV? Last post on 3/5/13 at 11:02am in LCD Flat Panel Displays
Related Reviews
upcoming TouchSquid remote control (Android-based tablet) - thoughts/opinions? - Page 2
Gear mentioned in this thread:
- mak99
- Trader Feedback: +5
-
- offline
- 1,438 Posts. Joined 4/2006
- Location: pacific nw
- Select All Posts By This User
post #33 of 128
12/5/11 at 4:04am
@mak99
Hi! Thank you for the nice welcome greeting. Let me know when you get yours. Also hope to see the learning function integrated for the GC Itach asap, since i have some older home automation systems witch can be integrated only via IR. That would make a perfect solution for me.
I use also other solutions. But for price/performance and ease of use this should do fine. Allready said goodbye to Pronto and MyNevo and some other stuff
Regards!
Hi! Thank you for the nice welcome greeting. Let me know when you get yours. Also hope to see the learning function integrated for the GC Itach asap, since i have some older home automation systems witch can be integrated only via IR. That would make a perfect solution for me.
I use also other solutions. But for price/performance and ease of use this should do fine. Allready said goodbye to Pronto and MyNevo and some other stuff
Regards!
- mak99
- Trader Feedback: +5
-
- offline
- 1,438 Posts. Joined 4/2006
- Location: pacific nw
- Select All Posts By This User
post #35 of 128
12/22/11 at 11:29am
post #36 of 128
12/23/11 at 6:47pm
post #37 of 128
12/27/11 at 9:16am
post #38 of 128
12/27/11 at 9:29am
Hi Murilo,
We are currently testing all options on the touchsquid. I will give a full review by the end of the week, since we have also two home automation projects we are finishing this week. So there is litle time to waste.
First impressions are generaly good. If you are looking for a universal remote that can do a litle more then just manage your A/V equipment since it is a tablet after all.
We also have RTI remotes in for testing, but we will prioritize the Touchsquid Tablet first.
We have also been working closeley with the developers of the TS app adding some more functionality to the app itself and will post that as well.
If you are in a hurry write me a PM with specific questions and i will get back to you asap.
Regards!
We are currently testing all options on the touchsquid. I will give a full review by the end of the week, since we have also two home automation projects we are finishing this week. So there is litle time to waste.
First impressions are generaly good. If you are looking for a universal remote that can do a litle more then just manage your A/V equipment since it is a tablet after all.
We also have RTI remotes in for testing, but we will prioritize the Touchsquid Tablet first.
We have also been working closeley with the developers of the TS app adding some more functionality to the app itself and will post that as well.
If you are in a hurry write me a PM with specific questions and i will get back to you asap.
Regards!
post #39 of 128
12/28/11 at 11:45am
post #40 of 128
12/30/11 at 9:36am
I am one of the Early Adopters now using my own TouchSquid. I am not an employee of TouchSquid Technologies! I have had my unit since December 21st and have been using it extensively ever since. My system consists of a Sony TV, Bose V10 Audio system, Oppo DVD Upscaler and Sony CD player. I can happily report that the Squid controls all of them!
The setup of the Squid is very simple when you understand what you are doing. It took me a few minutes to figure that out but once I did everything progressed smoothly. I have taken advantage of the creation of the favourites and see that you can create up to 24 per page, not 15 as originally conceived. Since owning my unit there have been several upgrades to the software and I can honestly say that upgrading a Squid is the easiest upgrade you will ever do. You simply download the upgrade into your device, click on the downloaded file, accept that you want to upgrade and that's it. You DO NOT lose any of your setups in this process so the whole thing, including download time, only takes a couple of minutes. The other thing that impresses me about this device is the responsiveness of the developer. Whenever I have had a question or concern I hear back from them very quickly, usually within the hour!
One very handy feature of the device is being able to surf the net from it. We have used that feature several times now when watching a movie that we wanted to know some history about one of the actors.
I am very happy with my unit and will be buying a second one so my wife and I can play dueling remotes!
The setup of the Squid is very simple when you understand what you are doing. It took me a few minutes to figure that out but once I did everything progressed smoothly. I have taken advantage of the creation of the favourites and see that you can create up to 24 per page, not 15 as originally conceived. Since owning my unit there have been several upgrades to the software and I can honestly say that upgrading a Squid is the easiest upgrade you will ever do. You simply download the upgrade into your device, click on the downloaded file, accept that you want to upgrade and that's it. You DO NOT lose any of your setups in this process so the whole thing, including download time, only takes a couple of minutes. The other thing that impresses me about this device is the responsiveness of the developer. Whenever I have had a question or concern I hear back from them very quickly, usually within the hour!
One very handy feature of the device is being able to surf the net from it. We have used that feature several times now when watching a movie that we wanted to know some history about one of the actors.
I am very happy with my unit and will be buying a second one so my wife and I can play dueling remotes!
post #41 of 128
12/30/11 at 12:09pm
post #42 of 128
1/4/12 at 2:20pm
post #43 of 128
1/5/12 at 2:03pm
Hi Everybody,
I've been down with a horrible flu since new year and all i did was check e-mail.
I am one of the early adopters but will also distribute the Touchsquid in Slovenia, since i think in is a good solution and we are quite involved with the universal remotes and home automation systems.
Now About the Tablet. I will try to be as objective as i can and since i had the possibility to test also some other solutions will try to get different point of view on all of them.
The Tablet itself is primarily ment as a universal remote control and not a tablet. The features of the tablet such as web surfing and android apps, mail and other features are ment as a bonus. This is for everybody that is looking more for a Tablet than a universal remote control to give some thought before deciding. I also own a iPad (3g) and use it on a regular base for checking mail while on the go, looking for some stuff on the web or giving a presentation of our home automation systems. The Touchsquid however is situated in our demo home cinema setup where we present all the solutions of home theatre. It neetly replaced our Philips pronto remotes and with combination with Global Cache extenders we manage everything neetly stored in our Rack. So this is a great universal remote control with the bonus of being an android tablet. You can also take it with you sure, but it does not have 3G since it was not ment for that.
Universal remote functions:
Since we have been closeley working with the developers of the TSquid and their app i must say that i am impressed with the speed that they handle all the issues. They are very prompt. We added our language support and the app contains a vast database of IR codes that we tried out with our equipment and it works as it should. The app is now being updated on almost a daily basis for some minor glitches. The only thing you have to bear in mind is that if you have some special equipment that they do not hold in their database you will have to have a global cache extender in order to record codes and store them in the database. You can do macros and multiple code functions. So in all it is a very good and stable app. I had an impatinent customer who did not want to wait for the Touchsquid and went and bought a Sony tablet S. The Sony built in app lacks a lot of functionality so we tried out many different apps working with global cache. The only one that worked was the Touchsquid app. Also the app features a section of Favorites where you can add a favorite chanel but also a web link.
To sum up the universal remote part. There are things to be done still but it is already a very functional app and works good with the built in IR as it does with the Global Cache extenders.
Android and other functions:
Since i am a litle new to androids i can only comment the other lets say tablet function and not the OS itself and other hardware specifics. My tech team will do this next week and i can post results on this as well when they give them to me.
Screen:
I tried some of the apps and games and the 1024x600 resolution of the performed good. Also the multi touch is working well. quick and responsive and accurate.
Web browsing:
The integrated web browser also works good. I compared it to the one of the iPad and it did not fall behind a lot on the speed of loading the sites. Some of them loaded even quicker??? Might be because of some flash content. But as i said. I can not be very exact here with these comparisons. The only thing that the i pad did better in my opinion is browse the longer websites smoother when you try to go down quickley until the site loaded completeley, then it worked the same.
In all i have no greater complaints rather then the size, because i am used to the Ipad, but the two for me do 2 different functions all together. I also have the RedEye extender wit the Ipad, but when i had both at home, my initial move was to take the touchsquid to use as the remote control. The situation might have been different if i had an android phone or iPhone.
I think it all comes down to with what is the solution that you are looking for. I think that the Touchsquid is a great universal remote and tablet. But people have different taste, buget, wishes, so it is a very individual thing. For price performance the Squid holds the edge to universal remote controls at this moment.
I will get with more accurate testing done next week, when we are all back in office.
If you have any specific questions please post them and i will try to answer them.
I have no idea who will sell them in the USA. Please send a mail to Touchsquid on their website and i am sure you will get that answer. If not send me a PM and i will check for you.
I apologise for any spelling mistakes, but my english is not as good as it used to be.
Regards to everybody!
I've been down with a horrible flu since new year and all i did was check e-mail.
I am one of the early adopters but will also distribute the Touchsquid in Slovenia, since i think in is a good solution and we are quite involved with the universal remotes and home automation systems.
Now About the Tablet. I will try to be as objective as i can and since i had the possibility to test also some other solutions will try to get different point of view on all of them.
The Tablet itself is primarily ment as a universal remote control and not a tablet. The features of the tablet such as web surfing and android apps, mail and other features are ment as a bonus. This is for everybody that is looking more for a Tablet than a universal remote control to give some thought before deciding. I also own a iPad (3g) and use it on a regular base for checking mail while on the go, looking for some stuff on the web or giving a presentation of our home automation systems. The Touchsquid however is situated in our demo home cinema setup where we present all the solutions of home theatre. It neetly replaced our Philips pronto remotes and with combination with Global Cache extenders we manage everything neetly stored in our Rack. So this is a great universal remote control with the bonus of being an android tablet. You can also take it with you sure, but it does not have 3G since it was not ment for that.
Universal remote functions:
Since we have been closeley working with the developers of the TSquid and their app i must say that i am impressed with the speed that they handle all the issues. They are very prompt. We added our language support and the app contains a vast database of IR codes that we tried out with our equipment and it works as it should. The app is now being updated on almost a daily basis for some minor glitches. The only thing you have to bear in mind is that if you have some special equipment that they do not hold in their database you will have to have a global cache extender in order to record codes and store them in the database. You can do macros and multiple code functions. So in all it is a very good and stable app. I had an impatinent customer who did not want to wait for the Touchsquid and went and bought a Sony tablet S. The Sony built in app lacks a lot of functionality so we tried out many different apps working with global cache. The only one that worked was the Touchsquid app. Also the app features a section of Favorites where you can add a favorite chanel but also a web link.
To sum up the universal remote part. There are things to be done still but it is already a very functional app and works good with the built in IR as it does with the Global Cache extenders.
Android and other functions:
Since i am a litle new to androids i can only comment the other lets say tablet function and not the OS itself and other hardware specifics. My tech team will do this next week and i can post results on this as well when they give them to me.
Screen:
I tried some of the apps and games and the 1024x600 resolution of the performed good. Also the multi touch is working well. quick and responsive and accurate.
Web browsing:
The integrated web browser also works good. I compared it to the one of the iPad and it did not fall behind a lot on the speed of loading the sites. Some of them loaded even quicker??? Might be because of some flash content. But as i said. I can not be very exact here with these comparisons. The only thing that the i pad did better in my opinion is browse the longer websites smoother when you try to go down quickley until the site loaded completeley, then it worked the same.
In all i have no greater complaints rather then the size, because i am used to the Ipad, but the two for me do 2 different functions all together. I also have the RedEye extender wit the Ipad, but when i had both at home, my initial move was to take the touchsquid to use as the remote control. The situation might have been different if i had an android phone or iPhone.
I think it all comes down to with what is the solution that you are looking for. I think that the Touchsquid is a great universal remote and tablet. But people have different taste, buget, wishes, so it is a very individual thing. For price performance the Squid holds the edge to universal remote controls at this moment.
I will get with more accurate testing done next week, when we are all back in office.
If you have any specific questions please post them and i will try to answer them.
I have no idea who will sell them in the USA. Please send a mail to Touchsquid on their website and i am sure you will get that answer. If not send me a PM and i will check for you.
I apologise for any spelling mistakes, but my english is not as good as it used to be.
Regards to everybody!
post #44 of 128
1/6/12 at 9:59am
post #45 of 128
1/6/12 at 10:24am
Quote:
Originally Posted by saltysteven 
Why not just download the app when it's out? Why buy the hardware? Maybe I got it wrong
Why not just download the app when it's out? Why buy the hardware? Maybe I got it wrong
If you allready own a tablet or an android phone that is also a possibility. But i am buying one extra Touchsquid to have at home. Like i wrote in my post. Multiple possibilities.
For Global Cache extenders you can use several apps avalible and compatible for Android or iOS, but the Touchsquid app is one of the rare ones with an extensive IR database, and stable on a couple of tablets i tested. Just for info.
Regards!
post #46 of 128
1/6/12 at 11:24am
- mak99
- Trader Feedback: +5
-
- offline
- 1,438 Posts. Joined 4/2006
- Location: pacific nw
- Select All Posts By This User
Quote:
Originally Posted by saltysteven
Why not just download the app when it's out? Why buy the hardware? Maybe I got it wrong
Why not just download the app when it's out? Why buy the hardware? Maybe I got it wrong
From what I understand, the TS app on a generic tablet will only control your equipment via the Global Cache device, via WiFi over your network. Even if your generic tablet does has a built-in IR blaster (Vizio VTAB and Sony S come to mind), the TS app cannot use the tablet's IR function.
post #48 of 128
1/6/12 at 3:51pm
post #49 of 128
1/6/12 at 4:43pm
Hi forum members,
For anyone attending CES 2012 there will be a Touchsquid tablet on display at the Freescale booth. I will be there myself on Wednesday and Thursday so if any dealers or distributors want to talk, send email to info@touchsquid.com and we can get together.
Disclaimer:
I work for Touchsquid. And Touchsquid works for me...
For anyone attending CES 2012 there will be a Touchsquid tablet on display at the Freescale booth. I will be there myself on Wednesday and Thursday so if any dealers or distributors want to talk, send email to info@touchsquid.com and we can get together.
Disclaimer:
I work for Touchsquid. And Touchsquid works for me...
post #50 of 128
1/8/12 at 9:41pm
Hello,
I have been the Kindle Fire guinea pig for the TS remote software, and it has worked very well so far with the Wifi2IR iTach.
Not sure if it's been stated yet here (besides a no), but currently the Vizio and Sony Tablets can not use the built in IR emitter, as the SDK's for them have not been released. If they release those then they could make the App work with the TS software.
The app has been working without major issue, I have had some issues learning some codes for my older TV but I think thats more of the IR capture issue than the TS Remote issue.
Right now it is controlling the following :
4 Sony 995's ( 3 via the IR blaster 1 Via IR bud )
Panasonic BR Player
Colby Digital OTA Tuner
Component Switch
Sharp 55" Rear Projection TV
I haven't yet hooked up my old JVC radio but that will happen soon enough.
The TS guys have been great to deal with issue as they have popped up, but over all I am very pleased with the product.
-Robert
I have been the Kindle Fire guinea pig for the TS remote software, and it has worked very well so far with the Wifi2IR iTach.
Not sure if it's been stated yet here (besides a no), but currently the Vizio and Sony Tablets can not use the built in IR emitter, as the SDK's for them have not been released. If they release those then they could make the App work with the TS software.
The app has been working without major issue, I have had some issues learning some codes for my older TV but I think thats more of the IR capture issue than the TS Remote issue.
Right now it is controlling the following :
4 Sony 995's ( 3 via the IR blaster 1 Via IR bud )
Panasonic BR Player
Colby Digital OTA Tuner
Component Switch
Sharp 55" Rear Projection TV
I haven't yet hooked up my old JVC radio but that will happen soon enough.
The TS guys have been great to deal with issue as they have popped up, but over all I am very pleased with the product.
-Robert
post #51 of 128
1/15/12 at 1:52am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Igor30
I had an impatinent customer who did not want to wait for the Touchsquid and went and bought a Sony tablet S. The Sony built in app lacks a lot of functionality so we tried out many different apps working with global cache. The only one that worked was the Touchsquid app.
I had an impatinent customer who did not want to wait for the Touchsquid and went and bought a Sony tablet S. The Sony built in app lacks a lot of functionality so we tried out many different apps working with global cache. The only one that worked was the Touchsquid app.
My experience with the downloadable TouchSquid app was completely different. iRule, Tablet S and reYmote worked for me while I had frequent crashes and lags with the TouchSquid app. Allthough this got a lot better in the last months I just wanted to mention that I can't confirm:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Igor30
The only one that worked was the Touchsquid app.
The only one that worked was the Touchsquid app.
At this time it was rather the opposite. Anyway, it's an awesome app now.
post #52 of 128
1/15/12 at 3:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by JokerJackpot
My experience with the downloadable TouchSquid app was completely different. iRule, Tablet S and reYmote worked for me while I had frequent crashes and lags with the TouchSquid app. Allthough this got a lot better in the last months I just wanted to mention that I can't confirm:
At this time it was rather the opposite. Anyway, it's an awesome app now.
My experience with the downloadable TouchSquid app was completely different. iRule, Tablet S and reYmote worked for me while I had frequent crashes and lags with the TouchSquid app. Allthough this got a lot better in the last months I just wanted to mention that I can't confirm:
At this time it was rather the opposite. Anyway, it's an awesome app now.
I was testing this app first just when it came out, and the first version also crashed on the Tablet S, but the second version that came after worked then ok and none other did at the time. Technology moves forward and so do the apps. I think one should have the possibility to try out different ones and decide on what he finds best suits him/her. A lot of factors come to play here but will not go into detail.
At the time i was testing iRule did not have their app compatible with Android platform.
post #53 of 128
1/15/12 at 3:59pm
- enthuzist
- Trader Feedback: 0
- Geeks Need Love Too
-
- offline
- 391 Posts. Joined 6/2005
- Select All Posts By This User
Wow. I was looking at getting the Harmony 1100 knowing that it will work with my present and soon to purchase components. However after stumbling across this thread, I'm very excited about getting my hands on this soon. The price is on par and the features seem to supersede the Harmony by far with a lot of WOW factor on the upside. Please keep us updated and if you can, provide some very detailed reviews. I'm loving what I'm hearing so far.
post #54 of 128
1/17/12 at 11:24pm
- TimmyH
- Trader Feedback: 0
-
- offline
- 102 Posts. Joined 12/2002
- Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
- Select All Posts By This User
I too am interested in any user reviews. I still need to get used to the idea of a remote with no hard buttons; obviously the ability to update/configure is great but giving up the one handed "feel" operation of a conventional button remote has me on the fence about this type device. Thanks for any reviews!
post #55 of 128
1/18/12 at 6:06pm
I have been using the App on a Kindle Fire and now a Asus Transformer and for general watching you wont really notice the buttons ( depending on the screen lag )
Now if you are searching for something and trying to use fine control, the remote would sell be the better tool IMHO, but for wastching a movie or TV it works great.
I will say that my 10.1 Transformer is a bit excessive for a remote, this may go back and I will find another 7-8" screen tablet that I like more as 90% use for this will be a remote with a little e reading for me.
I am not using the actual TS Tablet, I am running the software from the market and the Global Cache iTach Wifi2IR.
-Robert
Now if you are searching for something and trying to use fine control, the remote would sell be the better tool IMHO, but for wastching a movie or TV it works great.
I will say that my 10.1 Transformer is a bit excessive for a remote, this may go back and I will find another 7-8" screen tablet that I like more as 90% use for this will be a remote with a little e reading for me.
I am not using the actual TS Tablet, I am running the software from the market and the Global Cache iTach Wifi2IR.
-Robert
post #56 of 128
1/26/12 at 10:35pm
Early TouchSquid users have had theirs for a month or so. Contact us for the places to buy -- info@touchsquid.com
There are some reviews on the support forum.
There are some reviews on the support forum.
post #57 of 128
1/31/12 at 8:49pm
- enthuzist
- Trader Feedback: 0
- Geeks Need Love Too
-
- offline
- 391 Posts. Joined 6/2005
- Select All Posts By This User
I have read the reviews and every page on their site. This appears to be too good to be true or too good to last type scenario. I'm so afraid of dropping the money and the company doesn't last. I was so set on the Harmony 1100 after setting those up so often for customers. However I love options and TS seems to be a very good alternative. I hope a moderator changes this over to a TS Owners thread so we can get some more posts going. Maybe an AVS members group buy sale this year to get it in the hands of a lot of AV enthusiasts. Also if TS ever wants to get beta testers for non-residential use, then I would love to test it for work. We are looking for an alternative to our Crestron and AMX programing...Pronto died soon after I became good at programming it.
- mak99
- Trader Feedback: +5
-
- offline
- 1,438 Posts. Joined 4/2006
- Location: pacific nw
- Select All Posts By This User
As the OP of this thread and early-adopter buyer, I was hoping to start up an actual "Owner's thread" once I got some time with the TSR, if someone else had not already done so. But we all know I'd then be assumed to be "The Expert" if I were to do that! Guilty by association... 
So far, I still haven't committed the TSR to be the new remote for the Family Room AV system (currently a Harmony One) as I'm still tweaking it. I just don't seem to have enough time to get it set up and fully "ready for prime time"...meaning that my fiancee and house guests will have zero problems picking it up and using it.
So far I'm pretty impressed with the customization of the tablet. The initial setup seems a bit awkward compared to Harmony remotes, but maybe that's because I've been using Harmonys for many, many years - starting with the (pre-Logitech buyout) Intrigue Technologies model 659. I like the fact that the TSR has up to eight big buttons and eight small buttons that can be customized for each Activity screen, but the buttons only show (and auto-position themselves in regards to spacing) if there is a command associated with it (either customed by the user, or already a default command in the TSR database). Not sure of that sentence makes total sense, but maybe a few screenshots will make that more clear.
I believe you can teach the TSR your own remote's commands, but I think you need one of the Global Cache devices to do this. I do know there's a Capture Utility (or something) that could also be used, but I honestly don't know much about that feature at all. Maybe someone else could chime in on that...?
I'm also impressed by TouchSquid's support. They do seem to listen to owners and have made improvements per some suggestions. They've actually incorporated two of my own - changing the Mute icon to a circle/slash symbol, and allowing text to be added to Activity icons. I've also asked about expanding the current US channel icons to include HD-labeled ones (ie, ESPN-HD and not just a generic ESPN logo). Hopefully there will be some improvements/additions coming soon with some outside help...stay tuned!
Click here for the TSR Support forums, where I've posted a few pix of my various TSR screenshots...
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
The only issues/complaints I have so far are:
When customizing buttons, sometimes the default command doesn't make sense, like it's programmed for a Device not actually in use for that Activity. For example, under "Watch Blu-ray" activity I programmed a button labeled "TV Signal" to display the signal as rec'd by the Samsung TV. If I go back and edit the same button, it shows the current command as "Cursor right" for the Popcorn Hour C-200, which is not used during this Activity. I wish the TSR would just remember what I programmed the button to do, in case all I want to do is just edit the button label.
I wish the database had more model-specific commands, and not a general database that includes many models. For example, there are only two (2!) choices for a Samsung TV: "TV All Models", or "Projector SAP Series All Models". So when I go to customizing buttons, I have to choose from many commands that aren't even available for my specific model (LN-T4061F).
Also on the database, some available commands are labeled "Function A" or something similar, which is quite vague. Just another argument to have more model-specific commands...
For a continuous volume-up or volume-down command, you have to use the hard button on top of the tablet itself. You cannot just "press and hold" the soft buttons on the screen. Using the hard button seems just a bit awkward. I'm not sure if they can tweak the soft buttons to do this, as it was mentioned they had concerns about a runaway "volume up" command that would blast you out of the room...yikes!
The user cannot rename Activities. If you go edit some existing Activities, here's part my current list:
* Edit Media Playback Mode (this is using Blu-ray)
* Edit Media Playback Mode 2 (this is using HD DVD)
* Edit Game Console/Media Manager Mode (this is using WDTV Live Hub)
* Edit Game Console/Media Manager Mode 2 (this is using Popcorn Hour)
Just makes it a bit confusing to remember which is which.
The user cannot rename devices. My Toshiba HD DVD player shows up as "Toshiba Media Player" or "Toshiba DVD player".
The Squid Eye button should have the word "Help" on it, as new users might not know what the button is for. But maybe I'm being picky...
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
Don't get me wrong with the above list - so far I think the TSR is pretty impressive, with the tweakability and responsive support from the staff. I hope they can iron out more of the bugs I have listed, and continue to make improvements where it makes sense.
About the only hardware change I'd like to see for a future model is a few hard buttons like the Harmony 1100 - Volume, Channel, Mute, Prev Ch, a 4-way/OK keypad, maybe Play/Pause. I'd even settle for a smaller touchscreen tablet (5" to 6") to keep the overall case size the same. But keep the same TSR App as it's quite good now and will only get better. Then I think you'd have the ultimate, user-friendly remote.
So far, I still haven't committed the TSR to be the new remote for the Family Room AV system (currently a Harmony One) as I'm still tweaking it. I just don't seem to have enough time to get it set up and fully "ready for prime time"...meaning that my fiancee and house guests will have zero problems picking it up and using it.
So far I'm pretty impressed with the customization of the tablet. The initial setup seems a bit awkward compared to Harmony remotes, but maybe that's because I've been using Harmonys for many, many years - starting with the (pre-Logitech buyout) Intrigue Technologies model 659. I like the fact that the TSR has up to eight big buttons and eight small buttons that can be customized for each Activity screen, but the buttons only show (and auto-position themselves in regards to spacing) if there is a command associated with it (either customed by the user, or already a default command in the TSR database). Not sure of that sentence makes total sense, but maybe a few screenshots will make that more clear.
I believe you can teach the TSR your own remote's commands, but I think you need one of the Global Cache devices to do this. I do know there's a Capture Utility (or something) that could also be used, but I honestly don't know much about that feature at all. Maybe someone else could chime in on that...?
I'm also impressed by TouchSquid's support. They do seem to listen to owners and have made improvements per some suggestions. They've actually incorporated two of my own - changing the Mute icon to a circle/slash symbol, and allowing text to be added to Activity icons. I've also asked about expanding the current US channel icons to include HD-labeled ones (ie, ESPN-HD and not just a generic ESPN logo). Hopefully there will be some improvements/additions coming soon with some outside help...stay tuned!
Click here for the TSR Support forums, where I've posted a few pix of my various TSR screenshots...
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
The only issues/complaints I have so far are:
When customizing buttons, sometimes the default command doesn't make sense, like it's programmed for a Device not actually in use for that Activity. For example, under "Watch Blu-ray" activity I programmed a button labeled "TV Signal" to display the signal as rec'd by the Samsung TV. If I go back and edit the same button, it shows the current command as "Cursor right" for the Popcorn Hour C-200, which is not used during this Activity. I wish the TSR would just remember what I programmed the button to do, in case all I want to do is just edit the button label.
I wish the database had more model-specific commands, and not a general database that includes many models. For example, there are only two (2!) choices for a Samsung TV: "TV All Models", or "Projector SAP Series All Models". So when I go to customizing buttons, I have to choose from many commands that aren't even available for my specific model (LN-T4061F).
Also on the database, some available commands are labeled "Function A" or something similar, which is quite vague. Just another argument to have more model-specific commands...
For a continuous volume-up or volume-down command, you have to use the hard button on top of the tablet itself. You cannot just "press and hold" the soft buttons on the screen. Using the hard button seems just a bit awkward. I'm not sure if they can tweak the soft buttons to do this, as it was mentioned they had concerns about a runaway "volume up" command that would blast you out of the room...yikes!
The user cannot rename Activities. If you go edit some existing Activities, here's part my current list:
* Edit Media Playback Mode (this is using Blu-ray)
* Edit Media Playback Mode 2 (this is using HD DVD)
* Edit Game Console/Media Manager Mode (this is using WDTV Live Hub)
* Edit Game Console/Media Manager Mode 2 (this is using Popcorn Hour)
Just makes it a bit confusing to remember which is which.
The user cannot rename devices. My Toshiba HD DVD player shows up as "Toshiba Media Player" or "Toshiba DVD player".
The Squid Eye button should have the word "Help" on it, as new users might not know what the button is for. But maybe I'm being picky...
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
Don't get me wrong with the above list - so far I think the TSR is pretty impressive, with the tweakability and responsive support from the staff. I hope they can iron out more of the bugs I have listed, and continue to make improvements where it makes sense.
About the only hardware change I'd like to see for a future model is a few hard buttons like the Harmony 1100 - Volume, Channel, Mute, Prev Ch, a 4-way/OK keypad, maybe Play/Pause. I'd even settle for a smaller touchscreen tablet (5" to 6") to keep the overall case size the same. But keep the same TSR App as it's quite good now and will only get better. Then I think you'd have the ultimate, user-friendly remote.
post #59 of 128
2/3/12 at 7:49am
I believe the issue of incorrectly customized buttons is cured now. We have incorporated several other user suggestions including the ability to add text names to activities, and make custom buttons one of many colors.
The database is supplied and maintained by a third party. For most users having just one choice for say "Samsung TVs" is a convenience rather than sorting through a long list of model numbers. Our command set does include all the commands available for all the TVs made by Samsung. There is even a "Netflix" command. Not all Samsung TVs respond to all the commands. But they all respond to the commands in our default setup, such as power, inputs, channel, volume, and Dpad. We are committed to making the best remote app available.
There are several new features under development, including support for more external devices, Bluetooth and IP control of many devices, and serial port control. These features will appeal to the professional installer who wants to make a 100% reliable system while keeping costs in check.
The database is supplied and maintained by a third party. For most users having just one choice for say "Samsung TVs" is a convenience rather than sorting through a long list of model numbers. Our command set does include all the commands available for all the TVs made by Samsung. There is even a "Netflix" command. Not all Samsung TVs respond to all the commands. But they all respond to the commands in our default setup, such as power, inputs, channel, volume, and Dpad. We are committed to making the best remote app available.
There are several new features under development, including support for more external devices, Bluetooth and IP control of many devices, and serial port control. These features will appeal to the professional installer who wants to make a 100% reliable system while keeping costs in check.
- mak99
- Trader Feedback: +5
-
- offline
- 1,438 Posts. Joined 4/2006
- Location: pacific nw
- Select All Posts By This User
Quote:
Originally Posted by TStech
I believe the issue of incorrectly customized buttons is cured now. We have incorporated several other user suggestions including the ability to add text names to activities, and make custom buttons one of many colors.
I believe the issue of incorrectly customized buttons is cured now. We have incorporated several other user suggestions including the ability to add text names to activities, and make custom buttons one of many colors.
Well, I'm running v1.83 on the TSR, and the reprogramming button issue I described is still there. The update page still lists this as the most current.
I keep seeing someone else over at the TSR Forum referring to v1.84. Is there a later version for generic Android tablets, and the TSR itself is behind an update??
EDIT: I see v1.84 is the latest on the Android Market. When will this be ported over to the TSR tablet itself?
Return Home
Back to Forum: Remote Control Area
- upcoming TouchSquid remote control (Android-based tablet) - thoughts/opinions?
Gear mentioned in this thread:
AVS › AVS Forum › A/V Control & Automation › Remote Control Area › upcoming TouchSquid remote control (Android-based tablet) - thoughts/opinions?
Currently, there are 1147 Active Users
(136 Members and 1011 Guests)
Recent Discussions
- › Annoying high pitch / frequency coming from speakers 3 minutes ago
- › Pray for plasma 4 minutes ago
- › issues with Panasonic VTxx VIERA Viewer app 4 minutes ago
- › The Official ChromaPure thread 5 minutes ago
- › Can anyone recommend an appropriate speaker upgrade for my system? 8 minutes ago
- › Do You Prefer Tube-Based or Solid-State Audio Gear? 8 minutes ago
- › Official Panasonic S60 Series Discussion Thread 12 minutes ago
- › Official Samsung PNxxF8500 Series Discussion Thread [No Street... 12 minutes ago
- › EDID Overrides to solve bitstreaming issues for ATI 5xxx's 13 minutes ago
- › Opinions on best DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modems 14 minutes ago
View: New Posts | All Discussions
Recent Reviews
- › Epson V11H501020 PowerLite Home Cinema 3020 2D and 3D 1080p Home... by sailorb
- › BenQ W1070 1080P 3D Projector by jakob_s
- › Elite Screens ER110WH1 Sable Fixed Frame (110" 16:9 AR) by DDT0C
- › Elite Screens ER100WH1-A1080P2 Sable Fixed Frame Projection Screen by DDT0C
- › Peerless PRG Mount, Black by DDT0C
- › Epson 5020UB Powerlite Home Cinema 3D Front Projector by DDT0C
- › Sony VPLHS20 Cineza Digital Home Entertainment LCD Projector by varkeast
- › JVC DLA-RS45 Home Theater Projector 1080P HDMI by jmccarei
- › Sharp DT 510 DLP Projector by rdcollns
- › Onkyo TXNR801 / TX-NR801 / TX-NR801 7.1 Channel Digital Home... by mswope63
View: More Reviews
New Articles
- › Projector Review Contest by Nick Val
- › "List Your Gear to Win Some Gear"... by Nick Val
- › Most Economical Thin Client PC`s from RDP... by RDPThinClients
- › Media Browser 3 Announced by xzener
- › AVS Guide to Media Servers, Part 1 by Scott Wilkinson
- › Join the AVS Team! by Nick Val
- › 25 Top Blu-ray releases for 2012 by Ralph Potts
- › Sony Launches 4k Ultra HD Flat Panel - AVS... by Scott Wilkinson
- › Clarus Power Cords by Good Tunes
- › A Theater Is Just Is Not A Theater, Unless... by David Bott
View: New Articles | All Articles
Home | Reviews | Forums | Articles | My Profile
About AVS | Join the Community | Advertise | Contact Us
© 2013 AVS is powered by Huddler Tech | FAQ | Support | Privacy/TOS | Site Map
About AVS | Join the Community | Advertise | Contact Us
© 2013 AVS is powered by Huddler Tech | FAQ | Support | Privacy/TOS | Site Map
