Learning Remote Control
The learning remote control is THE
solution to integrating all elements of home theater and creating an
incredible experience. You may or may not have seen a
learning remote control before. They look like something out
of Star Trek with the technology to match. Learning remote
controls are sometimes referred to as programming remote controls
because they can be programmed to do far more than a conventional
universal remote control. These little devices are incredible
and can reduce the number of remote controls to your home theater
system down to one.
Learning
Like universal
remote controls, learning remote
controls come
preprogrammed with the protocols or codes of a wide array of devices
from various manufacturers. One of the problems with
universal remote controls is that if the protocol is not already loaded
for a specific device, then you will not be able to use the remote
control with it. This is where the learning remote control
and the universal begin to part ways. This stumbling block
for the universal remote control is the essence of the learning
counterpart. The term "learning" is used because the remote
control can assimilate the protocols of devices that are not among
those that were preprogrammed. The new protocol is added to
the list of preprogrammed codes and the learning remote control is then
able to interface with the device.
Adaptability
The adaptability that is inherent in
these devices also prolongs their usability. Let's say you
just purchased a new DVD player from your favorite manufacturer and it
uses a different protocol than their previous DVD players.
With the universal remote control, you are out of luck. You
will be forced to use the remote control that came with the DVD
player. This defeats the purpose of owning a universal remote
control. However, with a learning remote control this is not
the end of the story. Just upload the new protocol and you
are ready to go. As technology changes, your learning remote
control will be able to avoid becoming obsolete for a longer period of
time than a conventional remote control.
Beyond Home Theater
The learning remote control is not
limited to interfacing with only home theater components. In Home
Theater Lighting Control: Beyond the Light
Switch, the possibilities of
controlling your home
theater's lighting were touched upon. Other devices, from
remote controlled window blinds to ceiling fans can be interfaced
through this one learning remote control.
Macros
If those features weren't enough to get
you excited, then the macros will get your mouth watering.
Macros are programmable routines that you can store on your learning
remote control. These programs can take multiple step
processes and reduce them to the single touch of a button.
When one of your friends tries to use you home theater system, you
usually have to walk them through the process of turning on all of the
equipment, setting the receiver to the proper setting for your DVD
player, changing the TV to video mode, etc., etc. All of this
can be programmed into a single button by using a macro. You
press the button and your home theater comes to life and is ready to
start the movie. Your home theater lighting and other
functions can be incorporated into these functions as well.
This would allow you to dim the lights in addition to setting all of
the home theater equipment into movie watching mode.
Additional Learning
Remote Control Features
When selecting which home theater
learning remote control to purchase look for the number of macros that
are available to program. Backlit screens are invaluable
since many learning remote controls use touch screens to relay
information to you. The backlight will let you see the
various functions in the dark. Make sure that the screen's
light has an automatic on/off function so that it does not disturb you
and the rest of the audience during the movie. Also look for
how many solid buttons there are and how many touch screen buttons it
has. You also need to pay attention to the infrared (IR)
frequencies the learning remote control supports. Some very
high-end home theater equipment use different frequencies than are
typical for the rest of the industry. If you own such
components, make sure the learning remote you select can interface with
your devices.
Learning Remote Control:
Final Thoughts
Learning remote controls have a serious
price tag but with that price tag come phenomenal features.
These devices are for those who are serious about home
theater. The adaptability, longevity, and convenience a
learning remote control can provide works to simplify the complicated
world that is home theater.
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