Managing Multiple Audio Visual DevicesThis is a typical problem at a lot of establishments. If you're walking around with 4 different remotes, pointing them in every which direction trying to manage the many TVs and cable / satellite boxes you have in your establishment, then this article is for you. First things first. It's nothing you should worry about! This is something that a lot of restaurant owners and managers have to deal with. There is one prominent way, with quite a few options to remedy this. I'll take you though a few of them.
This particular end-all to be-all solution for this type of problem is a universal remote. I can already hear you saying "But M.A.N. we already have a universal remote! Every time we try to change the channel, or adjust the volume on one TV, it changes 3 others close to it!". Good thing you're here. I'm not talking about a regular consumer universal remote. Those things have generic codes in them, such that, if you point your remote anywhere near a Comcast cable box, it'll affect the whole lot of them. Here are your solutions: You've got quite a few introductory "professional remotes" to choose from. Most small to medium business owners aren't going to want to spend over 1000.00 on a remote alone. There are so many other fish to fry that spending so much time and money on a small piece of the puzzle that it's just normally out of the question. Managing Multiple Audio Visual Devices: Part II.  Logitech Harmony 890
Overview: This is a great introduction remote. It's got some really great features, and is fairly affordable.
Price: 349.99 MRP from Logitech.com. However, you can find some great deals if you look elsewhere online.
Pros: Great starter remote, controls 15 independent devices, compatible with Logitech's RF Extender, capable of controlling Zwave lighting, uses logical "activities" to control full actions for all devices rather than straight command for each device separately. Cons: Not touchscreen, limited custom image creation,
The Scoop: I've used this remote. I've also spent time setting up the remote and I really like it. There are some negative reviews on CNet.com (one of the internet's largest technology reviewers, both expert and consumer published) boasting bag ergonomic design, as well as non-intuitive software. I wouldn't take them to heart without giving the remote a try. If you buy it at any decent retailer, you can return the product if it doesn't produce the way you had envisioned. The remote is best setup through the software that comes with it. It installs onto your computer and connects to Logitech's central device database (which is kept very nicely up-to-date with new devices). This means that unfortunately it requires a type of "registration". I know this can be a pain for some people, but ends defiantly justify the means. You can add just about any device to the remote, and specify how that device interacts with your home theater system. You plug the device into your computer, and update it through the software when completed. As an example in a restaurant, I've set up "activities" as zones. This way, you can turn on all of your devices in a certain area with a touch of one button! You also have the option of entering the "devices" screen, and controlling them individually very easily. You might wonder how this helps those who have the same model devices right next to each other. Don't worry, I'm getting to that.
 Logitech Harmony 1000
Overview: This is the top of the line when it comes to Logitech solutions. This touchscreen remote has a lot of customizable features.
Price: 499.99 MRP from Logitech.com. However, as with the 890, you can find some really nice deals elsewhere.
Pros: You get all of the extras of the 890 plus more! This is the introductory remote for professionals. what does that mean?! I'll tell you. It's got some really in-depth customizable options, as well as the ability to set any touchscreen image to any command. That gives you a huge amount of flexibility with your overall system. This remote also provides functionality with Logitech's IR to RF extender.
Cons: The battery life on this model has always been an issue. If you don't plan on being able to charge this remote every night, beware, you may find yourself with a dead battery the following day. I myself have implemented one of these, and haven't seen this issue, but the establishment in question only uses the remote periodically. It's big. I'm talking "please handle with two hands" big. Some people don't like that. I did not have a problem holding it in my right hand, and pressing buttons to control the system, but if your hands are wet or you're prone to accidents, that might not be a good idea. It's also not a good idea to use this product in a greasy kitchen environment. If you have a larger establishment with personnel that can handle the remote who don't handle food every 5 minutes, it's not so bad. However, if everyone is constently touching plates and glasses, the touchscreen may get real dirty, real quick. There are replaceable screens to solve that problem though.
The Scoop: As much as the cons seem to out weigh the pros, this is a great remote. I've used it, I know. If you take your time programming it correctly, you can overcome a lot of user error with this remote. This remote has made a lot of non technical people very happy if programmed correctly. Therein lies the problem though. You have to have someone who knows what they are doing to program it for you.
 Logitech RF Extender
Overview: Do you have your equipment in a closet? Is it out of line-of-site? Do you have multiple devices of the same model? Never fear, here is your salvation.
Price: 99.99 MRP from Logitech.com. Again, look around, you'll find some good prices.
Pros: four segregated inputs, two IR eyes (or emitters) per input equals ease of use. 100 foot range (through most walls). You can program this inline with your remote through the software.
Cons: Years ago when these first came out, there was some issues with raction time. I've been in the Audio Visual field for a while now and haven't seen ANY problems with this device.
The Scoop: Lets say you have eight cable boxes that are obviously all the same brand. They control eight different channels on eight different TVs. Every time you choose to change one channel, the TVs next to that particular TV change as well. Bummer. This product solves that issue. As I mentioned before, you have four segregated inputs, with two IR eyes each. The cords to these eyes are vary long, and could be easily extended for a custom application. Though the software, you can explicitly set your devices for which channel their IR emitter is on. What does that mean? It means set the remote NOT to blast an inferred command, instead, send the command to the RF to IR extender, and let it manage which IR emitter to send the command to. This gives you a huge advantage to running multiple devices of the same model.
To be continued in: Managing Multiple Audio Visual Devices: Part III |
