iPhone Remote Control for TV - anyone know?

[twozero]

I have been viewing some info on applications which can control your TV(any tv) from your iPhone and iPod touch. Some say they can control lights and heating also - has anyone seen these applications or have any recommendation of them?

There is some info on an AV website about one application: http://www.hiddenwires.co.uk/resourcesarticles2008/articles20081030-01.html

Are there anymore out there which are ready to use?:2cool:

[Rip]

I use Intelliremote and an IR transmitter from my PC to control myA/V, TV and lights, garage door etc from my iPhone.

[twozero]

Do I get the Intelliremote from the App store? and are you using any IR transmitter?:gasp:

[Rip]

You'll need 3 things:

Intelliremote for PC (http://melloware.com/products/intelliremote/)
Intelliremote for iPhone (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=288765964&mt=8)
USB-IRT infra red blaster (http://www.usbuirt.com/overview.htm)

This all works superbly and you can use Auto-It scripting in Intelliremote to acheive whatever you want.

[twozero]

thanks for the info -will give it a go although not the plug n play solution I was hoping for!:laugh2:

[Rip]

No, it's not plug 'n' play but it's fairly easy and the support at Intelliremote is very good.

[Cloverfield]

Wow, I could turn off my lights downstairs if I was in bed upstairs? How the HELL does that work. Also, how does it recognise my TV if I wanted to turn the channel over?

[Melloware]

Wow, I could turn off my lights downstairs if I was in bed upstairs? How the HELL does that work. Also, how does it recognise my TV if I wanted to turn the channel over?

Yep you absolutely can do all of that with Intelliremote (http://www.intelliremote.com) !

Here is how it works. You run the Intelliremote PC application which sits in your tray. it has all the mappings for how to control your X10 CM15 for X10 lights or your USB-UIRT for changing channels on your TV etc. You just need to teach the USB-UIRT what the remote commands for your TV Channel Up and Down are. Then the iPhone/iPod app connects to it through your WIFI connection anywere in your house and you can execute your commands you have mapped. Maybe its turning lights out, maybe its changing the channel. Whatever you can think of you can probably do!!!

Its all in our User Manual PDF which explains how to do most everything and our forums are active and helpful for solving your problems.

Thanks to RIP for mentioning Intelliremote (http://www.melloware.com/products/intelliphone)!

[Cloverfield]

Okay, I live in England so will the lights be the same here and be controlled the same as in America? Also, the application is free but the software is free for 30 days right? Then it's $24? I would like as much information please as I am very tempted. What else can it control?

[Melloware]

Okay, I live in England so will the lights be the same here and be controlled the same as in America? Also, the application is free but the software is free for 30 days right? Then it's $24? I would like as much information please as I am very tempted. What else can it control?

excellent questions. Rip can help you more with the lights but you will need a CM15 Pro which works on European current vs the CM15A here in the US.

The iPhone application is 100% free.

The PC side is shareware for 30 days and is 24$ if you decide you like it. the best part is if you don't like it you can delete the iPhone/iPod Touch app and PC app and its no skin off your back. More iPhone apps wish they had a try before you buy like Intelliremote does.

In the upcoming 2.7.1 version of the Server (you are entitled to free upgrades if you purchase once)....I am adding support for the ControlThink Zwave USB Adapter (http://www.controlthink.com/). Zwave is like X10 on steriods for controlling lights, thermostats, all through a 900 Mhz frequency. I am adding support for another UIRT similar to the USB-UIRT for blasting IR like TV or AV equipment IR by a UK company called RedRat (http://www.redrat.co.uk/).

If you have the right hardware its only limited by your imagination! Oh and don't forget its a full wireless keyboard and mouse from your iPhone/iPod touch replacing the need for an expensive wireless mouse and keyboard combo like the Logitech DiNovo Mini (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/keyboards/keyboard/devices/3848&cl=US,EN) 150$ USD.

[Cloverfield]

Okay, I just downloaded the free application. Can you give me a link to the free 30 day trial for the PC please? Also, is that all that will be needed? Just those 2 things?

[Rip]

Unfortunately, you need to buy EU spec X10 units. You'll wince when you see the US price by comparison so don't look!

It works great over here. A CM15 Pro controller is the way to go and then use whatever X10 units you need. You can control pretty much anything.

I have bought US units and converted them with limited success, but it can be done. When I weigh up the cost of my time verses the saving it's not really worth it.

X10 Commander is better than Intelliremote for just X10 use though. If you want X10 and PC and A/V equipment control from your iPhone then Intelliremote is the way to go. It also has the benefit of AutoIt scripting.

Personally, I use both.

[Rip]

Okay, I just downloaded the free application. Can you give me a link to the free 30 day trial for the PC please? Also, is that all that will be needed? Just those 2 things?

That will get you controlling things on your PC from your iPhone but you'll need hardware for external stuff (obviously).

It takes a bit of 'getting your head around' to start with (at least it did me) but then it's all really simple.

[Melloware]

Okay, I just downloaded the free application. Can you give me a link to the free 30 day trial for the PC please? Also, is that all that will be needed? Just those 2 things?

Yep that is all you need to at least control your Winamp or Vista Media Center or whatever apps you use.

Download here:

http://melloware.com/download/

[Cloverfield]

So it isn't 'free' to control my lights. I have to buy all this other crap first.

Pff, why would I want to control my PC with my iPhone? I could do that several months ago with a VLC or whatever it is application. I'm more interested in the electrical stuff around the house but I think I'll pass seeming as it isn't as simple as I was hoping it would be. Maybe in the future...

[Rip]

Grab youself one of these (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=130266488956) for controlling your A/V stuff. It's cheaper than direct from USBIRT and is an excellent piece of kit.

[Cloverfield]

£32? No thank you. I don't want it that much.

[Melloware]

£32? No thank you. I don't want it that much.

unfortunately not much in life is free. You need SOME sort of hardware to speak to your lights and AV equipment. The iPhone cannot do that by itself, it doesn't speak the language. Bluetooth and WIFI are the only two signals your phone can send. Your TV doesn't speak Bluetooth or Wifi, neither do your lights or garage door.

[Cloverfield]

Well that's a shame. Oh well. Good luck with your product :)