IR universal remote program for Zoomer
starnet!apple!palm.com!kcr (Christopher Raff)
Date: Wed, 10 Nov 93 14:59:25 PST
From: starnet!apple!palm.com!kcr (Christopher Raff)
Message-id: <9311102259.AA18938@palm.com>
To: zoomer-list-1993@grot.starconn.com
Subject: IR universal remote program for Zoomer
Status: OR
While casually following this recent thread of discussion on
how to combine hardware and software on a Zoomer (or similar)
device to create a universal appliance (TV, VCR) remote control,
I've seen every angle covered except one: Why would you want
to do this?
TV remotes are easy to use because they can be maniplated
by feel. It takes no time at all to become aquainted enough with
your remote to find the On/Off, Channel, and Volume controls by touch.
You can't feel your way to the Channel button on an LCD screen. You
would have to look at the screen of the device. It possibly would even
become a two-handed operation (you might have to put down your popcorn).
Zoomer screens are not backlit. How often do you use your TV/VCR remote
in dim light (or darkness)? Would you have to turn a light on
to use your Zoomer remote?
Zoomer has to be turned on before it can be used and off afterwards. Your
TV/VCR remote doesn't; just poke a button.
Zoomer is alot more expensive than one of the universal remotes available
on the market. An aftermarket peice of software to perform this function
might even be more expensive than an existing universal remote product.
Speed. No matter how fast a peice of software running on your Zoomer is,
a dedicated hardware device (like your existing remote) will always be
faster. Channel surfing won't be the same with a software delay.
Am I missing something here? Or is this just a 'because I can' project?
Riff