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Sky Remote "Converter Box" Repeater Idea


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Old 25-01-2006, 10:33
paulgregory
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I have an idea, and I'd like to know if it has been done.

There are regularly threads asking for Sky remote codes, sometimes also asking to control home entertainment kit.

The Sky remote is pleasant to use and is probably the most universally understood remote.

Other learning programmable remotes are available, which can learn the codes for practically anything. But most people still want to be able to at least use the Sky remote to control the volume.

Now, there are many video senders and tv link devices that enable me to point a Sky remote at a sensor in another room and change the Sky channel, by repeating the signal.

Imagine if there was a box that you could program to listen for one code (ie some TV remote code that is available on the Sky remote), but would then output a different infra-red signal (ie the learnt volume up code for the desired device).

The two key parts are "listen for IR, send IR command" and "send learnt command". I can easily buy devices that do each part for about £30, but am unaware of anything that brings the two functions together.

I think this would be really useful - what do you think? Has anyone seen this available anywhere?
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Old 25-01-2006, 13:41
Astaroth
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No, never heard of such a device but I am not sure it would really have that much appeal.

How do you anticipate "programming" it? Pointing the "sending" remote and pressing button A and then pointing the "receiving devices" remote and pressing its button A? or would you require them to "know the code"? There are already learning remotes which learn using both methods - surely it is just a case of forming a learning remote to the shape of a Sky remote rather than creating another box of tricks.
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Old 25-01-2006, 15:32
paulgregory
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Originally Posted by Astaroth
How do you anticipate "programming" it? Pointing the "sending" remote and pressing button A and then pointing the "receiving devices" remote and pressing its button A?
Pretty much, yeah. Switch the box into learning mode and teach it the signal to recognise and the signal(s) to send.

Originally Posted by Astaroth
surely it is just a case of forming a learning remote to the shape of a Sky remote rather than creating another box of tricks.
Well that would of course work, and I have considered gutting a Sky remote and wedging a cheap learning remote into it. I'd put the learning bit where the red light is now.

But I think this other solution has some merit, to the point where it feels like something that should already exist. I don't know exactly what it would be called, so I've not been able to find one.

Some other scenarios that would benefit from the Box Of Tricks method:[list][*]When you get a Sony TV remote that also has VCR buttons, but you don't have a Sony VCR.[*]When you want to teach one Sky remote to work the bedroom TV, but still be able to use that to change volume in the living room (yes, 2 Sky remotes is the usual solution).[*]When you want to give your gran/child a simple remote control, but one that they can't accidentally reset like most learning remotes.[*]When you really like the remote from your old dead set. (ok, this one's a stretch).[*]Any situation where a remote has the tantalising ability to control some other device but annoyingly you don't have full control over what that that other device is.[/list]
I don't expect this to have wide appeal, but there are many specialist products/solutions that fall into that bracket.
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Old 25-01-2006, 15:42
Astaroth
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There may be some mileage in the idea but I dont think it will make you your millions - thought I could be wrong (even if it hasnt happened before )

Are people really that connected to a certain remote design though? I agree that certainly people like the convenience of a one remote does all the basic/ everyday functions and that there are some terrible remotes which no one will like but I would think that most people wouldnt necessarily consider a box which allows them to retain their current remote over a well designed "all in one" type remote - esp as some of these new remotes are much more "stylish" than the brick of plastic which the units original remote was.
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