P R O D U C T  P H O T O S

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Description

The IRIQ is the universal remote that is designed to replace all of your old remotes. What makes it radically different is the fact that it only has five real buttons, one of which is a scroll-bar for scanning menus and changing channels. Using its advanced software, you program every other button on to its back lit touch screen. You can train it or program it through your computer. It also comes with hundreds of device codes already built-in for instant programming without any special training. After the initial setup you can use the computer program to further configure and customize your remote. Because you can program virtual buttons that are specific to each device, the IRIQ is potentially the most universal remote there is.

Setup

Setting up the IRIQ is exceptionally easy. After taking it out of the box, all you need to do is to put in the included batteries. Immediately after that, the device is ready to use. Although it comes with an instruction manual, it is hardly necessary. With only four choices on the Home menu (Device Setup, Activity Setup, IRIQ Settings, and Help) it is easy to get right into the programming stage. Within three minutes you can program a television and a VCR into the remote.

Performance

The IRIQ is obviously manufactured with careful attention to performance. As soon as it is on, it is ready and working. Programming devices is as easy as falling down. All you have to do is to select your device type under Device Setup (CD player, DVD Player, TV, VCR, etc.) and its brand. The IRIQ then determines how many built-in codes it has for the brand name. Then it offers you a test button to determine which of the codes is the correct one. After your VCR responds to the button (and thereby the code), the IRIQ creates an entry for it. It is that easy.

The IRIQ then gives you the option of programming 'Activities' for your devices. For instance, you can program the activity of watching a video. The IRIQ will combine buttons from any devices you need to watch a video (i.e. TV, VCR, cable box, etc.) into one entry. That way, you can select that one entry and control all of your devices at once. You can combine your TV and Video functions into one 'Activity,' labeled "Watch a Video." Once the entry is complete, you have control over both the VCR and your TV from the same configuration.

This introduces the concept of having to train your remote. Although you can 're-learn' buttons directly through the remote, You have to use your computer to train new buttons. Connecting the IRIQ to your computer is easily done. All you have to do is connect it to your serial port with the included cord. The software installation and device synchronization takes place automatically. With the computer program you can use the original device remote to create new buttons. Then you just drag and drop them onto the screen.

The last feature is based on the same system. The Macro editor allows you create entire strings of commands that you can initiate with the press of one button. You can configure the IRIQ so that pressing one button turns on your TV, turns on your VCR, rewinds the tape, and begins playing the tape. Finally, the built-in code system works like a dream. It is hard to find a device that isn't on it. It has all the name brands as well as smaller audiophile brands as well. It even worked on Televisions over 10 years old. The IRIQ delivers when it comes to performance. Case closed.

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