Looking for Beta Testers for new HTPC remote software

Hello Roots,


It uses the network (either wireless or wired), which virtually every home has now and in my experience is more reliable than IR and doesn't require you to buy IR blasters or UIRTs.


In the Roaming remote system, only your HTPC would require a network connection, not your receiver or other equipment. Your receiver or other devices connect to your HTPC via serial cable ($3 to $6 at most electronics stores). If your HTPC does not have a serial port, you can use USB port along with a USB to serial cable (more expensive @ $15 to $25).


Currently the Roaming Remote system can control up to 4 connected devices.


If your receiver does not have a serial port, the software can be used with a USB-UIRT to control it, but we are not currently developing that capability.


In fact our cheif developer has a version that works with a UIRT that he uses in a bedroom in a system with a receiver without a serial port. It works but is less reliable and lacks the features of a network transport based system.


Let me know if you have any more questions

OK, for those that have PMed me and visited the website, I would like to report that I've been working to port the client software to work with 240x320 Windows Mobile devices (WM2003SE, WM5 or WM6) and we now have working code for use on these lower resolution devices.


It features all the functionality of the 480x640 devices but without some of the pretty icons.



THE 240X320 SCREEN WILL BE UPGRADED TO THE NEW STYLE NEXT MONTH


I am still entertaining Beta testers. Users with Onkyo or Integra receivers or pre amps and a 480x640 or 240x320 mobile device are preferred but I should have VERY preliminary code for Pioneer receivers with RS-232 port ready to test as well.


Once again i would like to thank those that have already PMed me here or at the RoamingRemote.com website.


Regards.

I was thinking that would be a great app for the Palm Pre too when the SDK finally gets released. I can always hope

For those that want more information about how the Roaming Remote system (RRS) works, I encourage you to browse the website at RoamingRemote.com . There you can find more details and some FAQs.


However, I will try to explain how the system works for the benefit of AVSers that stumble upon this thread.


The core of the RRS is basically your media computer or preferably your HTPC. In addition, most computers nowadays and virtually all HTPCs are networked. By connecting peripheral audio/video devices (such as receivers, TV tuners and display devices) to your HTPC you create a total media playback system.


The Roaming Remote system uses a Pocket PC or compatible mobile phone to control your HTPC and any supported connected devices. It does this by sending commands to the HTPC using your WiFi network.


For instance, it can send a command to your HTPC to switch the input on your reciver from CD to DVD. The HTPC in turn sends the command (via rs-232 serial) to your receiver which recognizes and executes the command.


This essentially is how high-end touch screen systems like Crestron work, but the RRS is a LOT less expensive, uses off the self components and does not require a trained factory rep to program it for you. It just works, for your equipment out of the box!


Therefore to use the Roaming Remote system, you should, at a minimum have:

1. An HTPC or computer media player with available serial or USB ports.

2. A receiver with an rs-232c control port. Onkyo, Integra, Denon, SONY, Yamaha, Krell, Lexicon etc. all have models with this feature.


Roaming Remote currently syupports receivers from Onkyo, Integra, Denon and Pioneer.


Actually, you don't even need a compatible receiver to get started with the Roaming Remote. You can use it to control your (supported) software media player without any other connected devices (although you lose the capability to adjust master volume in this configuration).
EDIT: With the latest versions of Roaming Remote, you CAN control volume of your supported Media player without a receiver or preamp!.


Please see here , here and here for more info.


Fell free to PM me or contact me at the website for more info.


Thanks!

Eric

Hello WakJob and thank you.,


I have not settled on pricing for the finished product but expect the base level pricing to be below $100 and the mid and upper levels just over $100. Introductory pricing for AVS'ers and Remote Central members will be discounted.


I'm hoping whatever the pricing comes out to be, users realize they'll be getting Crestron like features and functionality along with mobility using standard (non-proprietary) hardware.


I have not yet looked at the iPhone possibilities, but I will do so. So far, the software should run on any 480x640 0r 240x320 Windows Mobile touchscreen devices including smartphones.


By the way, for those monitoring this thread and those that have PM'ed me, I should be sending out the first round of beta tester registration forms (actually it's a small program I use to generate your license number) this week.


Regards

Eric

Can you get it to work with this thing?

http://www.target.com/Z2A-Zipit-Wire...=k%3Aim&page=1


Supposedly the creator is open to hacking

http://www.linuxfordevices.com/c/a/N...vites-hacking/


A clamshell remote with color screen interface would be slick.


-Suntan

Galileo,


Yes, i originally (3 years ago) had written an application to use my small Fujitsu touchscreen tablet as a "remote" but even it was too big for what I thought a remote should be.


So I embarked upon the development of what is now the Roaming Remote system.


I've found Pocket PCs and SmartPhones combined with the Roaming Remote software to make excellent and capable remote.


Still, I may return to the idea of the notebook as remote as a development path for the Roaming Remote system.


Regards.

Eric



Quote:
Originally Posted by RoamingRemote /forum/post/16937174


Galileo,


Yes, i originally (3 years ago) had written an application to use my small Fujitsu touchscreen tablet as a "remote" but even it was too big for what I thought a remote should be.

So I embarked upon the development of what is now the Roaming Remote system.


I've found Pocket PCs and SmartPhones combined with the Roaming Remote software to make excellent and capable remote.


Still, I may return to the idea of the notebook as remote as a development path for the Roaming Remote system.


Regards.

Eric

Click to expand...

Hey Eric,


I'd say PC client on something like Asus EEE 900HA or even better, tablet-like new T91 would be a killer app. There is virtually no competition, nothing decent.


Remotes of that class are sold for around $1K as a remote-only devices, and they have just IR/RF capabilities.


I insist


I spent endless hours configuring my remote with RemoteControl II from Wincesoft.de (very decent app btw). Combined with x10 devices it allows me to control anything and everything with Ir/RF/x10 commands. Still I want wifi control.


Now, how can I get into the beta? I have Axim X51 with builtin WiFi (and IR) and it seems like a perfect device.


Best.