Re: I Need some REAL Advice !! Please HELP.

["Chris Deighton" <Chris@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> I have a Tablet PC and 2 x iPaqs, Does anyone have any
> recommendations in terms of SOFTWARE ?

You might want to take a look at NetRemote. (www.promixis.com) This
can run on both PocketPC and Tablet PC devices, and provides IR output
(via a PC server, or directly on PocketPC).

For media playback, it can talk to J. River Media Center (and soon
iTunes and Windows Media Player) for MP3, and Zoom Player for video.
For all of these, the PocketPC or Tablet PC device can not only
control playback, but also display relevant information (such as track
name, time, etc.) directly on the PocketPC/Tablet PC.

NetRemote can communicate with Girder over the network to interface
with any number of other devices and programs, including HomeSeer.

You can custom design the interface using a CCF file (in the same way
as for the Pronto range of remotes). There are various extensions
available to the standard CCF featureset, including 'variables' (to
display items such as track name, which will change dynamically),
'scrollers' (for scrolling text), 'timers' (for, er, timing!),
'sliders' (for volume control, track position, etc), 'browsers' (for
displaying standard web pages) and scripting. The same CCF file can be
used by both PocketPC and Win32 devices, so you can provide the same
interface on both platforms without having to design everything twice.

The 'Pro' version (with all these features) is due to be released
shortly. (I've got a prerelease version, and it seems to do what it
says on the tin.)

The only downside I've encountered so far is that the documentation
could be better - you'll have to spend some time browsing the forum
and getting to know the software to ensure you get the most out of it.
That said, in less than a day I got everything up and running that I
needed to control my multi-zone AV distribution system via Girder.

If you want an 'off the shelf' solution, there are probably better
(although more expensive) products out there. If however you're
prepared to go for a more DIY approach, NetRemote seems to provide the
flexibility and features you'll need to produce a system that's
tailored to your requirements.

Take a look and see what you think!

(Usual disclaimer... No affiliation, just satisfied customer!)

Cheers,

Chris.