Combining HB server and remote into one device

[Steve Horn]

I'm sure someone is doing this, but not sure how to search for it: Running the HB server and one instance of a SW remote on one PC device, and using a USB UIRT (or similar) for IR blasting to create a universal remote on steroids that I suspect would far exceed the capabilities of other Universal remotes on the market. No need for networking; just one box running both apps to blast IR to a HT eqpt. rack. I just got finished (i think) programming a Phillips Pronto for a customer and thought that a medium priced touch screen PC (Fujitsu pen tablet or similar) would do the job better, be more legible (bigger screen), and allow greater control over graphics. Thoughts or suggestions?

BTW, I cannot find any plugin help for the USB UIRT hardware plugin. Where's it located?

[Osler]

Steve:

This is precisely how I got into this mess. I found HB while looking for the ultimate TV remote control. Since then I haved added other stuff, but the core of my system is centered on providing an easy remote for the wife to use to control all of the equipment. This is why I have posted so many channel buttons as theme elements. What you describe is exactly how I ran things for a year, though I went with a GC-100 and a PPC (Dell Axim), leaving the 'puter in the study. Now I have a DesXcape in the kitchen (continuous with family room) and a Nokia 770 in the family room, both RDPing into seperate accounts. Though the system does control the Sonos stuff and a thermostat now, it is primarily used for watching TV.

Osler

[Richard Naninck]

I am doing this as well. At least part of my system is. One PC running both the HB Server and the remote. I guess most of us are doing this. But what exactly is the question or what are you trying to search for?

You should have a H_USB_UIRT.chm file in your housebot\Help\ directory, but it is self explanatory once you start fiddling with the UIRT in HB.

[Steve Horn]

Well, I guess I'm in the minority because I have a server box that does nothing except serve. And a bunch of tablet PCs that do nothing except remote, utilizing one of two themes (HT, and all other).

No help file there. I guess you have to specify that plugin upon HB install to get the help. And since I don't have a USB_UIRT I didn't specify that plugin when I install HB.

Well, all of this is a project for another day when I have more money and time to work with it.

[Richard Naninck]

EMailed you the help file. Have fun

[Steve Horn]

Richard, I got the help file. very helpful - both you and the file .

Anyone have thoughts on a comparison of response time (defined as when a button is "pressed" on a SW remote, acted on by the HB server, and ultimately, the IR transmitted) between using a ADI Ocelot for IR transmission versus the USB-UIRT? Currently I'm using an Ocelot for IR, and a slave SECU-16 for A/D I/O. The Ocelot does IR ok, but I wondered whether the USB_UIRT would be faster due different processor or architecture.

[Richard Naninck]

Steve,

I can't compare but I can tell you that there is absolutely no lag while using the UIRT. My button presses instantly act.