Author Topic: What is the best Remote  (Read 5123 times)

PreDeToR_

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What is the best Remote
« on: August 11, 2011, 07:35:34 pm »
Hi Guys

I have been following the project for a while, I played a little bit with 0704 and finally last week installed 0810 on my system and started playing with it.

I am running a very basic install. Which is currently more a Media centre than a Automation system.
I am also still using a keyboard and mouse to control the system.

What I would like to know is what do you guys suggest to use to control the system for the best user experience.

Would a simple air mouse work, or is it suggested to rather go for a gyration remote.

I had a look at the gyration remote, but it seems to no longer be in production.

Any help/information/suggestion would be greatly appreciated.

bongowongo

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Re: What is the best Remote
« Reply #1 on: August 11, 2011, 08:04:53 pm »
An android tablet

seth

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Re: What is the best Remote
« Reply #2 on: August 11, 2011, 08:25:28 pm »
 :)

I second the android tablet. Orbiter is free. You bring hardware.

But if your bound to want a "clicker", the MCE Remotes, found on ebay for >$20 work great too. (The silver ones)

If you have an iPhone/iPod Touch/or an iPad , they work well with the free Roaming Orb orbiter or the newly release Dianemo orbiter. (Free in App Store)

Welcome aboard. Once you get on, you'll never get off.   ;)

Best Regards,

Seth
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PreDeToR_

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Re: What is the best Remote
« Reply #3 on: August 11, 2011, 08:43:25 pm »
Any suggestions on a model?

purps

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Re: What is the best Remote
« Reply #4 on: August 11, 2011, 10:52:32 pm »
You can't beat a Nokia N800 in my opinion (it has proper orbiter software written for it), and I use Android tablets and phones also which are brilliant as well.

Cheers,
Matt.
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my setup :: http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php/User:Purps

davegravy

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Re: What is the best Remote
« Reply #5 on: August 12, 2011, 02:10:29 am »
I bought an EKEN M006 for $120 or so and while it runs the orbiter software, the touch-responsiveness is slow as molasses. I'm guessing that's due to the resistive screen (vs capacitive) and other cheapo hardware inside. It makes a better door stop than an orbiter.

Can anyone recommend an Android tablet for use as a dedicated orbiter? One that offers a good and snappy orbiter experience? I don't want to spend $500 for one of the newer ones. Maybe I'll just have to wait for prices to fall.

purps

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Re: What is the best Remote
« Reply #6 on: August 12, 2011, 10:12:38 am »
See my post, #103 http://forum.linuxmce.org/index.php/topic,10811.90.html

Things do improve when using a faster, more expensive device with a capacitive screen, but it will never be as good as a "proper" orbiter. FYI I use an HTC Desire HD (my mobile phone) and also a 100 quid 7" tablet, and there is a huge amount of difference between the two, but I still think the N800 is better than the Desire HD.

Cheers,
Matt.
1004 RC :: looking good :: upgraded 01/04/2013
my setup :: http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php/User:Purps

Marie.O

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Re: What is the best Remote
« Reply #7 on: August 12, 2011, 01:43:39 pm »
I've used n800, n810 and n900 - all have a problem of screen size imho.

I've used WebDT and cheapo Android - nice screen size, but the webdt has battery problems, and the Android tablet just sucks due to its slowness and built quality.

I got me an iPad2 two, three weeks ago - and have been using ever since. SWMBO likes it much better than any of the other remotes. Yep, it is more expensive, but SWMBOs love it.

totallymaxed

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Re: What is the best Remote
« Reply #8 on: August 12, 2011, 02:03:17 pm »
I've used n800, n810 and n900 - all have a problem of screen size imho.

I've used WebDT and cheapo Android - nice screen size, but the webdt has battery problems, and the Android tablet just sucks due to its slowness and built quality.

I got me an iPad2 two, three weeks ago - and have been using ever since. SWMBO likes it much better than any of the other remotes. Yep, it is more expensive, but SWMBOs love it.

I 100% agree with you... our customers universally say the same thing. The iPad1 or iPad2 are by far the best Orbiter platform currently from every angle - battery life is fantastic, screen is large, bright & clear, performance is excellent... and the Orbiter works well alongside all of the other Apps they may already be using or want to use.

Lets face it in most cases its the SWMBO who actually makes the decision... :-)

Andrew
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davegravy

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Re: What is the best Remote
« Reply #9 on: August 12, 2011, 03:19:25 pm »
See my post, #103 http://forum.linuxmce.org/index.php/topic,10811.90.html

Things do improve when using a faster, more expensive device with a capacitive screen, but it will never be as good as a "proper" orbiter. FYI I use an HTC Desire HD (my mobile phone) and also a 100 quid 7" tablet, and there is a huge amount of difference between the two, but I still think the N800 is better than the Desire HD.

Cheers,
Matt.

Thanks for that. So is the qorbiter by golgoj4 native or just another proxy orbiter?

PreDeToR_

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Re: What is the best Remote
« Reply #10 on: August 12, 2011, 03:49:47 pm »
Wow, thanks for all the replies, and information guys.....

Just a quick question, would I be able to test it on my iphone3g?

What is the install process for ipad/iphone ?

Cause then I can atleast test it without having to buy the ipad, which does sound like a good idea :)

Marie.O

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Re: What is the best Remote
« Reply #11 on: August 12, 2011, 07:22:30 pm »
If you have an existing LinuxMCE installation, go to the AppStore and search for Dianemo, and install it.

After that make sure, you have your core setup according to the iOS orbiter page in the wiki.

I have tested an iPod Touch 1st gen. While it works, it has a problem with the screen resolution, which is too small, imho.

totallymaxed

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Re: What is the best Remote
« Reply #12 on: August 12, 2011, 08:52:19 pm »
Wow, thanks for all the replies, and information guys.....

Just a quick question, would I be able to test it on my iphone3g?

What is the install process for ipad/iphone ?

Cause then I can atleast test it without having to buy the ipad, which does sound like a good idea :)

Sure... follow Posde's recommendation and your all set. The iOS Orbiter will look better on an iPad but will work ok on the iPhone or iPod (the resolution on iPhone4 & iPod4G are better though).

All the best

Andrew
Andy Herron,
CHT Ltd

For Dianemo/LinuxMCE consulting advice;
@herron on Twitter, totallymaxed+inquiries@gmail.com via email or PM me here.

Get Dianemo-Rpi2 ARM Licenses http://forum.linuxmce.org/index.php?topic=14026.0

Get RaspSqueeze-CEC or Raspbmc-CEC for Dianemo/LinuxMCE: http://wp.me/P4KgIc-5P

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http://www.dianemo.co.uk