Article: RedEye WiFi To Infrared Bridge Review

[silverlight]

I recently bought this system a little while back to control 5 devices in a closet feeding TV's in 3 different rooms. can walk around and control everything from the iphone. latency is surprisingly low. Put the main unit in the AV gear closet/cabinets behind closed doors and put a IR repeater next to it (also have one in each room to use physical remotes) and the signals are then passed along to the gear (and added repeaters to the TV's in each of the rooms, etc.). The only downside which was pointed out in the review is the router re-boot issue (needing to power recycle the redeye to get it to connect again), and the occasional latency on the first IR command (if running macros, I send the first command twice).

[ted_b]

about one thing: what is the "turn off wifi after you're done using this" portion of the video all about? In what scenario would one need to turn off wi-fi (not good for me cuz I use the iPod touch and/or iPad for iTunes/Pure Music use, etc)?<br />

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Also, I called Thinkflood about a couple issues. I am a longtime Pronto remote user and wanted to know about other bitmap support (for non-standard tv channel icons, activity icons, etc.). They said they are adding standard tv icons to their db all the time, and thinking about user-provided bitmaps later down the road. Also, true native iPad support is coming in a couple months, too (i.e not just 2x iphone display resizing).

[The Computer Audiophile]

Hi Ted - I think you're just talking about the setup portion of the video. Once RedEye is on your network there is no need to adjust your WiFi settings or turn it off (or Airplane mode).

[ted_b]

app take you in setting up the skeleton system (naming devices, rooms, etc) before it needs a purchased RedEye dock or mini to get to more detail or access the online databases (i.e can any work be done as one waits for the hardware to arrive, or more appropriately, get an idea of the flexibility or lack thereof before purchase)?

[The Computer Audiophile]

Hi Ted - The free app will take you nowhere. Without hardware the app can't be setup at all (I believe).

[jimim]

all I got to say is iRule. Free app for the iPhone and iPad. The builder is web based and is 52 dollars for as many iDevices as you would like. The control is from global cache, ir to ip or serial to ip control.<br />

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you can custom design from the ground up. make links to pages. gestures. macros. custom buttons or use the library which uses add to. you search for devices from their online library which the users again build on. if a device isn't in there they can be learned right through the global cache unit. if you use the new iTach unit the learner is built right in. oh ya you can add url's to the setup also so u can control web based controls without leaving iRule.<br />

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i can go on and on. i love it. serial control is wicked quick. right now there is only 1 way control but the developer is working very hard on 2 way. he also just added the ability to repeat commands if needed for those harder to learn devices.<br />

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check it out. seriously it is the best remote i have ever used.<br />

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i have nothing to do with iRule I found it on my own. i was going to go the redeye route but why use point and shoot when u can go ip based.<br />

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i'll try to answer any questions!<br />

<br />

jim

[The Computer Audiophile]

Hi Jim - RedEye is IP based as the ir transceiver has an IP address on the network. There is no point and shoot necessary. I'll checkout iRule again, thanks for reminding me :~)

[dallasjustice]

The most robust system that I could find. Gotta have RS232. IR is too slow; macros and volume control are very difficult to manage with IR.<br />

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[The Computer Audiophile]

Hi Dallas - Can you elaborate on that a bit? IR being too slow and macros & volume control being difficult to manage with IR.<br />

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I'm honestly interested in your experience on this. Thanks :~)

[dallasjustice]

I am not affiliated with iRule. i am just a lawyer that loves music and technology. <br />

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I have been using iRule for almost a year now. It works via TCP/IP protocol with a Global Cache device. The GC device then converts the TCP/IP into IR or RS232. Of course you can bypass the GC device and use set up a gateway directly with your computer. <br />

<br />

IR is is problematic because it seems like the IR emitter sometimes gets moved off direct contact with the component IR receiver or the little IR wire gets pinched somewhere in the wire jungle behind my a/v rack; who knows what. The bottom line is that IR is cool at first, but will not hold up over time. Most high-end audio components have RS232 ports that can send and receive data at much faster speeds than IR. <br />

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Macros are also a problem for IR if you have two or three IR device. You have to make sure to setup the macro so that there's enough delay so that the relay device (in my case the GC device) can keep up with transmitting the signal. Even if you can do it correctly, there are the aforementioned inconsistencies that go along with IR. It gets even more tricky when setting up a macro with a mixture of IR and network or RS232 commands.<br />

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Volume repeating is also a big problem with IR because you have to figure out the exact pace to repeat. That is, you must figure out the exactly correct delay so that the IR signal doesn't get backed up which would result in IR repeating signals long after you take your finger off of the button.<br />

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Finally, IR is one-way and RS232 is two-way; I wish Itai Bengal would work a little quicker on getting the long anticipated two-way feature working.<br />

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I will say that iRule is not for everyone. You have to feel very comfortable with programming the codes and IR codes or much more difficult than RS232 codes. You can learn IR codes with the newer iTach GC models but its still a laborious process. <br />

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I hope I answered some of your questions. <br />

<br />

Will you be giving any presentations at RMAF?

[The Computer Audiophile]

Hi DallasJustice - Excellent, thanks for the info. That's exactly what I was looking for :~)<br />

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Of course I'll be doing seminars at RMAF. I'm scheduled to opne the show with David Solomon from Peachtree Audio. We will be talking about high end computer audio on a budget. I'm also scheduled to close the show with a two hour computer audio Q&A, just me and everyone's questions. I'll have a laptop there and it will be connected to a large screen so I can show people whatever they need as well.<br />

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Should be fun. Mak sure to say hi if we cross paths :~)

[almaatakz]

Thank you, Chris! A timely and excellent review of a very interesting device. <br />

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Some additional comments:<br />

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- I understand it has to be set-up using teh ipod/iphone. there is no option to set it up using a computer (with easier manipulation from keyboard and mouse and bigger screen) and then download teh config tot he ipod/iphone. correct? if so, I would add that it would have been nice to ahve this option, especially that the app and it's set-up is likely to get more comlex as it develops and becomes more advanced<br />

<br />

- I also understadn that the button layout is limited to square buttons of one certain size and spaces/grid between teh buttons is also fixed? if so, would be nice to be able to change the size of buttons (e.g. if I want a button to have a longer text) and have at least some choice of button shapes and a customisable grid.<br />

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- on a slightly different note: what would be really nice is to have an IR tranceiver built into ipods/iphones/ipads (how hard can it be!?) and have a choice of good *advaced* remote control apps fully integrating itunes control (playlists, artists etc) with the control of the rest of hifi (IR and WiFi). that would be really cool!<br />

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[jimim]

my bad. . . i thought it used that dock as a huge blaster to hit all the IR devices. <br />

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I think what makes iRule such a huge benefit in the home media area is the use of IP control also which is so common now on pre/pro's and bluray and other media devices. even for control of say a computer windows home media through keyboard control.<br />

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it's really amazing all the applications for it. if you have a pc you don't even need a global cache box. you can use the pc as a gateway for control.<br />

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i don't do use it this way cause i on;y have mac's but alot of people on avs are.<br />

<br />

jim

[jimim]

i hear ya. i love having rs232 control on my nuvo grand. i have all commands for various vol levels. it makes it nice for outdoor use being there is no 2way control yet. it is blazing fast!<br />

<br />

jimi

[jimim]

I can say from talking with Itai that 2way is in the works but you have to remember like he said, every manufacturer implements 2way diff and that is what is making it hard. it might work with one piece of equipment and not another. <br />

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i am sure he is working as quick as possible on it. i mean look at the 7 diff updates to address new wants and fixes over the past months.

[jimim]

I can answer these for you:<br />

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1. irule is web based builder you build on the web and then hit synch on the idevice and your setup is updated. this can now be done on 3g also.<br />

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2. like i said in my first post your imagination is your limit. you can use photoshop to make any kind of buttons you want. itai has a set database you can use and all us users share our stuff we have made over the years. anything goes for layouts. blank canvas.<br />

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[ted_b]

I am a veteran Pronto user (first TSU6000 and now TSU9400) but have my ipod (or iPad) next to me to use the Apple Remote app or yTrack to navigate and browse my iTunes music library for remote Pure Music/Amarra use. In this mode my Pronto is used purely for volume to my stereo preamp. For all other AV functions the ipod/ipad is moot and all work is done on the Pronto. It's clear that both of these solutions above provide AV remote capability, potentially replacing my Pronto and in the case of iRule even giving me the ability to steal those pronto ehx codes for sue in iRule. Fine. <br />

1) However, given that listening to music requires two different apps (Apple Remote-or-yTrack and iRule-or-Redeye) in what way does one toggle between the two to do volume control and iTunes library browsing, especially currently given the multitask limitations of the Touch, iPad, etc?<br />

2) Will iRule have a learning function (doubt there are pre-existing codes for many pro and audiophile brands we discuss...Weiss, Wyred4Sound, Antelope, Berkeley, Modwright, etc etc)?

[The Computer Audiophile]

Hi Ted - To toggle between two apps using multitasking you simply press the circle button on the Touch two time really fast. This brings up the bottom menu where you select the apps to multitask between.

[jxo]

Am curious whether these remote devices can be used to control a PC server/htpc.<br />

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Specifically, would like to be able to remotely take my PC in and out of standby mode.<br />

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Assume you can use the learning remote functionality to include the keystrokes from a wireless keyboard.<br />

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I used to have an IR wireless keyboard but am using an rf one now; I would change to an Ir keyboard if Redeye could be used to "turn on" the htpc with my iTouch so I can access iTunes via its i remote app. TMK, the remote app can't wake up a pc in standby.<br />

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The htpc (which runs iTunes) is located with my DAC, preamp and home theater stuff and other equipment all connected via IR repeater/emitters.<br />

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Should I be thinking of another power management technique with my pc? How do people manage the power of their servers without manually going to the computer and activating it via keyboard?<br />

[The Computer Audiophile]

Hi Jim - The answer is it depends. You can try a simple Wake On Lan application on the iPhone to wake your computer. That's the route I would try first. Make sure your network card is WOL capable. <br />

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I'm guessing if you had an IR keyboard and an IR port on your compter and that combination worked well, then RedEye would work the same. It just mimics the IR command.

[jimim]

It's funny all these questions that have come up can ALL be done inside iRule. And all these can be done because Itai is an end user like us. These are all the things HE wanted to be able to do. What separates his program from any other one out there I feel is he listens to us and brings us what we expect from a remote. He just doesn't say, we don't support that. If we can't get a hex code or GC code to work he will help us to get it working.<br />

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So to answer your questions:<br />

<br />

1. WOL is a new setting in 1.7 of iRule. <br />

2. Also remember with iRule you can make a virtual keyboard if you like to be able to send HTTP commands to that computer to control it. You can also create shortcuts for any computer command out there and make a button that says this command so you do't have to bring up say a virtual keyboard. MCEcontroller is used so much by all these guys who use windows for media control. They have done some crazy stuff with it.<br />

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take a look at this link. It has some of the advanced options for iRule:<br />

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http://www.iruleathome.com/tutorials/irule-tutorials.html<br />

<br />

jim

[jimim]

Chris,<br />

<br />

Take a look below. Both answers are built into iRule.<br />

<br />

jimi

[jxo]

Thanks Chris. This works... half way. Went into my BIOS power settings and enabled "Power on by PCIE devices"; then in device manager/power management settings for my network card, I checked "allow this device to bring computer out of standby". <br />

<br />

I opened iTunes then manually put the computer into standby mode.<br />

<br />

Took my iTouch and activated the iRemote app. Bingo, magic packs or magic bullets, the computer woke up remotely. But just like my kids 15 years ago, I can't get it to go to sleep.<br />

<br />

If my power settings for the computer have it going into standby after 5 hours, can/will it go into standby if iTunes is open but not playing? <br />

<br />

NB: will repost this on the forum in case anyone finds this useful.<br />

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Btw, this is relevant to RedEye b/c I thought I would use it to create a custom macro via wireless keyboard strokes to to take my music server in and out of standby mode remotely (which I currently can't seem to do). If there are other options I am missing, would appreciate hearing.<br />

<br />

as always, thanks Chris.

[SeeHear]

Chris, <br />

<br />

Thanks for yet another insightful and informative review. One question regarding your comment about the background color affecting iPhone power consumption - is the iPhone (or iPod Touch?) screen local dimming? If not, power consumption wouldn't be affected by background color on an LCD display.

[The Computer Audiophile]

Hi SeeHear - You raise a good question. I did some research on this one but there doesn't seem to be a definitive answer specifically geared toward the iPhone 4. The iPhone 4 uses an LED backlit IPS display. I believe a dark background does use less battery on these displays. <br />

<br />

If you or anyone else can find a definitive answer I'd be most grateful.