Pocket PCs are versatile little devices with many possible uses. One that has been explored by a few software developers is as a universal remote control for TVs, VCRs, and other appliances. Unfortunately, with the exception of a few of the newer iPAQs, the infrared ports found on Pocket PCs are different from the "consumer grade" ports found on dedicated remote controls. They don't use the same data rate, wavelength of light, or communications protocol. You can create software that will overcome these differences and let the Pocket PC transmit remote control data through its IrDA port, but the Pocket PC's IrDA still doesn't have the range of the dedicated remote controls. And what good is a remote control if you have to get up and move closer to the TV to use it? As far as remote control is concerned, most Pocket PC users are up the creek without the proverbial paddle--or they were until Griffin Mobile introduced Total Remote.
Total Remote is a software/hardware solution that turns your Pocket PC into consumer-grade remote control for over 300 different TVs, VCRs, and DVD players, and more. Total Remote includes a powerful infrared "Transmitter Module" that plugs into your device's headphone jack and generates an infrared signal with greater range than most dedicated remote controls (see picture at top of this page).
Powerful plug-in Transmitter Module
The plug-in Transmitter Module is a small grey device with two infrared transmitter "bulbs" on the top end, safely recessed out of harm's way. It connects to the Pocket PC's headphone jack via a standard 3.5mm audio plug. The Total Remote software installed on your Pocket PC controls the Transmitter Module by sending signals to it through the headphone jack. The Transmitter Module doubles the signal frequency and boosts the power, to transmit the signal up to 100 feet (30 meters)--over twice the distance of most commercial remote controls. Unfortunately, not all Pocket PCs supply the audio signal required by Total Remote to successfully generate the infrared signals. For example, Dell Axim X5 and Casio E-200 owners will not be able to use the Total Remote hardware.
Simple to use software
The Total Remote software is well thought out and simple to use. A different "skin" is displayed for each appliance you are controlling (Screen 1). Tapping on the relevant button activates that command. To avoid crowding, the controls for a remote appliance are spread out over a number of command screens. You switch among them using the small green shift button found in the lower right of each screen. The main controls are on the first screen and the less frequently used commands on later screens. This minimizes the use of the shift function. The name of the appliance you are currently controlling is displayed at the top of the screen. The two green arrows on either side let you select a different appliance to control.
Screen 1: The first control screen for a Kenwood DVD player. Buttons control the various functions of the appliance; the Shift button (lower right) switches to additional command screens for the Kenwood. Along the bottom are the Total Remote menus.
Straightforward set up
Setting up Total Remote is a straightforward process. The program comes with the setup profiles of over 300 remote-controlled appliances preloaded. You just install and open Total Remote on your Pocket PC, tap on the Devices menu, and select the Active Devices option. Then check the box next to the appliances you want to control. If you can't find the exact model in the list, select a similar one by the same manufacturer. Usually, it will work. However, if some functions are missing, you can edit the profile to add the missing functions.
Create new device profiles using the "sampling" function
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