Offering my offsite programming services for both RTI (Remote Technologies, Inc) and URC (Universal Remote Control) brands of remote control systems.
http://rticorp.com/http://www.universalremote.com/These remotes are fantastic at making your Home Theater or Media Room system easy to control. The problem is that the vast majority of remote programmers, even at authorized dealers, do not know how to program properly. These remotes are ONLY as good as the program loaded into them.
Typically these are sold and programmed through a local dealer, but quite often a dealer goes out of business or the client moves to an area where there is no local dealer/ programmer. Or you just might not like your local AV company.
Programming packages vary based on number of devices and zones in your system. All prices include custom graphics (including local channel icons.) For example, some clients like a picture of their actual house for the background of the Home Page on their remote. Kids, pets, sports teams, etc.
My programs are so easy to operate, my go-to answer is usually "if you can read, you can operate the remote." The number of button presses necessary to operate your system will depend on whether or not some or all of your equipment has discrete IR commands. (See
http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/05/hd-101-discrete-ir-codes/)
This service is for people who
already own one of these brand remotes, and already have the programming software installed on their PC. I am not authorized to distribute the software over the internet. You
are allowed to have it, you just can't get it from me. (Unless you are local to me, and we conduct the transaction through my AV company.) But if asked most authorized dealers will give clients a copy of the software.
I have successfully sold my offsite programming services to both dealers and end users across the US ever since the URC MX-3000 remote came out over 10 years ago. I've actually been programming touch screen remotes in the field since the first B&W Philips Pronto and Marantz RC series were released. I am a certified RTI Master Programmer, and a certified URC Level 3 Programmer. I have also been certified by CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association) as an Advanced Electronics Technician (Lvl2), by Crestron, by the ISF (Imaging Sciences Foundation), and the HAA (Home Acoustics Alliance) - which should give some indication of my broader knowledge of audio/video electronics integration.
Here is an example of the steps in the process:
1. You email me a list of your AV equipment makes/models, and an input list of how they are connected. (If you need help connecting them I can provide you instructions on the optimal signal paths based on your system equipment)
2. I will create a base program with all control functionality, input switching macros, power macros and page flipping. I will then email this program to you.
3. You will upload the program into your remote and go through a predetermined set of steps (to test the functionality) that I emailed with the program. Some clients find it easier to have me on the phone with them during this step (which can make it quicker, it just depends on what you're more comfortable with.) I can adjust the program as you find any bugs, and send you a revised copy to upload.
The average system typically takes about 3 revision emails to make sure everything works smoothly, but I will make as many revision emails as it takes to get the remote(s) working correctly and to your satisfaction.
My programs are warrantied for life - meaning I will also keep a copy and/ or assist you reloading the program into your remote in the event it freezes or begins to malfunction. But once these remotes are programmed correctly and dialed in, they'll run until the hardware gives out.
The way I've always handled payment in the past is half up front, half upon (satisfied) completion. If you know of a mutually safer way to go about it, I'm open to suggestion.
I can send sample program pics, and references from companies I've programmed for as well as end users who are still using my programs in their remotes today.
My programs are Press and
Play, not Press and
Pray. And remember - it's not just your audio and video gear that you can control from your smart phone or iPad! Window shades, color-changing LED light bulbs, your thermostat, pool equipment, view your cameras, etc.
BTC PRICING3BTC Basic Program (1 zone, up to 5 devices including display)
5BTC Advanced Program (2 zones, up to 5 devices per zone including displays)
7BTC Extensive Program (3 or more zones, any number of devices)
If you are looking for a good remote control system - check out RTI's XP series processors (XP3, XP6, XP8)($200
+ on eBay, but I recommend an authorized dealer.) With an additional $99 license fee, you can utilize your existing Android or Apple phone or tablet instead of a high-priced, dedicated touch screen remote.
And, as long as the processor has internet access, you can monitor and control your system from anywhere in the world. The XP processors also simplify step 3 (listed above) since I can log directly into them over the internet, all you have to do is test the remote!
