Can the HD200 extender be IP controlled?

[Texas-Hansen]

I'm working on a different remote setup for my AV system...one that will use my WiFi network to control all AV devices that are attached to the network. Considering either using an iPad with a customization remote app like iRule, or maybe go with a dedicated WiFi remote like the URC TRC-1080. In any event, can the HD200 be controlled via the ethernet connection so I do not have to use IR?

My HD200 is connected to my router via ethernet and my Windows Home Server runs SageTV on it. Only use it to playback ripped DVDs on the server.

[bcjenkins]

yes, via some of the web plugins. you can do some basic controls via telnet for reboot, etc as well.

[Fuzzy]

via the http sagex-services plugin, you can pretty much do ANYTHING in sage via http calls.

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by Texas-Hansen

...with a dedicated WiFi remote like the URC TRC-1080. In any event, can the HD200 be controlled via the ethernet connection so I do not have to use IR?

If you figure out how to program "aribtrary" IP control on a URC remote I'd love to hear about it.

[Fuzzy]

Originally Posted by stanger89

If you figure out how to program "aribtrary" IP control on a URC remote I'd love to hear about it.

Those URC remotes are, for the most part, a waste of money. For the cost of all the compatible equipment, you can hire someone on minimum wage to control everything for you.

[stanger89]

If you want hard buttons you don't have a lot of choice. An iPad/tablet is not an acceptable remote control IMO.

[Fuzzy]

You can get RF remotes for a LOT less than $600

[stanger89]

If you're talking Harmony, I've tried them and very much don't like them (hardware or programming), other than URC, RTI, and Harmony I'm not aware of much in the way of remotes with robust programming capabilities.

[Texas-Hansen]

Thanks. I'll give it a try. Hopefully, I can figure a way to get essential commands working for the sage via IP.

Regarding types of remotes. A device with hard buttons is nice for sure. I have a URC MX3000. Awesome touchscreen remote with hard buttons in it's time and very flexible programing (assuming you have the software). It's outdated by today's standards but still functional as an IR/RF remote. Hence, looking at some of the new URC stuff (pro stuff not consumer stuff) but it is expensive.

However, technology is progressing fast and IP control is likely the future. The use of very powerful smart devices that are readily handy in most households is appealing. Or, pick up a slightly used iPad mini for $200 to $250 on ebay and you've got a very powerful dedicated remote and more. No hard buttons - true - but a long time ago people complained that the iPhone had no hard buttons/keys like the Blackberry...and where are we now in terms of market share and adoption of devices. People adapt.

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by Texas-Hansen

No hard buttons - true - but a long time ago people complained that the iPhone had no hard buttons/keys like the Blackberry...and where are we now in terms of market share and adoption of devices. People adapt.

There's a very big/important difference between a phone and a remote. With a phone, you are interacting with the phone, it is the object of primary interest while you use it. That means that when you use the phone you will naturally be looking at the phone, so having a keyboard you have to look at is easily made up for by the increased screen area.

A remote is entirely different, it's a peripheral, it is not the object of primary interest. If I want to turn up the volume, I don't want to have to grab my phone/tablet, divert my attention so I can find the right volume button, to tweak the volume. Same thing applies to play/pause/ffw/navigation, etc.

Now if you can pull the whole interface off the TV, so you can browse for your shows/media, EPG, settings, etc, that does change the equation a bit, then at least you get a some benefit. But I just can't see the "appeal" (well beyond being cheap) to using a touchscreen to pretend it's a regular remote.