So while I consider myself technically inclined, I am definitely new to the realm of programming and even using high end remote controls. So I apologize in advance for my lack of understanding, I'm a little bit overwhelmed with all I've read over the last day or so.

I've decided that I'd like to get a TSU9600 for the form factor (gorgeous touchscreen) and ability to program complex tasks (I really enjoy customizing and tinkering). I'd like to be able to control my Pioneer PDP-6010FD, Denon 3808CI, Xbox 360 (with HD-drive), Wii, Explorer 8600HD, and in the future Samsung BD-UP5000 and some media streaming device. I feel comfortable knowing the TSU9600 can control all this and more, but I'm unsure about the methods. Somehow I want to be able to query data (volume, channel, source....) from my various components and display them on the TSU9600. I think this requires a serial extender (not sure if the wireless extender can do this) which can use the RS232 control for the 3808CI, but I'm not sure about if I can get a data back from any other component. If not, then I suppose IR commands would suffice for them? It is unclear to me which extender is needed to accomplish what I want.

Basically, I'm seeking advice on how I should proceed in deciding how much functionality I can get, what equipment is required, and how I can begin to start programming to meet my goals. I realize this is quite a bit, but I had to start somewhere.

Also, where are some documents to help me get started. More on a top view. I don't mind putting in the work at all, but I feel much of the documentation is focused specifically on a particular part of the process and doesn't give me an idea of how it all fits together.

Welcome

Well first of all you can head over to the files area for the 9600 and D/L the software, manual and the script tutorial, that should get you started. In order to be able to obtain information from components they must support some sort of 2 way communication protocol. I have a Denon 5805 which supports serial and IP, I ASSUME the 3808CI does also you should be able to obtain the protocol documentation from Denon's website. If the 3808 supports both it is possible (depending on the data you are looking for) that you can do it via IP which will mean you would not need an additional interface. If it is serial only then an RFX9600 would be necessary to do what you want. I am not sure about all of your equipment but the XBOX and Wii are not capable of this. You would have to research the various manufacturers of your equipment to see if they provide this feature, a good indicator that this is possible is an RS 232 port on the equipment (This is not always true as some equipment has this port but it may not be implemented) and some may only be used as a one way interface, meaning you could control it through the RF9600 but not recieve any feedback from it. As far as IR, you will be able to control just about anything with the 9600. Hope that helps tp start you out.


Tom

So it looks like the 3808 supports control over rs232 and ethernet (rj-45), meaning I don't need a serial extender. I've downloaded all the docs I can for the 9600 and am looking over them.

Do you think it would be greatly benefitial to get a wireless extender? All my units are in the same room, but addressable IR seems like it could be good.

If you have multiple 9600's then using TCP on Denon is very restrictive. That is, the Denon only allows 1 device to be connected via TCP/IP on Port 23.

If you need multiple connections to Denon, I recommend RS-232 and RFX9600.

Another alternative if you are programmer saavy is to write a TCP socket listener program running on a PC and have the PC connect to Denon via RS-232. This is nothing more than a transcoder to convert TCP messages to RS-232 and vice-versa.

With regard to Lyndel's last comment I am working on just such a PC server. It is a windows based program that just runs 24/7. It will talk to multiple Pronto's.

It will handle IR through a Global Cache-100 unit which comes in various sizes and flavors (think Philips extender with a fully exposed TCPIP interface).

It will do RS232 any way the PC can, that is you pick what the RS232 hardware is with the restriction it must have Com port drivers.

The basic program takes plugins which are constructed with a uniform interface but are tailored for a specific device e.g. a Polk XM radio receiver on an RS232 connection.

I have finished prototype plugins for RSS feeds, Homeseer Home Automation System, and the Global Cache IR extender.

RS232 is handled through a common interface but each plugin must handle the application layer protcol for the device it drives.

What you end up with is an AMX like system but one that you need to write the plugins for for your components. Obviously aimed at those with programming ability. But programming in Visual Basic is just a s easy/hard as programming in Pronto Script