Re: Easytouch 35 IR/X10 remote - opinions?

[ian.bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Hi Gary

I bought one from these guys a couple of days ago. Ordered over the Web and
after asking a question it arrived next day as promised. There were no
batteries included so I raided my stocks of triple A and we were off. I
have only had it for two days and have not looked at macros yet and
probably won't as I don't need them.

IR
The touchscreen has a nice blue backlight but the icons are pre-set and you
choose the most appropriate for your application (not always easy). I have
a Sony TV and Sony DVD where I use the supplied configuration without
problems. There are a couple of functions for the TV that I have learnt
onto spare keys but nothing major. I also have a DigiFusion hard disk
recorder which was more of a challenge. For a start I had to learn all the
keys as it was not supported out of the box. I then had to span the
functions of the recorder over the VCR and Cable functions as there is no
support for the coloured keys as in Teletext. The recorder uses these a lot
e.g. press green to record etc. This has proven the biggest challenge and I
have a cheat sheet selotaped to the back for when I forget.

When using the IR you have to keep your finger on the button just a smidge
longer than is natural but this is no big deal once you are used to it. It
is also quite directional as in you have to point it quite accurately. Not
as good as my Sony remotes (any vague direction will do) but better than
the DigiFusion remote (which should be sold with telescopic sights) and
perfectly useable if all the kit is in one place. Again not as powerful as
a Pronto which is amazing.
Finally there is no backlight on the rubber keys making it tricky to use in
the dark. I'll probably get better at this over time though.

X10
This works but is limited to one house code. The strength is not brilliant
and if the receiver is in another room you may have problems. Mine is a
juggle and it works when sitting in the sofa but not when I am in front of
the TV about 10 feet further away. The receiver is in the hall.

Conclusion.
Works well enough for me with some quirks and a cheat sheet and pretty good
value for money. It would not pass SWMBO approval as it is not intuitive
enough (i.e. blindingly obvious). No Pronto replacement but I don't knock
it off the arm of the chair like I do my Pronto as it is narrower so horses
for courses.

You pays your money and takes your chances.

Ian




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"garygfx"
<garygfx@xxxxxxx
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13/12/2004 14:36
Please respond to
ukha_d

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To:       ukha_d@xxxxxxx                                 =

cc:       (bcc: Ian Bird/CV/Novartis)                            =

Subject:  [ukha_d] Easytouch 35 IR/X10 remote - opinions?        =

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I noticed this remote is on offer for =A330+vat:
http://www.simplyautomate.co.uk/productDisplay.asp?prodId=3D4524

Has anyone got one and can you recommend it? I already have all-in-1
remotes that do RF and X10 (but not Sky) but the Easytouch looks
useful because of the programmable touchscreen keys.

Is it any good? (I can't afford a Pronto!). I like the idea of
macros so I can turn on/off lots of devices with one keypress. The
manual suggests X10 cannot be included in a macro - is that true?

Thanks,
Gary.