Just in case- Alternatives to SageTV

[chiledog]

So, I am not alone with the SO lacking remote skills...

That is what I like most about GoogleTV boxes. If you only need to connect one more device (ie, SageTV) then it is great. (no input switching)

You could also use the Sony GoogleTV box (NSZ-GT1) if you want blu ray and SageTV. I have not tried using SageTV with the NSZ-GT1, but I expect it will work. You may have more remote programming than the Revue since it does not have the Harmony database.

Note: another issue I run into with input switching is HDCP. Sometimes my TV didn't sync up well after a switch. I have not had this problem running through Revue. Either the Revue does a great job, or my TV did a bad one...

[wayner]

So we have determined that the time has come for all remotes to become RF or Wifi since IR is too much of a problem as it requires LOS.

Too bad there is so much of a premium for Harmony's RF remotes.

[Fuzzy]

Originally Posted by wayner

So we have determined that the time has come for all remotes to become RF or Wifi since IR is too much of a problem as it requires LOS.

Too bad there is so much of a premium for Harmony's RF remotes.

I don't know, I don't think I've ever desired an RF remote. In fact, the only one I've ever 'owned' was the TV2 remote for dish network, which was controlling the box in another room. It still used IR for the in-room tv controls.

[wayner]

I have a Harmony 890 which does RF. You can have it do either RF or IR but you have the choice of assigning which. You then attach IR buds to the receiver on the devices. This also should allow you to control multiple units of the same device in the same room which can sometimes be problematic for IR.

If that was available for a slight premium over the existing Harmony remotes then I would go for it, but I believe the current premium for RF is $150 which is the difference in price between the Harmony One and the Harmony 900 (which looks the same as a One).

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by Fuzzy

I don't know, I don't think I've ever desired an RF remote. In fact, the only one I've ever 'owned' was the TV2 remote for dish network, which was controlling the box in another room. It still used IR for the in-room tv controls.

RF remotes are awesome.

But I think everything should just be IP controlled.

[panteragstk]

Originally Posted by stanger89

RF remotes are awesome.

But I think everything should just be IP controlled.

+1 to that.

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by panteragstk

+1 to that.

I mean come June we'll have 340 Undecillion addresses to use

[panteragstk]

Originally Posted by stanger89

I mean come June we'll have 340 Undecillion addresses to use

I guess I missed it. Finally switching to IPv6 huh? Interesting.

[Fuzzy]

Originally Posted by stanger89

RF remotes are awesome.

But I think everything should just be IP controlled.

Oh, I understand how they are better, but I've never found IR to be lacking... I'm always watching my TV when watching to do anything with it. Since everything goes to my sagetv client, it's not like I need to control a bunch of hidden components. The single USB-UIRT mounted above my TV is all I need. Switching to RF won't change it's operation at all, just add to the cost, and speed of battery decline.

[tmiranda]

The problem with RF is that when you sit on the remote it inevitably raises the volume to max. If your butt is big enough this isn't a problem with IR.

[wayner]

Originally Posted by Fuzzy

Since everything goes to my sagetv client, it's not like I need to control a bunch of hidden components. The single USB-UIRT mounted above my TV is all I need.

At several of my setups I have three components to control for Sage - TV, Sage Extender and AVR. The biggest issue is for my pool cabana setup. My TV has an articulating arm that allows it to extend outside the cabana. The AVR and extender are on a shelf inside the cabana that is somewhat obstructed from where we sit to watch TV. I fixed the problem with the Sage extender via the external IR input for the HD-300. It is just the AVR where I have the problem for volume since the volume level often varies on my Sage recordings.

[wayner]

Originally Posted by tmiranda

The problem with RF is that when you sit on the remote it inevitably raises the volume to max. If your butt is big enough this isn't a problem with IR.

That is a good one - ROFL!

[Fuzzy]

Originally Posted by wayner

At several of my setups I have three components to control for Sage - TV, Sage Extender and AVR. The biggest issue is for my pool cabana setup. My TV has an articulating arm that allows it to extend outside the cabana. The AVR and extender are on a shelf inside the cabana that is somewhat obstructed from where we sit to watch TV. I fixed the problem with the Sage extender via the external IR input for the HD-300. It is just the AVR where I have the problem for volume since the volume level often varies on my Sage recordings.

My TV and client are controlled by the Sage client via USBUIRT blasting... the only think I need visible to the remote is the USB-UIRT. This also allows me to use literally ANY IR remote for any function, even my kid's weemote dV:

and previously her leapfrog joystick.

[KarylFStein]

I wouldn't trade in RF remotes now and have been using at least one since the FireFly's were current. My remote implementation is now based on Harmony 890 Pros, which are pretty cool in my experience even with their base station in an enclosed space, (the only IR blasters I have to use now are being fed to things outside of a cabinet door namely the display--nevermind the USBUIRT stuff on the server). The MSRP for the Harmony remotes are silly, but on eBay it's not so bad especially if you're just replacing something like a cracked screen or case--my kids and I are hard on the remotes and the current ones are a hogepoge of parts. Then again, I don't have any of those newfangled Android or "i" devices to try WiFi control. IR, though, really ??

[wayner]

Originally Posted by Fuzzy

My TV and client are controlled by the Sage client via USBUIRT blasting... the only think I need visible to the remote is the USB-UIRT. This also allows me to use literally ANY IR remote for any function, even my kid's weemote dV:

Those remotes could be useful for my disabled daughter who hasn't got the hang of regular remotes yet.

So does the USB-UIRT retransmit the IR signals to all of your components, acting as an IR repeater?

[Fuzzy]

Not a direct repeater. The only things I send to the TV is power on and power off. The only thing I send to the AVR is power on, power off, volume up/down, and a couple discrete source selections (Wii, SageTV, Karaoke).

[wayner]

I asssume that is all programmed in Girder or Eventghost?

[Fuzzy]

Originally Posted by wayner

I asssume that is all programmed in Girder or Eventghost?

Yes, in girder.

[Beaker]

Originally Posted by jaminben

I'm still using version 6.6 and don't have any problems so see no reason to abandon my setup. If you have a working version then you've nothing to worry about.

Me too. Have you been able to fix the weather?

[d2globalinc]

Originally Posted by Fuzzy

My TV and client are controlled by the Sage client via USBUIRT blasting... the only think I need visible to the remote is the USB-UIRT. This also allows me to use literally ANY IR remote for any function, even my kid's weemote dV:

and previously her leapfrog joystick.

Ahh yes - those were the inspiration for this:



Sorry, I couldn't resist. :P