Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Technical Questions The coolest remote ever....

Hi all!
Warning: Fairly long post!

Now that my sound system is completed component-wise, I just HAD to have a new project!

For nearly two years, I have been both very pleased with many control mechanisms (RF remote, squeezebox, 12-v triggers, relays…) because they actually perform some tasks very well and extremely disappointed because they can never do what I really want/need, especially actually talking to each other!

So, obviously, writing my own has been a pet project I have been contemplating for a long while. URC and Phillips Pronto had nice frameworks, but after fighting quite a lot to get proper technical documentation, all solutions that would partially meet my needs were between 3000-4000$. And the key word is partially. I will not go into all the small features that I would like to have (because there are too many and I could live without them so they are a candy, not the motivation), but the main one revolves around playing CDs and SACDs without needing many remotes and remembering 800 numbers (800 as in 800 SACDs, not 1-800 number!). Therefore, the main feature for me is to be able to browse my music collection and whatever gets in the play list gets played by the right device (and controlling vol and tracks with the same remote). All my CDs are digitized and all my SACDs have their CD-layer digitized and the tracks and albums are tagged with the player number, disk number and if it is a multich disk or stereo disk (for those who missed some of my last posts, I have two full 400-SACD changers).

Four stumbling blocks were preventing me to go ahead: 1) I only had 1 SACD changer, so half the disks forced me to get up and move anyway, 2) Proper IR/RS-232 processor; the problems with all the ones I had found until recently were either exceptionally expensive or required “reseller partnerships” for me to get the specs and no tools supplied! 3) lack of small, cheap touch-screen computer running Windows XP or higher. 4) Lack of IR-reception capabilities so I can continue to use my Harmony 890.

Two weeks ago, I discovered the company Global Cache who are offering a very nice 6 IR-ports (which can be configured for either out or IN!!!) and 2 serial ports + some relays (http://www.globalcache.com/products/gc-index.html). Also, that company provides full documentation and even tools such as a CCF code converter! You don't need to prove to them you are a greedy installer. They are quite happy to service HT owners. I had already identified the Archos 9 as a candidate for a remote control (http://www.archos.com/products/nb/archos_9/index.html?country=us&lang=en).

Now, in order for me to have the following:
1) Nice music browser (optimized for classical music) that can be run on any of my computers (and especially on the Archos 9), including a VERY BIG version of "currently playing" that can be used on the PC I have connected to TV as Input 2.

2) A smart “music activity” which can follow the SqueezeBox server playlist and switch disk and tracks on the SqueezeBox receiver and between my 2 SACD changers (and reprogram the D2v to use the surround modes I like for each genre). Mixed playlists may take a while, but even if I am restricted to either CD tracks or single SACD at a time, it will be a HUGE improvement.

3) Ability to control the “smart music activity” though playlist manipulation from my SqueezeBox controller and also from my iPod Touch

4) Ability to continue to use my Harmony 890 if only for volume and transport control

I needed to build a client-server remote control. I have been working on that for nearly 24 hours of work so far (the D2v is now fully controlled and the music browser is also operational, yet requires some more work). The cosmetic are not that great for now; that will come later. To get this project fully deployed, it will take me another 75 hours of intense work. After that, I will probably work on it here and there as a wife-substitute!

I am expecting the IR hardware Friday or Monday the latest (I am currently using a small TCP/IP RS-232 gateway I wrote for the occasion (a big 10 minutes of work!) and running it on my old laptop.


IF YOUR NOT BORED YET, DIAGRAMS AND PICTURES ARE COMING.
First the architecture (don't be worried that I don't realized the scope of the project, I have more than 2.5 millions lines of code behind me, I am used to that level of system!)

Here’s the architecture (I am preparing a case-study so don’t be surprised that the diagram is more complete than I really needed to get started).



The UI is split in three areas (and optimized for the Archos 9 resolution and the size and reach of my hands):
1. The "panel" are following activities and devices (right)
2. A "Zone and Activities" are that never changes (top-left)
3. A "Transport and Media" area which allows control of media (play/pause/stuff + favorites when watching TV)

1. WELCOME SCREEN
That screen is the first to be seen and can be recalled by clicking on the "home" button in the "zone and activities" window.



2. A SAMPLE ACTIVITY
The HDX-1000 device. The "4:3" and "16:9" switches are there to reconfigure the video scaler of the D2v to zoom cleanly in a 4:3 source.



2. ZONE AND ACTIVITIES
That panel never changes form or content.
The "Home" button allows to recall the "Select Activity" panel (which then is added a "BACK" button if no activity change is required).
The "Sax" button leads to a panel listing all the devices (similar to the "Devices" button of a Harmony remote).
The "Setup" leads to client/server configuration.
The "Round" button leads to a "power management" panel combining the "shut off everything", and a "Help" function like the one in Harmony remotes (allowing to re-sync states of the remote server with the actual equipment if discrepencies appear).



3. TRANSPORT CONTROL
That panel changes only when the "fundamental nature" of the activiy changes. There are three different ones identified (only one implemented right now) a) play/stop type of activities b) channel favorities for TV c) Tuner stations and seeking for radio.

The top portion is generic and controls the option and the location.
Top left where it is written "SqueezeBox" is a button showing/selecting the device actually being controlled by the transport buttons (play/pause). In the case of multi-devices activities (music with CDs and SACDs, for example), it allows to switch between the three if no "automatic mode" is provided.

Top right where it is written "Living Room" controls receivers. Pushing the button brings a new allowing to select which zone is to be manipulated by the volume or processor buttons. Ex: In "Living Room", the Anthem Statement D2v is controlled by the volume buttons and the surround modes are the ones matching it. In "Back Room" mode, it is the Onkyo 805 that is controlled and the options available are that one's.

The few buttons in between allows control of the subwoofer (turning it on/off, setting it louder or lowering it to reduce rumble for some recordings. That is a totally new feature that I gain).

The "480i/1080p" controls the input/output for the video processor (always the D2v). I use three different modes and outputs: 1080/24p when source is suitable (called "24p" in this GUI), but it can only be displayed in my living room. 1080/60p is compatible with my Living room and my Office. 1080/60i works also in the back. That used to be a f%$%?ing using the Harmony as it involved holding a button for 2 seconds, then waiting a second, pressing on it once more, and then blindly selecting through a menu (the OSD is not visible when the video output is incorrect)



4. POPUP MENUS
I have a very strick code correspondance between button shapes and how they behave. The "small black rectangles" are straight push buttons. The ones with info in the button and slight greenish all present a popup menu when pressed (context menus, but no right click as it is for touch screens). Here is an example for surround mode (the first items are my personnal "recommendations" and then there are "alternatives"). The list contains only valid items for the source and number of channels.



5. THE MUSIC BROWSER
Not complete, but functional.




YOU CAN NOW WAKE UP!!!!
That's what I've been up to last weekend and a few hours here and there this week. Lots of work, but it is already showing very promising HT comfort!

You're insane.

I love you, man!

I second the insanity label. But at least it's the good, productive, slightly enviable kind of insanity.

Absolutely nutty. But very, very impressive. I have to hand it to you as someone who actually follows through on the sort of thing that I'm always doing eighth-assed job on.

I have to echo everyone else here. That's amazing, and I wish I had the patience and determination to pull off what you're doing with your system.

Nice work Eric, keep it and we will all feel inadequate

I already was.....

Amazing, Eric!

Amazing stuff Eric! I bet you could make some sort of living or at least extra $ putting that type of service to the public. Very impressive!

I agree with everyone else that what your doing is amazing. You lost me after the first couple of paragraphs When are you going on tour to all our houses and do the same thing for us?

uh....do-oh.....I

Man I just don't know what to say except......nope lost it.

Officially speechless.

Got the Archos 9. Too bad I have to be at work this PM!
I will post more it, but possibly in the iPad section.

Absolutely amazing work!

I'm nornmally an automation nut but I bow to the new master. You truly belong at the top of the vocano!!

The Archos 9!
Very pretty. A tad heavy, but not that much considering it IS a full blown computer (not an iFad). Performance is oriented towards graphics. The CPU only rates at 1.3 and memory at 2.3. But the rest is between 3.8 and 4.2, which is quite acceptable.

My app is running quite nicely on it. I had actually got the dimensions right at the pixel! (the task bar is not fixed under Win7, but varies with screen res and Aero options).

I have not played long with. It is sweet as long as applications don't use tiny buttons and controls. Scroll bars are a pain. BUT, I have to admit I haven't looked much to see if things can be configured. The built-in optical mouse (used by moving your tumb over an IR thingy) is not bad at all.

One major design flaw: the power cable is bottom right, preventing to hold the device when plugged in. Since this is not a battery friendly computer (4-5 hours), it is a bit annoying. It will depend a lot on how I finally actually use it.

I did not receive the IR/RS-232 IO controller today. It has been stuck at customs since Tuesday. It better be here on Monday! Part of me is glad it did not arrive today as it will force me to complete the client/server infrastructure and finish the squeezecenter "watchdog" this weekend. I feel like a beer coming...

3 pictures: One with my camera's flash on to see the size (nice and large without being overly so), and two without.





EDIT: Now that I have the device, I will be revisiting buttons placement. I will likely put all "up/down/left/right" + keypads to the right side to be used by the left hand... no, the right one...

That thing is as crazy as its owner.

That thing was so obviously not designed by Apple.

There would be more glassy reflections on black.

Smiling, backing up, nodding, smiling, backing up ...

Wow. That is one complicated home audio/video system you've got their padron.

You demonstrated awesome intelligence in coming up with that ... thing, but even more because you can operate it.

Congratulations. Very impressive.

WHOA!!

And here i thought our last two weeks of a DIY bathroom reno, staying up to 2am for 4 days straight at one point, was intense.

Absolutely love this..

bit lost in the post..but will read and follow. This is ofcourse the coolest remote ever.

Regs,
Avi

Damn, just Dahmn...
I'll definatly be watching this.

Damn it! I just knew you would post pictures and make me want one.

I have been considering using the Archos 9 as a remote as well, not quite to the extent you're using it for though. I was simply thiking of using it to run media monkey and stream the music to an airport express via airfoil, but the few reviews I read all said the archos 9 is very very slow. Can you comment on the speed of the system now that you've played with it? Thanks.

For general-purpose application, it is very slow (cpu rates at 1.3). It was designed for media playing though. If you are not in a hurry (I mean "days"), I do have iTunes and airport express. I can install iTunes to see how it goes (I have 40000+ tracks, so it will be quite a stress test). But when I have time...

For my application, it is performing amazingly well (a bit thanks to Win7). If not in "standby", touching the screen and then a button for my remote is instantaneous. When in standby, it takes only three seconds to wake up and reconnect to my server application.

I do have time and I would greatly appreciate you running such a test. Thank you in advance.

Darn! It is now official that I will not be receiving the GC-100 I/O processor today!
So I am at work (I have my Mondays off) for the afternoon as I will probably have to stay home tomorrow. Grrr. I was actually on a roll to finish the whole scripting/activity/user-feedback sub-system.
On a positive note, I did receive unexpectedly a 100' serial cable from Monoprice so I can manage my Onkyo 805 from my "remote server" too.

a 100' serial cable. Funny how some tech just refuses to die.

Whoa, that's intense. Get this into an iphone/iPad app and I'm in.

I've been using the Promixis software since freeware girder. Global Cache is fantastic hardware for that software. The Promixis software and Global Cache hardware is a fantastic one two punch!

Another worth looking at is Housebot.

http://www.housebot.com

It can also use the Global Cache hardware.

Then there is Cinemar, Charmed Quark and Homeseer.

For the money though the Promixis and Housebot software is hard to beat!

Eric you rock! I was trying to figure out an elegant way of doing exactly what you are and not getting even close to this. Please keep this thread updated with how everything works out. Hope you don’t mind being a guinea pig.

P.S. I wouldn’t call it nuts, just a man on a mission.

"LACHINE, QC, CA 02/02/2010 8:00 OUT FOR DELIVERY"
The GC-100 I/O gateway is coming...

And here I was all happy with my Harmony One.

Sweet setup!

I feel like Lisa in the episode of the Simpson's where she goes to her genius-friend's house. "Here is a ball. The ball bounces!"

AAArrggggg! WHERE IS UPS???

Housebot! I bought that years ago. I thought it went south when Meedio did.

I've also bought Cinemar, and tested Charmed and Quark. They needed to mature back then. Maybe it's time to revisit some of them. GLobal Cache is already on the list for the rack.

They came at 18h06! Pffff.... Too bad, I was supposed to have a quick drink with a pretty lady... had to pospone...
That GC-100 is fairly small... and COLD!
Two pictures before I install it!

That looks very familiar. I have a small version of that sitting in my desk at work.

Correction: I have the box... not a clue where the unit went!

Dude, you ARE obsessed!

Seriously. Who would pass up a drink for audio equipment?

Oh yeah, and a pretty lady too, I guess.

Whoa, no kidding Mark!

[quote=EFalardeau]They came at 18h06! Pffff.... Too bad, I was supposed to have a quick drink with a pretty lady... had to pospone...
Is that the 880 HArmony? I have one of those, dropped the 890 in a glass of pepsi (I know) had to get a 900 the RF range really sucks!

by the way, that would have to be a woman I already knew well over a GC.

Well... Serial ports worked on the first shot... not much surprise.
The IR part... Nothing is working, including their samples and strings copy/pasted from other GC100 users...
I sent an email to their support.
Going off-line for the rest of the evening.
Not a happy camper.

Don't those IR ports act both as inputs and outputs?

I did as well...

And no it's not gone south at all. I thought AOL owned housebot but as it turns out the dev got his code back and has been working on it ever since. Apparently it works like a hot dam if you have windows devices and works fully with the Global Cache hardware. I have yet to try the newer builds as I'm very busy with work these days. I'll load it on my HTC Touchpro 2 when I get a chance.

As for meedio it didn't go south at all man !!!

It's VERY ALIVE and WELL in Meedios form. The deal Meedio LLC signed with AOL was very nice The have full source and have reworked to full legal GPL status I think! And the plug/skin community is just going full tilt! Please take a look! http://www.meedios.com

PS How your Cinemar experience been... it's older underpinnings to JRMC really screwed it up IMHO... I see they have their own music playback and ditched JRMC dependency... smart move LOL

They act IR outputs or digital sensor (you need another box for receiving IR codes). I tried all configurations and all ports...
Waiting for a response from them (not expecting any before this PM).

Well... Since the likely cause of my problems is incorrect codes and that phase II of my setup (which was going to wait next month) involved an IR-receiver and learner, I decided to order them right away (will be here next week). In the meantime, I still have some work to finish the client remote and then I can use a small simulator to finalize the mechanisms of some higher-level algos.

PS How your Cinemar experience been... it's older underpinnings to JRMC really screwed it up IMHO... I see they have their own music playback and ditched JRMC dependency... smart move LOL

I'll check out Meedio and Housebot again thanks!

I bought Cinemar years ago, got some of it running but just always liked the Media CEnter interface the best. Also at the time Mainlobby didn't do TV (integrated). So used Meedio, then all the rest then back to MCE And I thought "HEy anyday now MCE will have lots of automation programs and cable card tuners!" THat was 6 years ago more.... still no great MCE automation, but cable card almost here!

I've used that device in custom installs. I'm not sure what your saying by "digital sensor" and that you need another box to receive IR codes. Not sure what your talking about there... LOL

It can transmit as well as receive on any of the ports though not at the same time. How did you determine the RS232 works LOL I would assume unless it's DOA that all functions work!

PS Did you even order IR receivers/transmitters with it? hint... Xantech make the best IR trans/receivers

This PM I started on my "smart playlist" just in time for the superboll. That's the module that will eventually control my SACD changes and the SqueezeBox through one single playlist.
For now, I just did the part to handle input selection and surround problem based on "genre".
The input selection deals with simulcast issues (watching something while listening to something else). When the "squeezebox" is playing, the pre/pro is reprogrammed for simulcast tv+audio. When I "pause" the player, the audio returns to the cable.
It's working pretty well and sparing me quite a bit of advance remote control handling (ex: to have simulcast with the D2v, you need to press for 2 seconds the video audio and then you have 1 second to select the audio; this has a 50% rate of failure in normal cases and 100% when trying to switch between audio while keep the same video.
I can't wait for when I can also control the SACD players!

Super... boll.

Is that some kind of big cotton seed or something?

I have to share this "great" customer support experience I am having with Global Caché (13 days and counting) and then I'll follow with the 30 minutes I spent with Zektor's customer support and the information I got.

First, my request started with the following:


I later added to that post (the day after) that I did manage to make one code work electrically, but not through the blaster and that what I really needed to know is if my getting the IR Learner would solve my problem.

Five days later, I received:


Good start! So I replied, politely but with a clear indication that a 5 seconds effort on his part might be required:



Fours days later:



Humph...



Last night (another four days later), I finally received:



What the...??? Let's just say that I was a lot less polite and USING CAPS A LOT, in my replies.

AS A COMPLETE CONTRAST: 5-6 days after my initial post, I actually went back to try it again on my own. But then I found CCF files supplied by Zektor (my analog/digital cross-connect). I downloaded them and coverted the codes using a series of tools) some from RemoteCentral and some from Global Cache. Unsurprisingly, they did not work.

BUT, since they provide the codes, I decided to try their support (their products are expensive enough to warrant requests for information). Within 10 minutes, I received an email telling me that I should use the ".TXT" file they provide on their website (I had missed it) as Phillips constantly changes subtle encodings (to protect their database from IR-codes thieves) so unless you are using tools made specifically for my version of Pronto Edit, codes will likely fail.

I downloaded the text file. My zektor works great when connected electrically to the GC-100... AND ALSO WORKS FILE with the IR blasters supplied with the box AND with the IR blasters currently in use with my Harmony Blaster.

Two more exchanges of emails confirmed that some products DO support more codes electrically or are less picky with preamble and suffixes...

13 days, 3 messages asking for information already supplied or proposing solutions that do not exist or are impractical.

30 minutes, 4 messages and I have both a working Zektor switch AND the answer to my fundamental question: YES, the IR learner WILL solve my problem!

I thank the guy profusely. I did NOT tell Global Cache as I want their support resolving this issue, not Zektor's...

How much are you getting paid for this install, again?

My salary is... the remote itself!

I have so far put around 75 hours of programming, 20 hours of IR codes hunting (which turns out to have been time wasted) and 10 hours of composer image hunting.

I am about 60-70% done (5% base coding + 10-15% IR reception + many hours ajusting timings for "blind" SACD player control).

I will try to gather some screen captures soon.

EDIT: Adjusted % after I remembered the eventual "IR in" side of the remote server.

More importantly how much are you going to be charging others.

Forum discount?

Forum discount + a handicapped discount?

There are quite a few disabled buttons depending on the network's status.

We don't use that kind of language here. It's a 'discount for the uniquely abled.'

You mean, the code should read:
void OnStatusChange()
{
ConnectButton.UniquelyAbled = !Network.IsConnected;
}

You guys are some of the kindest people one could ever meet online; we have a great "community" here.

I don't get this "you need another box for receiving IR codes". All you need is to set port to receive and plug an IR sensor into the port. Best sensors in my experience are the Xantech units. They are not a very expensive item at about $50 bucks each or there abouts. The IR transmitters are very cheap and can be purchased in packs that work out to about $5 each. The Dinky Link units are great for LCD and CFL lighting and have incredible reception meaning you can point the remote just about anywhere in the room and it will pick up the signal. Much better than any factory receiver I've ever seen in a device.

http://www.xantech.com/Infrared/Infrared/

Hi All,

I have been running with a Blu-Link remote for a few weeks now and it does the trick. It handles 6 devices (including the PS3). There's no macro support, but it does the trick of cutting 6 remotes down to one and handles teh IR as well as the Bluetooth with the PS3.

It cost around $90AUD, so pretty cheap too (by comparison).

Aaahhhh! I received the "IR learner" this PM and within 2 hours only I had scanned all my remotes (sometimes through the Harmony 890 to get the discrete codes for on/off of input selection missing on the orginal remotes). It took a while longer to get things to actually worked.

It was a bit discouraging until I realized the three devices that were working were the ones where the blaster is glued to the receiver (because of cross-product interference). The GC-100 seems to be very low powered (hence their offering of a "sold-separately" super blaster ). It looks a bit bad now because my older blasters don't stick anymore so good old (but visible) scotch tape had to be used!

So I am now using my remote network for everything now! Channel switching is 1.25 seconds compared to 12 seconds with 890... Not bad... During the weekend I will complete the SACD playing and split the equipment panels (which currently have ALL the remote buttons) into "normal" and "advanced" tabs to make it nicer looking.

And then, after three weeks of back-order, I should receive the IR extender to receive the IR codes and also two clever sensors they sell (not cheap! ) allowing to use composite signals as sensors. That way, I will be able to detect the state of the PS3 and of one other device for which I only have power toggle. If they perform great, I might eventually use more than two, but at 60$ a piece... they are pushing it a bit...

Anyway! At last, getting to move forward on this!

That is satisfying... I thought that after the weekend (3 days as I am off Monday), I would have SACD playing synchronized with SqueezeCenter, but only playing "whole disks" with possibly "skipping tracks"... Well, after four hours of work tonight, I have more than 80% fully working.

I have loaded a playlist with a mixed of CD tracks (scanned on file server and played through sqzBox), SACD works (single tracks, or multiple tracks) or either and both of my 400-SACD disk changer... And it works. Whenever an SACD is about to play, the player is powered up if it is not already (squeezecenter is "paused" while this is happening and all play/pause/stop are rejected), the proper disk is selected if it is not already, the proper program is selected on the pre/pro (I use different settings if the disk is multi-channel, stereo-solo or duo and stereo-larger ensemble) and the correct track is selected. On track change in SqueezeCenter, if it is not contiguous (on the same disk), the new track is selected... and so on!

Apart from a .5 seconds discrepency between the disk "playing" in squeezecenter (the CD-side of the SACD) which cannot be helped, it works fine! So I will spend the weekend building "smart" algorithms trying to "prepare" the players in advance (now it has to power and select disk when it is about to play) and maybe even insert a bank of "in between CD tracks" to be inserted automatically when I build the playlist.

The only "oops" is "track skipping" with contiguous tracks. Since the track increases+1, the soft thinks it is a normal transition and let it the SACD continue without change. There is a "jump+1" message from SqueezeCenter so I will be OK, but it is those small glitches I still need to iron out.

Now the REAL fun begins!

I think I'm going to have to visit you to see this system in action after you're done getting it to where you want it. Is this the new get-together destination, everyone?

I think so. It will be a sight to behold when it is 100% functional. At least until I get there with my E.M.P. device.
Muuhuuhhhahahahah

Quick update on this (before I announce I am moving to Siberia to spare me the threat of visitors! ).

I have now used my new fully functional "Smart Playlist" and it is hard to remember life before that! Apart from a few glitches here and there once or twice per evening (none in the past two days), it is working well beyond my hopes. I was aiming for that, but I was really afraid as manually (and using the Harmony 890's jukebox functions), my rate of success was less than 50%. Now it's 100%.

Since Tuesday, I don't even check what is going on. I just build my playlist and start reading or watch hockey in simulcast and just enjoy the music, regardless if it CD or SACD. I have implemented all the "look ahead" functions so sometimes I build my playlist to swap neatly between players to avoid waiting 30 seconds between disk changing once in a while, but I don't bother anymore. Optimization happens if it can happen, otherwise, 30 seconds is not enough to make me worry about it (I do have an "Optimize" to move things around if I feel like pressing it when I build the playlist).

NOW TODAY!

I used the IR-learner connected to my second GC-100's serial port (that one a 6") and it only took me a few hours to have a fully integrated RF Harmonry 890. The IR-learner is not as good as the IR-extender because it takes about a second to "optimize" the IR and often sends 2-3 codes to the computer using different carriers when the signals are too short for their algo to be certain. So there is a small sluggishness for now, but it is only noticeable when using cursor keys.

To problem my "CEF Remote" activity, I added a "dummy" device (one that I knew had a huge number of discrete codes), frequently referred to here as a "Denon 3808" :). Then I created an "FM Radio" activity and mapped 6 pages of buttons (8 per-page) containing all the unary operations of the remote server. Works great!

I'm pretty close to be done with functionality and then I should be able to take a few pictures and prepare screen shots tomorrow or Monday.

I'm going to put a GC-18 in my rack when I get done with the speakers and servers, now I just need a remote I like with the feedback from the gear ... All have good parts but none have it all ,,, well at least the harmony's .. which have the best interface .. tried them all 880, 890, one or two before that, 900, 1100 and the ? Masster something 500

The GC are neat little things. You do have to pay attention to a few things, notably that the IR blasters coming with the units are so low powered that you have to stick them to the receiver. But you can buy 60$ "power blasters" to compensate. Almost everything requires some "upgrades". The final bill is OK (compared to others), but it is not as compelling as the base unit cost indicates.

BUT, you cannot accuse them of false publicity as they clearly show ALL their gadgets being required for basic setups!
Overall, I like them because they publish their APIs unlike so many other I/O processors that require being a "certified installers".

Updates: Getting closer to the end. I have received, two weeks ago, two composite sensors so my CableBox and my HDX1000 media tank have power sensing. I also managed to put my hands on a third SACD jukebox, so I'm set for a long, long time if for ever. I can't believe the amount of disks I re-listen to because I can pick tracks here and there instead of having to commit (because of the effort involved) to whole disks or close to whole disks.

Anyhow, I will soon put together a PowerPoint presentation (which will be available on my web-site) as many (not necessirily from this forum ) are interested in seeing the result... but I don't want them in my appartment!

In the meantime, here are five pictures:

1. The two composite sensors and the IR receiver shown with the Harmony IR Blaster so my RF Harmony 890 can send commands to remote server



2. The Archos 9 on its support. It feels like a Star Trek command console!



3. The three SACD players.



4. Picture of the D2v's front panel. This is just to show that I frequently use the OSD to indicate track changes and provide feedback from RF remote. In this case, the top left corner shows that the sound is coming from disk #191 from C player and it is a multi-channel disk.



5. The same remote software running on my old laptop in the back room. Notice the clever use of the Axiom mini-mouse!

Something you said, since I don't listen to CD's anymore, I just listen to a track and move on. I don't know if that's good or bad?