Q: I like the Roaming Remote concept but I don't have a VGA Pocket PC. Where can I get one? A:Currently the HP iPAQ 200 series (210, 211) and Pharos Traveler GPS 535X are for sale, both of which should work nicely. The discontinued Dell Axim X50v and X51v also work and used or reconditioned ones can be found on ebay at reasonable prices. Used HP hx4705 and ASUS A730 should work as well. Basically, any Windows Mobile based Pocket PC with VGA resolution should work. You can also use your smart mobile phone if you desire (see below). NEW!: Roaming Remote now supports devices with 240x320 (QVGA) and 320x320 (SqVGA) resolutions! Now virtually all Windows Mobile Smartphones and Pocket PCs are supported.
Q: Can I use my Mobile phone instead of a PDA or Pocket PC?
A: Yes! The phones must have a Windows Mobile OS, be a touch screen design, have 480x640, 240x320 or 320x320 resolution and be WiFi enabled. Phones with different resolutions (like 240x400) should also work but with some unused screen space, and we are constantly adding support for new screen resolutions.
Q: I don't have a receiver with a serial port. Can I still use the Roaming Remote system?
A: Yes, though a serial capable receiver is essential to exploit the features and capabilities of the The Roaming Remote System. HOWEVER, you can still use the Roaming Remote without a serial capable receiver to control your supported Software media player on your PC or HTPC. During setup, select "NONE" for your receiver and then select your software player. The software will then allow you to control playback of your content via the software player using your mobile device. It will even control the player's volume!
Q: My system has a supported receiver but some commands don't seem to work? A:Oftentimes the lower end models in a manufacturer's product range only support a subset of all the available commands. So, depending on the model of receiver or Pre/Pro, it may not support all the commands the client is capable of sending. ALL receiver models supported by the Roaming Remote will at least control source selection, volume and mute, listening mode and navigation of the OSD. Radio tuner control, advanced control of room equalization functions and Zone 2 control will also be supported on most models.
Q: Can the Roaming Remote control my standalone DVD or SACD player?
A: Yes it can (or could) as long the player has an rs232 serial control port. However, since most users with an HTPC use software players to play their media, and since an HTPC is required to use the Roaming Remote, we decided to have the Roaming Remote control software players instead. However, we can develop custom versions of the Roaming Remote to implement control of standalone DVD and SACD players to fit your needs.
Q: My computer or HTPC doesn't have any serial ports, can I still use the Roaming Remote?
A: Yes absolutely, that is, as long as you have open USB ports. You will have to obtain a USB to serial device which can commonly be found at any computer or electronics store. Just follow the instructions provided by the USB to Serial device manufacturer, run the Roaming Remote server set-up program (where you will select your serial COM ports) on the HTPC and you should be good to go.
Q: I have a receiver or device with a serial port but its not supported by Roaming Remote.
A: We are committed to adding receiver and other device support. (DVD, SACD , displays etc.) to broaden the appeal of Roaming Remote. If your device has fairly large acceptance, please submit a request to us via this website and we will look into adding support for it. One thing that can speed up device support is sending us your device so we can conduct development testing. We understand the hardship of being without your equipment, but this GREATLY speeds up testing and adding device support. Users that provide devices for development will receive a FREE version of Roaming Remote software. For niche market devices we can provide a custom implementation for a nominal fee.
Q: Why does there seems to be a slight delay when I tap the buttons on my Mobile Device?
A: Depending on your mobile device, there may be a slight delay when tapping your chosen function button. This is mainly because touchscreen devices operate a bit differently than "hard button" devices and they have an inherent "response" delay. When navigating on screen menus, the Roaming Remote allows you to use the hard buttons on your mobile device for slightly better response. Also we have found in testing that HTPCs connected wirelessly sometimes experience a small delay due to the latency and re-transmits that occur when wireless interference is present. If possible,
we recommend you connect your HTPC to your network with Ethernet cable. 