usblipitor wrote:I have some stupid questions. (I am reminded of the saying, "there are no stupid questions, only stupid people."
) Anyway, here goes:
1. The 8811 has a "yes" in the ">2k support" column, while the 8910 does not. Does this refer to the available memory on the EEPROM ? If so, does anyone every run out of memory when using 2k ? Why would OFA put more memory in the less expensive model?
The 8811 "family" of remotes will support a higher capacity eeprom, the 8910 won't. OFA does NOT supply any remotes with larger than 4K's, typically it's 2K or less. There are a few with 4K from the factory. Neither of the 2 you quoted are among that select group. The greater than 2K selection is for those who either swap out the standard 2K with a 4K or 8K or add them to eepromless remotes like the 6012W, 8810W, etc. (all in the 8811 "family". NOTE: this is a post factory hack, not something that ueic will do for you. At best, they may install a 2K into a 6011, 6012, 8011.
2. The 8910 has an odd shaped disc instead of arrow keys. The 8811 has the usual arrow keys. On remotecentral.com I read one reviewer that said it would take some getting used to. My theory is that the disc may be cheaper to produce. Anyone seen the disc? Cheap and going to break in 6 months, or revolutionary new technology?
Of course many have seen the disc. We generally refer to it as the stupid donut. To add to the problems it makes the select key harder to access, especially if you have large thumbs or fingets. Revolutionary? technology? How about just cheaper?
3. The 8910 has an LCD screen. Useful? Useless?
Some say useless, some say useful. John's pointed out most of the "useless". Personally, I can see some useful points, but the actual user would have to decide for himself.
4. the 15-2116 vs the 15-2117: If you buy the 15-2117 will it work alone, or does the RF receiver have to be set up for it to work? If I designed it, I would have it send out an IR signal like the 15-2116, as well as an RF signal. If it does both, does this cut down on the battery life?
You're not required to use the base-station that comes with it. The 2117 does send IR and RF signals simultaneously. The 2117 is a 2116 with RF puck added to send both. Some here have added the puck to a 2116 to make it a 2117 (Then used a base-station from another model, like a P-8 that they "upgraded" from). I'd imagine it does shorten battery life a little, I don't know if anyone actually compared battery l;ife of a 2116 vs. a 2117. Besides, that'd be a tough real test to make.
5. Any opinions on balance, hand-feel, size, button placement of the 8811/8910/2117 ?
Those are all subjective qualities and best left to personal taste. What's "nice to me" may be lousy to you.
6. Why do people spend $500+ on remotes? Is there something the $500 remotes can do that JP1 can not do on a $30 remote?
Custom labels, espicially graphics on touchscreens. Some even have color. I think a lot more is "prestige" than most anything else. Personally I can't justify paying more for a remote than the cheapest device it controls. BUT, that's a personal and subjective opinion.
7. (warning: really dumb question ahead) Has anyone ever considered modifying buttons? Sanding off labels, repainting (or applying decal) new labels, sealing the new button labels with polyurethane? (you may stop laughing now
)
It's been done, also "dynamo" labels, tranparent stickons custom printed, etc. You aren't the first, and likely won't be the last to consider this.
BTW, My philosophy has always been the only stupid question is one that wasn't asked.
Jim
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