ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, August 27, 1996 TAG: 9608270157
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 3 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: At home with technology
SOURCE: DAVID BUTLER
Q: In an article on telephone-based control systems, you mentioned a product that turns a cordless telephone into an audio/video remote controller. Could you elaborate?
A: Most telephone control systems are only capable of turning lights and appliances on and off. If you want to use a telephone to operate audio/video components (not just turn them on and off), you need a system that can mimic the infrared signals generated by the existing hand-held remotes.
At least one company produces a telephone-based controller that works just like a universal remote. After teaching the controller the commands you use most often, simply connect it between any touch-tone phone and the phone line. If you want to mute your stereo when the doorbell rings or repeat the last track on a CD, just pick up the phone and press the appropriate key.
The controller's built-in infrared flasher must be within line-of-sight of your A/V rack. If that's not convenient, you can hook up a remote flasher. A remote flasher can also operate products in other rooms. However, if you have two products that respond to the same infrared codes (two Sony TVs, for example), you'll only be able to use the telephone to control one of them.
By using the controller with a cordless phone, you can operate your A/V equipment (or any other infrared-compatible product) from anywhere in your home, including the patio or back yard! Whether you opt for corded or cordless, you'll still be able to answer an incoming call while entering a command. Simply hang up the phone and then answer it as you normally would.
Those who uses power line carrier (PLC) technology can now get a PLC-to-infrared interface. Since most telephone controllers are PLC-compatible, this interface adds a new dimension to telephone-based home control.
This same technology can also be used to transform your home computer into an audio/video command center. For example, one company's universal remote has a built-in serial port. Using a special adapter cable and DOS-based software, you can "press" the remote's buttons electronically from your computer's keyboard or a simple batch file.
Another PC-based controller packages the functionality of a infrared remote in a small outboard box. You can use the included MAC or Windows software to create a list of TV and FM stations. When you want to tune to a particular station, simply click it with your mouse. You can also set up custom playlists for a CD changer. The box even lets you operate your PC from any hand-held remote!
Finally, a unique wall panel is available that can mimic hand-held remotes. This sharp-looking keypad uses a remote emitter to operate your A/V equipment. The guts of the panel is also available without the keypad. The nondescript box has sixteen hard-wired inputs, making it possible to operate your A/V equipment from another controller or automation system.
One little-known feature that can simplify your infrared control system is showing up on a growing number of audio and video components. A special hard-wired control port (usually an eighth-inch mini-phone jack) eliminates the need for a flasher. A universal adapter is available that converts the signal from an infrared controller to the appropriate format for a particular brand of equipment.
To receive a list of companies that manufacture infrared control systems, please send $2 and a self-addressed envelope to David Butler F-620, Department TWN, P.O. Box 36352, Cincinnati, Ohio 45236-0352. The list includes toll-free phone numbers and a summary of each company's products. You'll also receive a list of companies that provide hard-wired control ports on their A/V equipment.
Q: My security system has two PIR motion detectors. What does PIR stand for?
A: PIR stands for passive infrared, the most common type of motion sensor. PIR detectors can "see" a person's body heat against the cooler background. To avoid false alarms, the best detectors look for multiple "triggers" or use more than one technology (e.g., microwave).
Send questions or comments to Butler at 14713 Pleasant Hill Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28278.
LENGTH: Medium: 79 lines ILLUSTRATION: GRAPHIC: An infrared transmitter can turn any cordlessby CNBtelephone into a 10-function remote contoller.