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Topic:
Pro Control 24.r Programming help
This thread has 19 replies. Displaying posts 1 through 15.
Post 1 made on Friday November 29, 2013 at 19:53
agdodge4x4
Long Time Member
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27
First, Im going to be open right off the bat. I bought this remote at Best Buy. I just now had a chance to open it. Anyway, I had no clue it was 'pro install' only, and I guess the idiot at the store just forgot. So, needless to say, Im really irritated at both Best Buy and ProControl for not having any info for me, the end user, to get at.

Second, Im not interested in paying a 'pro' to set this up. I just bought the remote and I am in no way interested in being dependent on anyone aside from myself to set it up.

So, is there any place I can go and learn how to program my remote? Is there anyone that can help me out with the info I need to get it done?

Sorry for sounding so short and snotty, but I just recently had the displeasure of working with a few installers, most of whom were knowledgeable of only one product, and not particularly interested in anything aside from up-selling...and now I just realized my remote issue.

Thanks for any info I can get!
Post 2 made on Saturday November 30, 2013 at 18:35
Daniel Tonks
Wrangler of Remotes
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Unfortunately, the Pro Control line of products is simply not intended to be (nor supposed to be) programmed by end users. The software is not designed to be easy or intuitive, and will almost certainly overwhelm.

If you don't have the software, neither Pro Control nor other dealers will give it to you. If Best Buy *did* give you the software and you have the patience to teach yourself (aka make it a hobby like early Pronto owners), then you might find it an interesting experience. But since the only people who will have experience with it are literally custom installers, might not be a good idea to introduce yourself with a mini rant on custom installers!

If you're not up to all of this, you'd be better off returning it and, depending on your skill level, either going for an advanced Harmony, a URC remote (through a dealer that specifically says they will give you the software), or finding an older Pronto on eBay. The selection of advanced remotes available to end users is extremely slim these days.
OP | Post 3 made on Sunday December 1, 2013 at 16:43
agdodge4x4
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I didnt mean to go off on installers. Its just that my experience with them is that 60% of them I spoke to seemed like nothing more than weekend hobbyists and unreliable at that. Only a few were what I would consider pros. Of course this is MY experience, not a blanket comment. So, sorry about that.

I don't like the idea of being hogtied to a 'professional installer' for remotes because I change equipment and upgrade and tweak regularly. If I can't obtain the software from somewhere or find an installer to pass it along, then Ill just mark it defective and return it so I don't have to pay restocking fees and get the Logitech Harmony Ultimate. That is probably for the best. Logitech has been doing this a while and I know they will be in business with direct support for me, the end user. Plus, its far more cost effective which is good, because honestly, in the end, its simply a remote to turn on some equipment.

It looks like Pro Control is designed only lightly for 'controlling a few items' and designed mostly for controlling everything else in some complicated manner, which is going to be absolutely useless for my application anyway since its a very simple and basic install.

Thanks for the info!

Last edited by agdodge4x4 on December 1, 2013 18:26.
Post 4 made on Sunday December 1, 2013 at 23:57
Daniel Tonks
Wrangler of Remotes
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Oh, the Pro Control will certainly do anything a "normal" IR remote can and a whole lot more - which is why it might be overkill for your purposes.

The Harmony is good for consumers, but be aware that Harmony does things the way Harmony wants to - so if you don't like that, customizing it to behave like you want is either impossible, or will take way more time and effort than the entire initial programming process.

URC's Complete Control series of remotes are up there in the complexity department, but they're slightly more friendly to consumers than Pro Control and far more customizable than a Harmony. But don't buy from Best Buy as they simply won't give you the software and URC won't either - but dealers ARE allowed to give it to customers at their discretion, so you need to go with one who states they will do this.

Good luck!
OP | Post 5 made on Monday December 2, 2013 at 15:16
agdodge4x4
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I want my remote to control my Saumsung UN75F7100 TV, Denon X4000, Sony Blu-ray, and VIP722K Dish Receiver and I want it to work all of them with the same functionality of their respective remotes. That's what I want. Id like a touch screen.

Last edited by agdodge4x4 on December 2, 2013 15:29.
Post 6 made on Sunday December 8, 2013 at 09:40
Casanova
Founding Member
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19
I'm surprised with their difficulties. Their need is quite simple and Control Pro can work perfectly if programmed by a professional even basic level.
Do not recommend trying to learn how to perform this task.
OP | Post 7 made on Wednesday December 11, 2013 at 16:51
agdodge4x4
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No one needs a professional to program a freakin' remote. OK, maybe some do. The only difference between a pro and an end user for ProControl is the fact that an end user cannot get software. I opted to go with a URC remote. Their product is built beefier, their software is available, and I don't have to rely on some 'dude' that may or may not be installing AV equipment when it comes time for me to upgrade my equipment or that will try to double dip me for programming costs.

Im grateful to the posts here that pointed me to the URC remote and program. It IS a little bit complex, but in reality, its not. Its pretty simple and laid out pretty well. It took me 10 minutes to figure out how to make my remote an 'all in one remote', and I am currently building macros and test statements to make it do what I want. Its taken about 4 hours to get a reasonable handle on the software. I still have a few things that I don't quite understand, but this site has pointed me in the right direction and freed me from being tethered to anyone but myself for my media area. Its awesome!
Post 8 made on Saturday December 14, 2013 at 12:08
goldenzrule
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On December 11, 2013 at 16:51, agdodge4x4 said...
No one needs a professional to program a freakin' remote. OK, maybe some do. The only difference between a pro and an end user for ProControl is the fact that an end user cannot get software. I opted to go with a URC remote. Their product is built beefier, their software is available, and I don't have to rely on some 'dude' that may or may not be installing AV equipment when it comes time for me to upgrade my equipment or that will try to double dip me for programming costs.

Im grateful to the posts here that pointed me to the URC remote and program. It IS a little bit complex, but in reality, its not. Its pretty simple and laid out pretty well. It took me 10 minutes to figure out how to make my remote an 'all in one remote', and I am currently building macros and test statements to make it do what I want. Its taken about 4 hours to get a reasonable handle on the software. I still have a few things that I don't quite understand, but this site has pointed me in the right direction and freed me from being tethered to anyone but myself for my media area. Its awesome!

You realize that some of us that have helped you along your path are in fact dealers that do in fact charge our clients to program their remotes. MANY of my clients would NEVER be able to program even the most basic remote on the most basic of systems. In the end they get an easy to use system. To say that no one needs someone to program their remote is just plain wrong.

Also, I have built my business on service, and my clients have benefited as much as we have. We are not a fly by night, here today gone tomorrow operation. Furthermore, a year or two down the road, a client buys a new piece of equipment, and asks us to add it to their program, should we not charge for our time? Sorry, but I don't believe that should fall under the realm of 'double dipping'. I don't care if people want to DIY and program their own remote. I however, I think it is completely unfair for someone to say no one needs our services, and to basically say that we are all crooks for simply offering our services to our customers.
Post 9 made on Sunday December 15, 2013 at 07:37
Duct Tape
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5,294
Didn't you require the help of a professional to add favorite channel logos to your mx780?And if I recall, the dealer sent you the files that he created and didn't charge you a penny.He probably regrets that now.
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Post 10 made on Tuesday December 17, 2013 at 18:03
3PedalMINI
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Well had he looked at places other then craigslist and yard signs to find an "installer" maybe he would have found some real pros that are not "weekend hobbyist's"

what a douche guys, let it go. AVS is a better place for "this pro" maybe he could teach some end users how to hate professionals and set up a "real remote" & "System"
The Bitterness of Poor Quality is Remembered Long after the Sweetness of Price is Forgotten! - Benjamin Franklin
Post 11 made on Saturday December 28, 2013 at 12:41
Ernie Gilman
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On December 1, 2013 at 23:57, Daniel Tonks said...
The Harmony is good for consumers, but be aware that Harmony does things the way Harmony wants to - so if you don't like that, customizing it to behave like you want is either impossible, or will take way more time and effort than the entire initial programming process.

...and you will then be hogtied to Harmony's idea of customer service.

On December 11, 2013 at 16:51, agdodge4x4 said...
No one needs a professional to program a freakin' remote. OK, maybe some do.

Says the guy who, what, has never programmed a remote?

The only difference between a pro and an end user for ProControl is the fact that an end user cannot get software.

That's not at all true in most cases. Most people simply do not want to understand their systems deeply enough to come anywhere near programming a remote, and that's before the software issue even comes up!

Kudos to you for wanting to do it yourself, but your opinion does not define the market. Also, you say you want all functionality of the original remotes on your remote -- are you going to put the ANGLE command where you can get to it right away? Or put all the surround modes onto the remote? With surround modes, if you're not looking at the receiver, as you would with the factory remote, you can't tell what mode you're in. The alternative is to locate discrete codes for all seventy-four surround modes and make separate buttons for each one. THAT INSTALLER, whom you claim is no different from you, has already worked out how to handle this.

I opted to go with a URC remote. Their product is built beefier, their software is available, and I don't have to rely on some 'dude' that may or may not be installing AV equipment when it comes time for me to upgrade my equipment or that will try to double dip me for programming costs.

I agree with the installer who says that making a programming change is NOT double-dipping. If it were, then when it's time to get a new DVD player, you'd get it for free... isn't paying for a new one also double-dipping on the part of Best Buy?

I'm grateful to the posts here that pointed me to the URC remote and program. It IS a little bit complex, but in reality, it's not.

??

It's pretty simple and laid out pretty well. It took me 10 minutes to figure out how to make my remote an 'all in one remote', and I am currently building macros and test statements to make it do what I want. Its taken about 4 hours to get a reasonable handle on the software. I still have a few things that I don't quite understand, but this site has pointed me in the right direction and freed me from being tethered to anyone but myself for my media area. Its awesome!

It is indeed awesome. Best of luck.
A good answer is easier with a clear question giving the make and model of everything.
"The biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place." -- G. “Bernie” Shaw
Post 12 made on Tuesday March 25, 2014 at 21:21
BF Home Tech
Long Time Member
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January 2013
139
On November 29, 2013 at 19:53, agdodge4x4 said...
First, Im going to be open right off the bat. I bought this remote at Best Buy.

...and now I just realized my remote issue.

To say the least.
Jordan DiCaprio
Virginia Smart Homes
757-692-6994
Post 13 made on Sunday September 28, 2014 at 15:17
Jerry84
Lurking Member
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September 2014
1
I have used the Pro Control 24 r. for about a year now and while I can get the software ( I do install work for a local dealer) I elected to have one of the guys that programs remotes all the time (mostly URC). This was the first Pro Control the dealer had sold and I was the ginnie pig. The guy doing the programming was a little slow at first but quickly got the hang of it. I really like the way the remote feels in my hand, I use my left hand because my right hand ( I am right handed) was injured in the service and I can not feel the buttons on most remotes.
The only problem I have with this remote is while I am only 12 feet from my equipment the remote seems to mis-fire a lot. I have to keep to keep it pointed at the rack till all the codes go through and even then it seems to miss something. I have been talking to the owner of the store about adding a
ProLink r controller to this but he said he talked to Pro control sales and seemed to think it would not help. DO any of the installers out there have any idea's? My biggest problem was my Tivo which was the series 3 but I just replaced it with a Romeo which has both IR and RF for controlling the unit.
Post 14 made on Friday October 10, 2014 at 18:45
Mezmryz03
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May 2010
7
Whoever you spoke to doesn't seem to have gotten very good info. A ProLink.r would most likely solve your issues as the processor stores the macros. The remote only triggers those macros to start, reducing the possibility of missing commands. If you do get one, I'd be happy to take a look at your file and make sure it was setup properly by your programmer.

 
Post 15 made on Monday October 27, 2014 at 22:02
guti
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October 2014
1
i am about to install a home theater setup and the dealer wants to up-sell me on this remote. Question for you guys, what happens when/if i upgrade or change some component (like the blue ray player) do i need to go back to the dealer for reprogramming?
-Guti
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