Getting started with Xsight and Nevo

Revision as of 19:46, 29 October 2015

Setup

First, download and install RM:

http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/dload.php?action=file&file_id=13101

When you first get your remote, connect to the EZ-RC website to get the latest firmware and create a baseline config. Starting with a download of this config will make things go much smoother in Remote Master. Note: EZ-RC only works in IE, not in Edge, Chrome, Firefox or any other browser.

If you have previously used the EZ-RC site, then the USB drivers you need have already been installed. If not, you can download the conduit here (only needed for EZ-RC site, not RMIR):

http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/dload.php?action=file&file_id=11937

If you are new to Remote Master, please read the tutorials below and learn how to use it before you attempt to program your Xsight with it.

http://www.hifi-remote.com/wiki/index.php?title=JP1_-_Just_How_Easy_Is_It%3F_-_RM-IR_Version

Please post questions, bug reports and feature requests in this thread: http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=14804&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight= Development discussion should continue in the existing developer thread. If you are a beginner with RM and have general questions, please post those in a new thread or other existing threads if applicable.

Favorites and Icons

The Xsight Touch and Color models have a favorites list feature. It consists of one master list, and several other customs which are a subset of the master list. Each favorite can have an icon (max 72x34, automatically scaled down if larger) which can be assigned in RMIR. Here is a dedicated icons thread with more info: http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=120666#120666

Win 8.1/10 Requirements

Xsight has issues maintaining a connection in Win 8.1/10, meaning the connection to the remote is immediately lost and neither EZ-RC nor RMIR can fully download or upload. Thanks to user eXim82, there is a solution for Win 8.1 detailed here: http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=115162#115162

I have created a set of reg files you can simply double click to change the appropriate key to fix the issue. Or you can simply go straight to the following registry key (where 80xx is the PID for your model remote) and change EnhancedPowerManagementEnabled to 0. Change takes effect next time remote is plugged in.

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USB\VID_06E7&PID_80xx\XSIGHT.\Device Parameters]

Different Xsight models have different PID's. So this key should get you close no matter what model since the VID is the same.

Reg files: http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/dload.php?action=file&file_id=12673

Some Windows updates may reset this key, so the change may need to be applied again. If you have issues downloading/uploading, check the registry key first and set it back to 0.

Troubleshooting

If your remote is unresponsive, try the reset/firmware upgrade instructions here: http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=27215#27215

FAQ

What's the difference between the Xsight Color, Xsight Touch, Nevo C2 and Nevo C3?

• The Xsight Touch (URC-8603 or AARX18G) is identical to the Nevo C3 and the Color (URC-8602 or ARRX15G) is identical to the C2. The Touch and Color are the same except the Touch has 3 additional devices, adds RF capability, rechargeable battery, charging base, slimmer/lighter design and touchscreen. The on-screen functions on the Color are accessed via buttons along the sides rather than direct touch. The URC models are OneForAll brand in Europe and the AARX are Acoustic Research brand in the US. C2 and C3 are Nevo brand worldwide. The first Xsight model was introduced around 2010 and discontinued around 2013.

• There are two other similar, but more limited Xsight models, the 12 device Plus (URC-8620 or AARX12G) and 6 device Lite (URC-8610). These are physically smaller and have only a 3 line LCD where each function is accessed by using an up/down rocker switch to select.

• The RF capable Xsight Touch and Nevo C3 requires the a base (with 6 included blasters) in order to be used in RF mode (ARRE433B or REX-433). Without the base, the remote can still be used in IR mode or in RF mode for DirecTV devices only.

Why use Remote Master instead of EZ-RC?

• EZ-RC is wizard based like Harmony, asking a series of questions whose answers program the remote automatically.
• EZ-RC allows you to save one online configuration, and your remote must be connected to your PC in order to edit or view it.
• EZ-RC lets you add devices by browsing manufacturers and model numbers.
• EZ-RC only works in Internet Explorer.
• EZ-RC website could be shut down at anytime by UEI (One-for-All) when they choose to no longer support the Xsight/Nevo line of remotes.

• Remote Master (RM or RMIR) is not wizard based. It gives you direct access to every aspect of the remote configuration.
• RM can save/load/edit/create any number of devices or remote configurations off-line and edit them whether your remote is connected or not.
• RM can load any of the thousands of devices in the JP1 file section.
• RM can convert learns to new devices which results in perfect signals and uses less memory.
• You can use tools like IRScrutinizer to analyze pronto hex codes and build your own devices from them in RM.
• RM runs on many platforms (PC/Mac/Linux) and does not require a browser.
• RM will work forever, regardless of what UEI does in the future.

• Both RM and EZ-RC can be used to fully configure every aspect of the remote and can be used interchangeably.

How is Xsight different from other JP1 remotes?

• Xsight has an LCD (controlled via touch or buttons depending on the model) for up to 72 additional functions per device or favorites with custom icons. This is a major advantage as additional functions can be logically organized and clearly labeled. On a traditional JP1 remote, additional functions would have to be memorized or documented on a "cheat sheet" for reference.

• Xsight includes a USB interface cable, so it is not necessary to buy or build a JP1 cable.

• Xsight does not and never will have an extender. This means no extender capabilities like toadtog. However, many extender features would not be needed on Xsight since it already has them built in.

• Xsight has many extender features built-in: unlimited length macros, device specific macros, pauses, key group mapping and enough devices so that multiplexing isn't needed. It also has enough LCD buttons that long, short, double, shifted and double shifted buttons aren't needed.

• Xsight is activity based. This means the Xsight has a special class of macros that includes key group mapping for mixing the functions of different devices and handling channel lock and volume punch thru.

• Xsight can be programmed via wizards via the web by answering a series of questions. This enables non-experts to create sophisticated activity macros without any programming knowledge. However, Xsight can also be programmed with Remote Master, exploiting all JP1 capabilities to the fullest.

• Xsight Touch can natively control HR2x, H2x series DirecTV DVRs and receivers directly via RF without needing an RF base or IR blasters.

• Xsight has guided, interactive device code setup on the remote. This means if you want to use Xsight without activities, to set up the remote, you simply look up the brands of your devices on the remote itself without having to look up any codes.

• Xsight favorites feature is greatly enhanced over other JP1 remotes. Rather than just a few favorites executed sequentially by a single button, Xsight has up to 72 directly accessible favorites on the LCD with custom full color icons and optionally grouped into several custom categories.

• Xsight Touch has a rechargeable battery and charging base.

• Xsight has a huge amount of memory. Rather than a few kilobytes, it has a few megabytes for devices, macros, learning and icons.

How does Xsight compare to similar Harmony remotes?

• The Xsight Touch RF remote is very similar to the Harmony 900 and Xsight Color IR remote is very similar to the Harmony One, 650 and 700 in terms of features. Both are PC programmable, activity based, backlit, learning, have favorites and icons. Like the 900 the Touch is RF and has a rechargeable battery and charging base. Like the 650 the Color is IR only and uses standard AA batteries. But you can use rechargeable AAs (Eneloop type batteries are highly recommend).

• The biggest difference is that Xsight does NOT have power and input state tracking like Harmony. This means for TOADs (devices that have only power and input toggle commands), Xsight cannot remember those states. In activity macros, devices could toggle off when it was intended for them to toggle on or go to the wrong input. But, if you are able to use discrete power and input commands, this doesn't matter. With discretes, the power and input states will always work correctly.

• Key advantages Xsight has over Harmony are:
  • 6 functions per page
  • 15 devices (18 devices for Touch, C2 and C3)
  • 72 favorites with custom categories (Mom, Dad, Kids, Sports, News, etc.)
  • Editable activity macros
  • Unlimited macro length
  • Variable hold durations (great for turning TV vol to zero with one command)
  • Pronto hex import
  • Custom devices and protocols
  • Custom icon for any command
  • Offline config with unlimited local file backups and versions
  • IR signal analysis tools
  • Web based wizard style programming or avanced programming via Remote Master on Mac/Linux/Windows XP/7/8/10
  • Access to huge UEI database, Remote Central codes and JP1 database

References

• EZ-RC website (IE only)
• Xsight Color Support/Manuals/Installs
• Xsight Touch Support/Manuals/Installs
• Xsight thread at AVSForum
• Xsight review at RemoteCentral