Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Atlantic Rim
Posts: 570

I've been using my OmniRemote for about a month now...it is my "default" module, the one I keep in place at all times. The OmniRemote Module is definately high on the coolness scale, though it does have some drawbacks.

The effective range is 15 feet, but the range decreases signiicantly as your battery power declines. The MAJOR drawback is that once the battery level goes below 50% the range is only a couple of feet. Also, the software allows you to program macro sequences so that you can execute muliple tasks across devices (like simultaniously turning the VCR Power On, hitting the play button and changing to channel 3 all with one button). Operating the macros with anything less than a fully charged battery is very challenging, often requiring more than one attempt to execute properly.

While you can draw and assign custom buttons you are limited to one screenful of information...it does not provide for a scrollbar if your buttons extend below the existing screen. This precludes the possibility of mapping a text filled button for each of my 65 cable channels.

For $60 it is pretty pricey for what it is, but for simple volume adjustment and channel changes it works fairly well. And, as noted above, the chicks think its cool.

Can your Palm do that?

Registered: May 2000
Location:
Posts: 116

Are you sure your IR is working on the module? I get 15' easy with the built-in IR port on the Visor Deluxe with 60% battery level.

__________________
Scott Olendorf
Sony Clie N610C,
Blue Visor Deluxe, Magellan GPS Companion

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Atlantic Rim
Posts: 570

IR Confirmed

I have regular access to two VDX's, a Palm IIIx, and a Palm IIIc. I don't get 15' of effective range with any of them (I can pick up the Ir signal from that distance using IrMonitor but I sure can't beam anything).

The OmniRemote improves the Ir range significantly, if not consistently. I might get 20+ foot range but have to punch the On/Off button half a dozen times before it will "take" (by comparison, the remote unit that came with my TV will work every time at that range). And yes, I have a clean line-of-site from the unit to the TV.

I didn't intend for my review to be particularly "scathing". My recliner is only 10' away from the TV so taking the VDX from my shirt pocket to adjust the vollume or channel works well enough for me (though trying to make the same adjustment while getting another beer from the fridge at 20 feet would be an issue).

Registered: Oct 1999
Location:
Posts: 231

When I first tried the OR two years ago, noticed something--On a Sony TV I was able to tune the channels from about 25ft away with the internal IR. I thought that was astounding. When I got home I tried it on my VCR and practically had to be in its face to get a response. It seems that the device that you're controlling plays a role in sensitivity. Some devices may be more tuned to their specific remotes. BTW did you try changing the training settings?

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Atlantic Rim
Posts: 570

Your Mileage May Vary

Swen,

Thanks for the insight. As I mentioned in a previous posting, I didn't intend for my review to be a scathing indictment of the product, only a reflection of my own "in-house" experience. Perhaps my Panasonic and GE products are particularly sensitive. Who could know? I still think that the OR makes a fine "default Springboard module", despite its quirks and shortcomings.

Registered: Nov 2000
Location:
Posts: 714

quote:

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Originally posted by swendor
On a Sony TV I was able to tune the channels from about 25ft away with the internal IR.

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__________________
Matt Nichols
[email protected]

Registered: Aug 2000
Location: Alive and well on VisorCentral.com
Posts: 861

quote:

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Originally posted by Matthew Nichols

Sony TVs have some of the best IR recievers ever! You can point a remote in any direction, I even use my Visor held normally with the internal IR (Rather than having to rotate it). I own a Sony TiVo and thats also pretty good about IR, but not as good.

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"One of the most important things you learn from the internet is that there is no �them� out there. It�s just an awful lot of �us�." -- Douglas Adams

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Atlantic Rim
Posts: 570

Less Enamored

As time goes by I am becoming less and less enamored of my OmniRemote. At 50% battery level the thing barely works. I am considering selling the OmniRemote module on Ebay and using the proceeds to fund the acquisition of a Memplug and a 16MB Smartmedia card.

Registered: Feb 2000
Location:
Posts: 1571

Re: Less Enamored

quote:

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Originally posted by Keefer Lucas
As time goes by I am becoming less and less enamored of my OmniRemote. At 50% battery level the thing barely works. I am considering selling the OmniRemote module on Ebay and using the proceeds to fund the acquisition of a Memplug and a 16MB Smartmedia card.

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Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Atlantic Rim
Posts: 570

Gee Willakers Batman

Yardie,

Your observation would be correct only in assuming that the only thing I use my Visor for is a remote control. Au contrair mon freunde! The $60 OmniRemote module was merely an inexpensive (compared with almost all other Springboard "solutions") and convenient module to keep in the Springboard bay; until I purchased the OmniRemote I had no modules.

Given the premium charged for other Springboard modules I felt fortunate that the Pacific Neotek people didn't introduce it at $199 (at which price I certainly wouldn't have bought it).

I am also known to utilize the snap cover of my VDX as a coaster on my wife's good coffee table. Does that qualify my VDX as the world's most expensive coaster?

Last edited by Keefer Lucas on 05-29-2001 at 07:13 PM

Registered: Jul 2000
Location:
Posts: 3034

Re: Re: Less Enamored

quote:

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Originally posted by yardie
Keefer, no offense. But why would someone want to use their Visor as a remote control? The omniremote module make the Visor one of the most expensive if not the most expensive universal remote in the world.

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Registered: Mar 2001
Location:
Posts: 347

I bought my all in one remote at Best Buy for $70. It got rid of 4 other remotes (although certain functions still don't transfer over).

Why would I want to use my Prism for a remote? It makes no sense.

Registered: Jul 2000
Location:
Posts: 3034

quote:

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Originally posted by creole
I bought my all in one remote at Best Buy for $70. It got rid of 4 other remotes (although certain functions still don't transfer over).

Why would I want to use my Prism for a remote? It makes no sense.

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Registered: Feb 2000
Location:
Posts: 638

quote:

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Originally posted by creole
I bought my all in one remote at Best Buy for $70. It got rid of 4 other remotes (although certain functions still don't transfer over).

Why would I want to use my Prism for a remote? It makes no sense.

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Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Atlantic Rim
Posts: 570

Way Far Out

I had no idea this would become some kind of near flame war.

Look, I sit down in a chair and watch TV. I have my VDX in my shirt pocket at almost all times. Now, just for kicks and giggles, lets say that I want to change the channel on the TV. I reach into my pocket, remove my VDX and change the channel. I might also choose to check out Avantgo, or look up a phone number and call someone, all while watching TV. Its a great concept; I don't even need to get out of my chair. Unfortunately the module isn't all it could be.

Get this concept -- your Springboard module needn't define your Visor. I will not be disciminated against because I have an OmniRemote module.

Registered: Jul 2000
Location:
Posts: 3034

Re: Way Far Out

quote:

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Originally posted by Keefer Lucas
I had no idea this would become some kind of near flame war. [...]

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I don't see any flame war.

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Atlantic Rim
Posts: 570

Qualified

Note that I said "near". I sensed incivility, and the insinuation that the purchaser of an OmniRemote was somehow....challenged.

All of which may be true.

Registered: Nov 2000
Location:
Posts: 714

quote:

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Originally posted by creole
I bought my all in one remote at Best Buy for $70. It got rid of 4 other remotes (although certain functions still don't transfer over).

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__________________
Matt Nichols
[email protected]

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Atlantic Rim
Posts: 570

That'd Be a Yes!

Yeah, which is a drawback if you are replacing a remote which is lost or broken. I don't understand why they can't include a full library of IR codes right on the module...there is almost 200K of memory available in the module unit.

It would be really cool to be able to sit at a bar and turn up the volume of a TV just by knowing the manufacturer.

Another major drawback is that there doesn't seem to be a way to back up the databases you build...if you need to do a hard reset you have to redo all you programming. Major headache...

Registered: Jul 2000
Location:
Posts: 3034

Re: That'd Be a Yes!

quote:

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Originally posted by Keefer Lucas
Yeah, which is a drawback if you are replacing a remote which is lost or broken. I don't understand why they can't include a full library of IR codes right on the module...there is almost 200K of memory available in the module unit.

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