Talk:Universal remote

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[edit] file formats

What file formats exist for documenting IR remote codes? What programs exist for working with these file formats? What devices exist for using these files? What databases are available of these codes? 69.87.204.237 15:56, 16 November 2006 (UTC)

The most popular form is Pronto hex. Specific remotes also have their own configuration files with IR codes such as the .ccf format for Pronto and .mxd for URC's MX-700 through MX-850. Most programming software that is used to program remotes has a database, such as URC's MX-editor. Remotecentral.com has a large database of various file types and pronto hex too. Andrewwski 21:19, 23 January 2007 (UTC)

[edit] history

The article has that Philips Magnavox made the first universal remote (and [1] indicates they may have), but Steve Wozniak in his book iWoz, 2006, claims that he was "the first to make what is now known as a universal remote control" (p262). Is Woz wrong? I'm assuming he's not wrong because the CL 9 wikipedia article agrees with him...

As External links is referencing : Programming a Jasco/GE Universal Remote Control, http://www.jascoproducts.com/ company Jasco is still call it as "GE remote". The staff of GE consumer electronics Japan operation which sourced various electronics parts of TV and know that in 1985-1986, one engineer invented it at Portsmouth VA, GE TV set final assemble factory. In that time, GE is merged RCA and almost sell TV business to Thomson SA, France. GE thought that the programmable remote is not fit to GE's business and wanted to license someone else to make programmable remote as the commodity which separate from TV set business. Japanese SANWA is one of first licensee who still now producing programmable remote with various eminent brand logo and supply as OEM. CL 9 was a universal remote control company started by Steve Wozniak may be possible first mass producer in U.S. market, but may not inventor. Some Japanese are surely licensee and Steve Wozniak is also possibly one of licensee from GE. Can any one talk or up date for invent history ? from Japan: --125.192.171.108 11:41, 8 September 2007 (UTC)

Adding more....Phrasing:"As an exclusive GE licensee, Jasco Products Company develops..." should be reviewed, they have history since 1975. http://www.jascoproducts.com/aboutjasco/ http://www.jascoproducts.com/products/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=26 --125.192.171.108 00:46, 9 September 2007 (UTC)

Correction:--125.197.178.164 00:12, 30 September 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Restructuring the article

I don't like how the article has the sections "Device based" and "Activity based". You'll never see remotes categorized like this. All higher end remotes, including URC's Home Theater Master series and Complete Control series of course can be programmed to do macros. Just like the Harmonies. The Harmonies also can allow you to select various device functions. So I don't think that this is the best way to organize the article. Andrewwski 21:19, 23 January 2007 (UTC)

Indeed, it's written like an advertisement for Logitech's remotes. As you said, the "activities" are nothing more pre-programmed macros, and from what I heard they're actually significantly less flexible than REAL macros (which Logitech's Harmony remotes do NOT support.) They are, however, MUCH easier for the non-technically oriented to use. The article also implies that activity-based remotes are the only way to avoid switching between devices--WRONG. Most modern universal remotes have a feature called "punchthrough" (or alternately, "aliasing") that allows you to control devices other than the one you've currently selected (e.g., using the TV's volume control when VCR is selected.) Again, Logitech's solution *may* be easier to set up, but it certainly isn't the only solution and it's actually quite limiting for technically-minded users who know precisely how they want their remote to behave.
The device-based vs. activity-based dichotomy is so badly skewed I'm going to simply delete the entire thing. Once the bias is removed, there isn't much left to save. In reality, "activity-based" is simply a user-friendly way of accessing two EXTREMELY common features--aliasing and macros. --Lode Runner (talk) 04:42, 15 December 2007 (UTC)


[edit] Random comments

I find that line about technically inclined vs. non-inclined individuals to be insulting. In my opinion, it would be much more useful to have information on how to program a remote, as that is likely why people are searching this topic. 207.6.29.239 (talk) 21:34, 23 February 2008 (UTC)thescreendoorslams