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Mac OS X  |  Widgets  |  Other Widgets  |  RTVWidget  |  Networked remote control for ReplayTV

RTVWidget

RTVWidget

remote control for ReplayTV PVRs

Version:  0.4

   [ Views: 446 ]

Networked remote control for ReplayTV

Feedback Type:  Review

Contributed by: cristol Saturday, November 12 2005 @ 07:38 AM PST

Product Platform: MacOSX

Used Product For: Less than a month

Recommend Product: YES

This widget acts as a remote control for ReplayTVs. It seems like an adequate substitute if you have problems with the wireless remote included. The major limitation being that the ReplayTVs must already be configured with networking enabled. It is not a practical means of controlling a ReplayTV when the attached television is not visible (e.g., from another room).

There is no documentation with the widget, though its configuration is somewhat evident if you click the "i" icon in the lower right corner. Also, the first three sentences of the developer's page give complete, albeit terse, instructions for installation and configuration.

Once I entered the IP address for my ReplayTV, it just worked. The biggest limitation I see is that the buttons are divided into two groups, so you do not have direct access to all parts of the remote at once. While the division is logical, it is an impediment to easy use.

The widget could also use a face lift. The current interface is ugly. While it preserves the basic layout of the buttons on the standard remote, it loses a lot in the translation. I think certain choices in the standard remote's design reflect the expectation that it will be held in your hand. As the widget is not handheld, I don't know that it is worthwhile to faithfully recreate the layout of the standard remote.

  
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Comments

2 comments |

Networked remote control for ReplayTV - ndrake

I appreciate your well-spoken and constructive criticisms. Thanks!

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Saturday, November 12 2005 @ 09:22 AM PST


Networked remote control for ReplayTV - s8ist

I agree with the comments that the inteface needs a severe facelift. The graphics and color-schemes based on the menu system of ReplayTV would make for a nice touch. Also, if you could integrate it with MyReplayTV.com, you could come up with a better way to browse pre-recorded and live TV without accessing the TV on-screen menu. Combined with mReplay, this would make a wireless iBook the ultimate Media Center!
Sorry, I know that translates to a lot of work, and believe me I'm not one of those people who thinks this sort of thing is easy, but I thought just to make a few suggestions can't hurt in aiding the direction of the project.
Keep up the great work!

(and don't let stupid criticisms prevent your progress. people should be intelligent enough to realize it's not the final product.)

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Friday, November 18 2005 @ 08:09 AM PST