Controlling the Media Server
Over the last week I've been looking at the problems of controlling all of the
device involved in making a Media Server do what you want.
I currently use a Logitech Harmony 1000 to control much of what I use. But,
there are several problem.
The first is that the 1000 works only in the Infrared spectrum. And while most
device work their remotes in this fashion, it requires line of sight to the
device (or pointing it at a wall that can "bounce" the signal.
The second is, to be blunt, it's not the most comfortable device to use one
handed while laying in bed.
Please don't misunderstand, so far it's been able to handle anything I have
throw at it, and Logitech is constantly updating their data base of device code.
The problems kick in when you start to deal with WiFi controlled devices. It's
at this point that you wind up doing work arounds. For example, trying to
control a Windows or Linux based home server via IR.
I have managed with Windows Media Center by using the 1000 programmed to
emulate a Windows Media Center remote and tweaking the emulated keystrokes
through remapping. But this has always struck me as kluge (not to mention a
PITA)!
Of course using Windows Media Center is a pain in and of itself (lack of
CODECs, lack of customization of display, etc).
Most media devices today are quite capable of accepting WiFi signals for their
commands. My Panasonic LED TCL47E5 does, my Verizon STB (set top box) box does,
my LG Blu-ray player does. Which begs the question, why use IR when you can use
WiFi?
My Android phone rang and I was hit with an out of the box inspiration! Why go
through all this bother when you can get an phone that could do all that you
need?
A quick search of Google for "android phones with IR" turned up at least 20!
The Apple 3G iPhone and those that came later apparently also has IR. It turns
on when you use voice control and during phone calls. It shows as a small
purple light when recorded with a camera of any type.
A quick dive into the AppStore and Google Play shows 100's of apps that are for
remote control! Panasonic makes them for their devices, LG makes their device,
Verizon has them for their device and services. There are apps that control
XBMC, VLC, MCE!
So, for the cost of a used cell phone with an IR Blaster, you now have what is
possible the most universal remote on the planet! Ebay shows an LG Optimus L9
P769 T-Mobile Clean IMEI for $99.99 from T-Moble.
Remember, this phone does NOT have to function as a phone. Don't activate it.
Don't put your data on it. Don't lock it. Set it to turn on when you touch the
screen. In the case of Android, set each main screen to the app you use and
just swipe between the remotes controls.
Just some thoughts.
Pi.
|
|