Add IR remote control to your USB computer
Written: Aug 25 '01 (Updated Sep 29 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Works as advertised, easy to install and set up, JVC remote compatible
Cons: Pricey, wish I could use it with my iPod
The Bottom Line: If you want IR remote control for your USB computer, buy it. Now. And play!
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| Jaharmi's Full Review: Keyspan Digital Media Remote |
I picked up the Keyspan DMR at the Apple Store in Tyson's Corner, VA. I was passing through on a road trip, and had to stop at the place -- and having stopped there, felt compelled to buy something.
I chose the DMR because of it's cool-factor, its usefulness, and its low price in comparison to everything else in the store.
However, I would still consider the item pricey in relation to its functionality.
The device itself consists of two pieces. Both are made of white plastic that is semi-transparent.
One is a small remote control, about the size of a credit card. The remote has 19 buttons, although there is apparently an older 17 button version that lacks a Mute button.
The second piece is a small sensor that attaches to a Macintosh or Windows computer with a short USB cable. The cable is about 2 feet long, and is a USB A to B cable. The B end plugs into the DMR sensor, the A plugs into a hub or other "normal" USB port. The sensor has a red LED inside its front face, and that LED indicates when the sensor has received information. The sensor also has a notch molded into it, so you can set the remote in it for desktop storage.
The important part of the device, though, is the software that interprets the signals. The software is preset with application settings for various applications, including Apple's iTunes and QuickTime Player software, so that it can be used out of the box. The buttons on the remote are mapped to the correct functions for these programs. Essentially, the software makes the device emulate keyboard shortcuts.
This is also what lets you use it for presentations, but I haven't done that. Having used remote mice before (like the GyroPoint II), I can appreciate that the DMR would be easier to set up and deal with for a PowerPoint presentation.
One of the cool predefined Mac shortcuts is that one button does Command-Tab, so you can use it to switch applications remotely.
Anyway, the software can also be used with universal remote controls, or any remote that can be set to "JVC" mode. I didn't know about this until I talked with Keyspan's booth staff at Macworld Expo NYC 2001. However, the gentleman I spoke with there demoed this capability and it worked. You do have to change one or more settings in the DMR control software to set this up, but it's mostly trivial. I need to try it myself when I get a chance, because my main purpose for this device is to control the MP3 playback on a computer I hooked to my stereo system. It would be great to use a single universal remote for all of those functions!
Another trick I want to try is setting it up to use IR commands from OmniRemote on my Palm IIIx. OmniRemote is a universal remote control program that harnesses the IR port on Palm devices; it's from Pacific Neo-Tek. (I use it to cause mischief in conference rooms during meetings: "Hey, why did the TV just turn on?") I think it would be cool to have my Palm controlling iTunes on my Mac.
Anyway, the DMR is a niche product, but does what it advertises and does it well. Its also flexible enough to do more, and Keyspan appears to have done a nice job on making it extensible. While I wish the price were lower, it's nearly the only game in town, so if you want to add IR to a USB-based computer, you pay the premium.
Update: I talked with Keyspan staff at a MacWorld Expo, and you can use any remote that can mimic JVC remote codes. You enable this in the Keyspan DMR software on your computer. I have not done this, but it's a nice option.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 50
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Epinions.com ID:
Jaharmi
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Member: Jeremy Reichman
Location: Rochester, NY, USA
Reviews written: 27
Trusted by: 3 members
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