JP1 Remotes

I currently have a Cinema 6 and an original JP1. It has been a while since I have been back for any remote programming (as everything has been working great). I've been getting envious of some new remote controls that might be a little more intuitive for visitors/children when using my TiVo setup. What do folks recommend?

I really like the looks of the Harmony remotes. What is comprapable in the jp1 world? Will my original jp1 interface still work with the current software? (It does still work with the old software just fine, big giant switch and everything!)

Thanks,
-Matto

The Harmony remotes are in a class of their own, so you can't really compare JP1 remotes with them. As far as the best JP1 remote for a Tivo user, it's probably the modifed URC-6131. This remote even has THUMPS UP/DOWN buttons.

I looked at the 6131. My problem with that remote is the same as my Cinema 6. That is, it is really hard to have people other than me or my wife use the remote without massive explaination. I like the notion of having a remote where someone can push a button to "Watch TV", "Watch a DVD", etc and have everything done for them. It looks like this is possible with current jp1 technology. However, assigning that to meaningful buttons still seems a stretch? Perhaps folks are using shifted buttons to do this? ie: Press shift-DVD to set up everything for DVD use?

Thanks,
-Matto

The easy way to do it would indeed by to use shift-DVD, etc. Then you could use shift-POWER as your "power off" macro. This is how I do it on my remote.

But, if you'd rather program your macros to the unshifted device buttons, you can do that too if you install the 6131's extender.

I refer to this concept as Harmony minus the verbs. Just assume "Watch" or "Listen"

With the extender, you can actually assign those macros directly to the device buttons, so that there is no need to use the shifted buttons. This makes it very easy for the uninitiated. Just tell them "Press the button for the device you want to watch, and everything will get set tot the correct inputs so you can just start watching."

Sounds good. I guess I'll pick up a 6131 and give it a whirl.

Does anyone know if my original jp1 interface will work with this? I'm assuming that the interface specs haven't changed, just simplified. Is this correct?

Thanks,
-Matto

If your current interface works with your current computer, then it will almost certainly work with the 6131. Also, just in case it wasn't clear, you'll need a "modified" URC-6131 remote. If you buy one from a B&M store it won't work with JP1. I sell modified 6131 remotes, as do a couple of other web sites that get them from me.