Remote Shoppe is dedicated to Remote Controls

Universal Remote Control User Shares His First Weekend with MX-5000

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:16:10 -0400

Charles Thompson, President of Sell-Through Solutions, Inc., posted his experiences with the new Universal Remote Control MX-5000 in the URC Control Room - an online portal for URC professional installers and dealers. Sell-Through Solutions appears to be a sales rep. for URC and Charles admits that he was new to programming the MX-5000 which is one of the reasons I enjoyed reading the review. He reacts to many of the features like the ergonimic design and haptic feedback in the same way I would expect many clients to react to their newly delivered, professionally programmed remote.

Click here to read the full post in the URC Control Room

MissingRemote Reviews GlideTV Navigator

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:56:17 -0400

MissingRemote.com is an excellent resource for all things related to HTPCs and I guess that makes them the perfect reviewers for the new Glide TV Navigator remote. GlideTV combines the functionality of a keyboard, mouse and AV remote in a sleek little device that fits the palm of your hand. According to MissingRemote "frequent tasks required with maintaining your HTPC, such as updates to software, or if some of your favorite video websites do not have a 10' application is where the GlideTV Navigator shines."

We have just received a Glide TV Navigator review unit and will be publishing on our review right here on RemoteShoppe.com. In the meantime, click here to read MissingRemote's complete review.

RemoteShoppe Round-Up: Remote Control Solutions for Sony Playstation 3

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 23:16:00 -0400

The Sony Playstation 3 is not only one of the top gaming systems available, it is also widely used as a high-definition Blu-ray Disc player in home theater systems. Unfortunately, one problem with the PS3 is that the unit may not be controlled with the same universal remote you use for the rest of your AV components. The Sony Playstation 3 does not have an InfraRed (IR) receiver which means it cannot understand the commands sent from most universal remote controls. Instead, Sony chose the new Bluetooth protocol exclusively for wireless control. That raises the question� How do you control movie playback on your Sony Playstation 3? This complete guide has all the answers! Follow the link below to read about some of the most popular solutions for controlling your Playstation 3 including the SIXAXIS controller and converters selling for as much as $150.
1) USING THE SONY SIXAXIS PS3 GAME CONTROLLER FOR MOVIE PLAYBACK
You may use the Sony Sixaxis gamepad to control movie playback but Sony doesn�t make it easy. The Sixaxis does not have any labels specific to movie play back and there is no quick reference key map in either the owner�s manual or the Getting Started guide which means you�re on your own.

2) SONY BLU-RAY DISC REMOTE CONTROL
Sony has many optional accessories for the Playstation 3 and the Blu-ray Disc Remote Control is their solution for convenient movie playback. This is a Bluetooth device that communicates wirelessly with your PS3 just like the SIXAXIS controller. There are 51 buttons and very little set-up is required. The only problem is that the Sony remote will not integrate with even the most advanced universal remote control system. You�ll have to go back to the old days of juggling your remotes with the Sony remote every time you watch a movie.

Click here to purchase the SONY BLU-RAY DISC REMOTE CONTROL from Remote Shoppe

3) SMK-Link Blu-Link IR and Bluetooth Universal Remote Control

The Blu-Link is the first universal remote control to combine a built-in Bluetooth radio for PlayStation 3 control with the traditional IR functions of a universal remote. The Blu-Link may be quickly programmed to handle up to 6 devices including the Sony PS3, TV, DVD, Cable, Satellite and more. It has an extensive library of IR codes to choose from and it has the capability to learn up to 50 more commands from your original remotes. The learning capability is obviously a big advantage if you have some unusual and/or off-brand devices.

Click here to purchase the SMK-Link Blu-Link Universal Remote from Remote Shoppe

4) IR to USB CONTROL SOLUTIONS
Fortunately, other manufacturers recognized that a lot of Harmony, URC, RTI and Pronto remote owners would want to use their universal remote to control the Sony Playstation 3 along with their other AV Components so several vendors quickly introduced affordable USB devices. These IR to USB dongles allow you to send IR commands from your universal remote to a device plugged into the USB port on the PS3. These are the most popular solutions most movie watchers have turned to because of their prices.

In this picture the following USB dongles are pictured from right to left: Intec, ezRemote, Nyko Bluwave and Schmartz PS3IRX1 which is hardly noticeable in the image.

a. INTEC REMOTE CONTROL
The Intec Remote is currently the most affordable IR-USB solution. The USB dongle will protrude from the PS3 by an inch and half and it comes with a remote with 14 buttons. These buttons can be taught to any learning remote but overall capability is obviously limited.

Click here to purchase the INTEC REMOTE CONTROL from Remote Shoppe

b. ezGEAR ezREMOTE PLAYSTATION 3
The ezRemote USB dongle is significantly larger and will stick out 2 �� from your game system. The remote itself has backlit buttons if you plan on actually using that remote as opposed to a universal controller. The ezRemote also has 14 hard buttons which can be taught to any learning remote.

Click here to purchase the ezGEAR ezREMOTE PLAYSTATION 3 from Remote Shoppe

c. NYKO BLUWAVE INFRARED REMOTE FOR PS3
The Nyko Bluwave was one of the first IR-USB remotes available for the Playstation 3. The USB dongle measures just shorter than two inches long and has chrome accents if you like that sort of thing. The included Nyko handheld remote is also wrapped in chrome and features more buttons than the previous two models (although some share the same IR commands). The Nyko Bluwave has the same 14 buttons plus an additional 11 buttons including the colored X, O, square and triangle plus L and R1-3, just like the SIXAXIS controller. These buttons are helpful if you�re trying to navigate out of game play or in other Playstation menus. The Nyko buttons may be taught to any learning remote and the codes have also been included in many IR databases including the popular Logitech Harmony online library.

Click here to purchase the NYKO BLUWAVE INFRARED REMOTE FOR PS3 from Remote Shoppe

d. SCHMARTZ PS3IRX1
The Schmartz IR-USB adapter costs almost as much as the three previous remotes combined and it�s the only one that does NOT include a handheld controller. While that may not sound like a good deal the truth is that you actually DO get what you pay for and the PS3IRX1 is a tremendous value. The PS3IRX1 is the only IR-USB solution that was designed for professional installations requiring the Sony Playstation 3 and excels in 3 important categories� Design, Set-up, and Support.

Design - The PS3IRX1 is a slim USB dongle contoured to the shape of the Playstation that protrudes less than a quarter of an inch � that�s up to an eighth of the other devices!

Set-up - The SCHMARTZ PS3IRX1 gives you access to all 31 commands available through the PS3�s USB connection. These commands can be added to most universal remotes quickly and easily by setting up a Sony DVD Player or Playstation 2 IR control device. If you�re using a Logitech Harmony Remote the set-up is even easier than that since the Schmartz PS3IRX1 is already included in the Harmony online library. HEX codes are also available from Remote Shoppe or the Schmartz Support Forums for custom installers programming Philips Pronto, UEI, Nevo, URC and RTI control systems.

Support � We proudly support every remote we sell at RemoteShoppe.com but the Schmartz PS3IRX1 is the only IR-USB solution that is also supported by the engineer, a dedicated Support forum and an extensive community on the AVSForums.

Click here to purchase the SCHMARTZ PS3IRX1 from Remote Shoppe

4) IR TO BLUETOOTH CONVERTERS
If you�re keeping score you may have noticed that none of the IR-USB solutions give you access to the same 51 commands as the Sony Bluetooth Remote. Unfortunately there are just some commands that may not be controlled via USB and therefore require a Bluetooth device. One such function is POWER ON. That�s right, since there is no power going to the USB ports while the Playstation is in standby mode the IR-USB dongles cannot turn on the component. Many users have accepted this limitation of the USB devices because the PS3 does turn on automatically when you put in a new disk but, for many others, anything short of a perfect control solution is just unacceptable. Some enterprising inventors solved this problem as well by making small, stand-alone devices that receive the IR signal from your control system and then send a Bluetooth command to the Playstation 3. This approach gives you ALL of the same functionality as the Sony Bluetooth Remote from the convenience of your existing universal control system.

a. Ps3toothfairy ELITEand Ps3toothfairy BARE ELITE
The ps3tootfairy is a small IR to Bluetooth converter that actually uses the Bluetooth module from Sony�s own BLU-RAY DISC REMOTE CONTROL. This is an excellent and inexpensive option for users who have already invested in the Sony remote only to learn later that it is not compatible with their universal remote. The ps3tootfairy BARE ELITE kit includes everything you need (including step by step instructions) to remove the Bluetooth module from your Sony remote and attach it to the BARE ELITE with no soldering required. For those less adventurous the same package is available pre-built as the ps3toothfairy ELITE and now both these converters are available with an international power supply making it the perfect solution across the globe.

Click here to purchase the ps3toothfairy ELITE from Remote Shoppe

Already own a Sony Blu-ray Disc Remote? Click here to purchase the ps3toothfairy BARE ELITE

b. Schmartz PS3IR-500 and Schmartz PS3IR-1000

The same folks behind the Schmartz PS3IRX1 USB dongle have also released their second-generation stand-alone IR to Bluetooth control solution designed specifically for the Playstation 3. The original PS3IR-PRO was released shortly after the USB solution and even registered with the US Patent Office for its design.The PS3IR-500 and PS3IR-1000 solutions are the next generation design of the PRO converter built into the smallest housing of any IR to Bluetooth converter with the same capabilities and more.

The first step in using the Schmartz PS3IR-500 or 1000 is to program your universal control system with the compatible Sony PS2 or Sony DVD IR codes or just use the available HEX codes for all 51 commands. Once the programming is done you will need to register the device with your Sony Playstation 3 as described in the manual and you�ll be ready to put the device into use. This is where the flexibility begins! Since the Schmartz converters are standalone devices they do not need to be connected to your Playstation so you may hide it anyplace you like, within the same 15 � 20� range as the regular SIXAXIS wireless controllers. This is perfect for advanced control systems because it means you can usually place the device next to your RF base station or control processors and your commands will still reach the PS3. Just plug the converter into an outlet with a universal mini-USB charging cable and connect your IR signal and you�re all set! You may connect an IR emitter to the front of the unit or hardwire an IR blaster to the screw terminals on the rear. Another major advantage of the Schmartz family of products is that the firmware is field upgradeable which means you won�t have to worry about Sony making your control system obsolete with one of their frequent PS3 updates. Upgradeability also means that additional custom features may even be added to the device in the future.

The PS3IR-1000 was actually the first of these two units introduced to replace the PS3IR-PRO with a more compact design, cheaper price and a lot of added capability including power-sensing, PC programming and even an IR transmitter so you may teach codes to any Universal Remote with learning capability. Schmartz listened to the feedback from their customers and quickly introduced an even cheaper version of the box - the PS3IR-500. The PS3IR-500 is still the most affordable IR to Bluetooth converter available on the market and it has the same control capability & firmware upgradeability as the PS3IR-1000. The added features of the 1000 model include the IR transmitter already mentioned, power sensing capability, and the ability to connect the PS3IR-1000 to a PC and send commands right from your computer.

Click here to purchase the Schmartz PS3IR-500 from Remote Shoppe

Click here to purchase the Schmartz PS3IR-1000 from Remote Shoppe

c. IR2BT Devices IR2BTci
The original IR2BT was an inexpensive IR-Bluetooth converter that was limited in supply but the new IR2BTci is readily available (in stock) and offers more features for custom installers. The IR2BTci functions like other stand alone IR-Bluetooth solutions by taking IR signals sent to its built-in IR receiver, a 3.5mm IR input jack, or hardwired inputs to Bluetooth to control the Playstation 3. However, the IR2BTci also has a few more tricks up its sleeve. In addition to the Bluetooth commands the IR2BTci may store up to 4 macros with up to 8 commands each and provide IR-RS232 output to control other components. The IR2BTci also has an additional mini-USB Power Sensing Port that allows you to connect a USB cable to your PS3 to determine whether the game system is on or off and create the appropriate discrete power commands. There is even a Windows compatible driver and configuration application plus an IR transmitter to teach custom IR commands to your universal control system.

Click here to purchase the IR2BT Devices IR2BTci from Remote Shoppe

d. Audio Authority BlueBeam
Another new entry to the IR to Bluetooth converters comes from Audio Authority - a company that has been making home audio & video accessories for custom installers for almost a decade. Like all Bluetooth to IR products, the new Audio Authority BlueBeam takes the IR commands from your universal remote and converts it to a Bluetooth signal for complete operation of the Sony Playstation 3. Unlike the other options available, the BlueBeam is currently the only device available that may be powered by two AA batteries - now that makes it a truly wireless solution. The BlueBeam's other features include Power Sensing via a USB connection to the PS3, custom macro capability and advanced customization using PC software, low battery and Activity indicators and more.

Click here to purchase the Audio Authority BlueBeam from Remote Shoppe - an Audio Authority Authorized Dealer

e. Logitech Harmony Adapter for Sony PlayStation 3
Finally, Logitech was a late-comer to the party but, like the pretty girl that shows up fashionably late, they blew the doors wide open! The Logitech Harmony remote controls have revolutionized the way universal remotes are programmed and used. While the Harmony PS3 Adapter is not nearly as revolutionary, the fact that it bears the Harmony name and design has made it a top-seller. The Harmony PS3 Adapter works the same as all of the other basic IR to Bluetooth Adapters on the market but was designed solely as an accessory for a Harmony remote and they do not market it towards other remote owners. One reason for this is that the Harmony Adapter uses a proprietary set of IR codes as opposed to the standard Sony codes. These codes are available online for those who do want to use it with non-Harmony remotes.

Click here to purchase the Logitech Harmony Adapter from Remote Shoppe

We have UPDATED this handy comparison chart to illustrate the differences between the solutions available to use your universal remote control with the Sony Playstation 3. These solutions are broken down into two groups.

In the first group of USB Control Solutions we compare the EZGear ezRemote, Intec Remote, Nyko Bluwave and the Schmartz PS3IRX1. The second group includes several IR to Bluetooth converters including the new Schmartz PS3IR-500, Logitech Harmony Playstation 3 Adapter, Schmartz PS3IR-1000, ps3toothfairy, IR2BTci, and the Audio Authority BlueBeam.

Click here to download a full-page, printer friendly PDF

Click here for all Sony PlayStation 3 Control Solution in the RemoteShoppe Store.

NextGen Now Shipping Remote Extender Plus

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 22:44:52 -0400

Award-Winning Accessory Upgraded With Several Useful Features For Same Price

NextGen, an innovative provider of unique product solutions for the a/v markets, is now shipping its new Remote Extender Plus announced at CEDIA in September. The Remote Extender Plus offers several new enhancements yet still has a MSRP of $54.95 and is on sale now in the Remote Shoppe Store.

Like before, the new NextGen Remote Extender takes an ordinary remote control and give it powerful RF capability. By simply replacing one of the remote�s AA or AAA batteries with a NextGen battery transmitter, the user can now go from room to room and control components up to 100� away, all without the need for direct line of sight. The exclusive Remote Extender technology even works behind closets and cabinet doors.
Originally introduced in 2004 and using patented technology, the original Remote Extender has won awards and sold in excess of 100k units. Having undergone continuous improvement over the years, some recent upgrades were significant enough to merit a new model name, hence Remote Extender Plus. The new and improved Remote Extender features a high-speed chipset to work with virtually every remote on the market, extended range to work in virtually any home, UL listed batteries and a green power supply that reduces power consumption.

�For years now, our Remote Extender has been one of the most successful IR accessory products on the market.� commented Bob Dolatowski, President of NextGen. �By listening to our customers and using continuous improvement, we developed a product that was so much better than the original, that it deserved a new name. Introducing Remote Extender Plus.�

Key Features
� High-speed chipset provides compatibility with all conventional AA and AAA remotes
� Single-eye IR emitter included. Numerous optional accessories available
� Green energy-efficient power supply

The NextGen Remote Extender Plus and Accessories are available now and on sale in the Remote Shoppe Store

UPDATED (again)! Remote Shoppe PlayStation 3 Control Solution Comparison Chart

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 12:02:00 -0400

We have UPDATED this handy comparison chart to illustrate the differences between the solutions available to use your universal remote control with the Sony Playstation 3. These solutions are broken down into two groups.

In the first group of USB Control Solutions we compare the EZGear ezRemote, Intec Remote, Nyko Bluwave and the Schmartz PS3IRX1. The second group includes several IR to Bluetooth converters including the new Schmartz PS3IR-500, Logitech Harmony Playstation 3 Adapter, Schmartz PS3IR-1000, ps3toothfairy, IR2BTci, and the Audio Authority BlueBeam.

Click here to download a full-page, printer friendly PDF

Click here to read Remote Shoppe's PlayStation 3 solution round-up article

These solutions are available in the Remote Shoppe store

Logitech Announces Harmony IR Extender System

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:41:36 -0400

The use of infrared (IR) to operate devices with a remote control has always had a few drawbacks, one of which is the requirement for line-of-sight between the remote and the device. However, an open cabinet full of devices and exposed cords and cables doesn�t quite fit into the uncluttered living room that many people prefer these days.

Today, Logitech is pleased to announce the Logitech Harmony IR Extender System. It allows anyone with an existing IR-only remote operate A/V devices hidden inside a cabinet. Now you can finally get the streamlined look you want without having to buy a new remote.

The Logitech Harmony team had three primary objectives when developing the Harmony IR Extender System:

Great IR reception
The biggest challenge in creating an IR Extender is ensuring the IR receiver is sensitive enough to detect a broad range of IR signal frequencies at a useful distance and angle � without detecting outside interference that would compromise performance. The Harmony IR Extender System�s receiver is finely tuned to recognize genuine IR commands while filtering out unwanted �noise� from lights, windows, TVs, etc.

Great device control
The IR blaster and mini blaster design for the IR Extender System, similar to that used in the Logitech Harmony 900 RF System, is a great solution for getting IR commands to hidden devices. By blasting IR signals to multiple devices rather than sticking emitters on individual devices, you can have a lot of flexibility in how you set up your system. When combined with the activity-based control of a Harmony remote, great device control is closer than ever!

Simple setup
As A/V products and experiences go, it�s one of the simplest you�re likely to come across. Three simple steps (2 if you�re lucky) are all it takes:

1. Place the Harmony IR Receiver in a convenient, visible location. It�s pretty small so that shouldn�t be a problem. (If you want, you can even mount it right on your TV.)

2. Place the Harmony IR blaster inside the cabinet, plug it in and connect the Harmony IR Receiver to the back of it.

3. Connect the Harmony IR mini blasters to the IR blaster and place them on other shelves in your cabinet. Depending on your cabinet, you may not even need step 3, making the whole thing that much simpler.

The Harmony IR Extender System doesn�t require any programming, so you�ll be up and running in no time.

The Logitech Harmony IR Extender System will be available shortly in the Remote Shoppe store for $59.99

NTDesigns Offers New FREE Button Set Download - "BluTech"

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:55:28 -0400

NTDesigns, a designer of Crestron templates and graphics, has just released a new blue button set to their FREE downloads section. The BluTech is a glassy, blue button set with a modern look. NTDesign has tested these on Crestron�s new TPMC-3X and they may easily be used with RTI remotes as well. The BluTech buttons use RTI�s file name convention for �inactive� and �pressed� states so they are ready to drop right into your Integration Designer bitmap library.

Click here to go to NTDesign's FREE Download page.

Dave Zatz Reviews GlideTV Navigator

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:35:43 -0400

Dave Zatz posted his review of the new GlideTV Navigator and was pleasantly surprised by the the accuracy of the touchpad and the comfortable use of the remote. All in all he seemed very pleased with the device.

Click here to read the complete review

HomeSeer Releases iPhone Client for HSTouch Interface Design System

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:11:39 -0400

HomeSeer Technologies announces the release of a new iPhone client for the company�s popular HSTouch interface design system. HSTouch is a fully customizable, family-friendly graphical interface for all HomeSeer home automation systems and will run on virtually any touchscreen including in-wall, stand-alone, and wireless handheld devices. The new iPhone client puts HomeSeer home automation within easy reach of the more than 30 million iPhone users.

HSTouch integrates tightly with all HomeSeer-based automation systems and the screens are fully customizable to work with virtually all backgrounds, buttons and graphics. An integrated RSS browser is also included for easy access popular data feeds for weather, news, sports and stock information.

Unlike other programs of this type, HSTouch is IP-enabled and may be used to monitor and control remote HomeSeer installations, including secondary residences. HSTouch is also designed to run on Windows�, Windows CE, Linux and now iPhone / iPod Touch devices, ensuring compatibility with the widest range of touchscreens currently available.
Integrators will appreciate the remote deployment functions in HSTouch. Projects may be created or edited remotely and then deployed to customer sites without the need for a site visit or service call.

All HomeSeer automation systems are designed to work seamlessly with industry standards and products from leading manufactures such as Cooper�, Lutron�, Intermatic�, Leviton�, Russound�, Monster Cable�, Microsoft�, Centralite�, DSC�, Aprilaire�, ACT, RCS, Schalge and others. Support for the latest automation technologies such as Z-Wave�, UPB and Insteon� is also included.

The iPod HSTouch client is available now in the Apple App Store.

GLIDETV SIMPLIFIES THE PC EXPERIENCE IN THE LIVING ROOM

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:45:54 -0400

Introduces the perfect input device to navigate the Internet from your TV.

GlideTV, the company dedicated to simplifying the digital entertainment experience in the living room, announced today the release of its first product, the GlideTV Navigator. This award-winning and stylish device, which fits in the palm of a hand, combines the functionality of a keyboard, mouse and AV remote and makes it a breeze to access digital content stored on a home theater PC (HTPC) that is connected to a TV. The product will be available for purchase with an MRSP of $149.

The new GlideTV Navigator, a study in modern design, reinvents the computer input device for the living room. The contrast of the highly-polished material and elegant curves is a fitting reflection of the sophisticated technology held within. The product includes a remote, charging station, USB wireless receiver and is compatible with Windows PC, Apple Mac, Sony PlayStation 3 or any set-top box that supports standard mouse and keyboard HID devices.

�Up to now, consumers who wanted to connect a computer to the TV to take advantage of digital content had to bring office equipment to their living room, making the experience bulky and cumbersome,� said Chris Painter, President and founder. �With the Navigator, GlideTV brings simplicity to accessing internet-based entertainment and ushers in a new era for computing in the living room.�

Consumers plug the USB wireless receiver into their PC and they�re ready to take control of their computing experience or explore the Internet with a point and a click. GlideTV Navigator works with popular media applications including Windows Media Center, Apple iTunes, Boxee, Apple Front Row, SageTV, Firefox, and any web browser.

This product features:

* Clickable touchpad mapped to your TV screen -- precise cursor control, one-thumb scrolling, single and double-click selection.
* Backlit AV buttons to control volume and playback.
* Directional buttons for easy two-axis navigation.
* Dedicated Esc, Enter, Back, and Function keys to control applications.
* On-screen keyboard -- requires download, Windows only.
* Integrated search menu with links to Google, Amazon Video on Demand, Hulu, Netflix, YouTube and more -- requires download, Windows only.
* Rechargeable battery.

"GlideTV nailed the customer experience," said Aaron Burt, a beta test user who lives in the Washington DC area. �It's a great way to control Windows Media Center in the living room and even my kids enjoy using it. GlideTV Navigator is the perfect couch-mouse."

The product has garnered significant industry attention by winning the prestigious 2009 Best of Innovations Award at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The GlideTV team, led by Mike Machado and Christopher Painter, consists of consumer electronics and Silicon Valley technology veterans from Sony, SageTV, Slim Devices, and VUDU.

Click here for more information on GlideTV