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Ok, so we've got the mostly good stuff out of the way, what are the problems
here? They're listed below and before I posted this review online I put them
to One For All's Senior Product Manager Dave Muncy who had
good news about some of my queries.
Firstly, what I imagined would be the answer to all my prayers does have some
compatibility problems and I found these out when I thought the unit was just
failing to learn the infra-red codes. When it comes to programming my Hitachi
and Philips VCRs, it can't mimic events of keystrokes where the 'action'
takes place on the remote only, i.e. programming the timer on the handset
of both VCRs.
Dave told me: "These devices require writing information to the remote and
then transmitting a string of commands by the press of an execute or transmit
button. This is not something that we have accommodated since it sometimes
also requires the input of time information."
I would like them to reconsider. Information can be entered when labelling keys
so I don't see what's physically stopping the above from being implemented.
My next problem was that after telling the unit which devices I wanted to
control and configuring extra functions for some of them - and far from the
maximum of 72 keys per devices - with 94% of available memory left, apparently
I've run out of space to program more keys with the 'learn keys' function (!)
Is this a firmware bug I wondered?
I was told
"This is not a bug. The Mosaic comes pre-programmed and is supported by
Customer Service and Internet Downloads of codes via .wav files and a
magnetic coupling in the remote for devices that are new or are not
currently covered. Our philosophy for use of learning is for customisation
or adding a few functions from a code that is pre-programmed or downloaded
to the remote. We have the best and largest database of infrared codes to
support our products."
I'll have to get hold of the magnetic coupling device since the front speakers
of my home cinema system, through which the .wav files will be emitted, are
10 feet off the ground and I can't reach them to place the back of my unit
against. Note that when the .wav files play, it sounds like fifteen seconds
of machine code belting out, so don't play them late at night.
My next problem was that I couldn't figure out how to easily make the remote
replicate many of the functions of the Sony STR-DB 930 amplifier/receiver.
Dave tells me:
"This is the intent of learning in the Mosaic. We can also duplicate any
function of the original remote via our patented KeyMagic. This can be
easily accomplished by phoning our Customer Service Help-line."
I didn't expect every item of this particular remote to be replicated here
given that the Sony amp comes complete with a two-way remote that in turn
replicates the functions of others, but the
Philips Pronto (right),
as shown on the review at
DVD Reviewer, can do this with relative ease after downloading the
control sets. I did find I could program in the basic source selections into
the Mosaic though.
However, I have to ask why One For All didn't make it possible to connect the
unit to a PC via the USB port? PCs are becoming an integral part of home cinema
now with DVD-ROM drives widely available, so why not provide a USB connection
and the software necessary to drag-n-drop your requirements onscreen first?
I find this immensely useful with the aforementioned
Creative DAP Jukebox,
for example, when managing the music held within.
I asked if it would be possible to customise the unit like a Philips Pronto so
you can create your own buttons and layout rather than the grid-like format
already on the unit?
The hopeful reply came:
"We are working on a software package that will be available in our Internet
site. When completed, we will place a cable (already available) for
connecting from the RS232 port to the phono jack of the Mosaic. Our target
is to have it added to the site by the end of this year."
I shall certainly look forward to this. Perhaps it will provide the access
required that would usually be dealt with USB-wise these days.
A final problem for now is that when it comes to the macros, it won't turn on
my Panasonic TV as it requires a channel button to be pressed for half-a-second
but only actions a brief press. I tried programming in two concurrent presses
but to no avail as it places a pause between them.
Dave told me:
"I have found that there are some models of Panasonic TV that require a
longer IR signal. This is something that we are working on to solve since
it will change the structure of the protocol."
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I have 11 separate remote controls which makes the One For All Mosaic seem ideal.
