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Product:
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iMON Universal IR Remote Control Device |
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Price:
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$87 (CAN) / $65 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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Ahanix Corporation
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Author:
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Shennon
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Date:
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April 17th, 2004
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Rating:
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The software included with the iMON is called Multi-Median, and its main function is to be an all-in-one
media solution. The Multi-Median is capable of playing DVDs, displaying pictures from HD, television
and digital recorder playback. Across the top of the main screen, there are a series of icons that will
load the different options such as playing files from the hard drive, from a DVD or CD-ROM, television
from a TV card such as an ATI All in Wonder or a digital recorder device attached through a Firewire
port. A setting in the menu will allow consumers to select the appropriate DVD drive as well as directory
information for the music and pictures, all by using the remote.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The DVD screen will show the current DVD that is playing in a window with updated time information
regarding play and movie length time. Once the movie is playing, a simple tap on the "Full Screen"
button will put the movie image to full screen size.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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There are couple of other little utilities that also come with the iMON. The App. Launcher allows you to
launch specific programs such as Windows Media Player, Winamp, and other multimedia programs.
The Task Switcher allows you to cycle between active windows and is activated by the corresponding
buttons mentioned earlier. One application worth mentioning is the Timer function. If I feel particularly
nasty to those who live here, I could set up an alarm that would wake me up in the mornings with a loud
alert if I turn up the volume. It's a handy feature if you want your HTPC to double as an alarm clock.
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Conclusion:
There is more to the iMON Universal IR Remote Control Device that could not be
covered entirely in this review. It took some trial and error to customize the software applications and
remote, but once everything was working I was able to use this product rather intuitively. Most of the
buttons are clearly labeled, with the exception of the Multi-Median launch button but once you know
where it is, it isn’t problem. One of the cool features included in this package is that if you end up
losing the iMON remote, the software can be re-programmed to use any alternative such as any universal
home theatre remote. The IrDA is fairly sensitive and I noticed during my evaluation when changing
channels on with my television remote, the iMON would pick up the signal but not doing anything except
make a standard error sound which can be turned off. The USB support simplifies the product installation
and works very well with this product. I have several other remote and receivers that are all serial
port based and configuring them to work with one particular machine in my home was a challenge. Once
the USB receiver is plugged in, it was detected and installed. Overall installation is very straightforward
and can be completed in less than 30 minutes. One downside to the iMON Universal IR Remote Control
Device is the round receiver end which might look odd depending on where it is placed.
The Multi-Median software is excellent and will perform all tasks capable on any machine but does take
some time to get working. It is recommended that you read the User Manual since it does explain in
detail all of the features and usage questions that one may have when installing this product for the
first time. What I find missing from the iMON Multi-Median would be plug-in support, such as a Weather
plug-in or one that takes advantage of the popular DVDProfiler
program by InterVocative Software. If you are looking for a remote solution for a Home Theatre PC
system or just want nice alternative to using a standard mouse the iMON Universal IR Remote Control Device
is something to seriously consider. Overall, I'm rating this product a 9 out of 10.
If you have any questions regarding this review be sure to visit the Ahanix Corporation
website for more information or discuss them in our forums.
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Pros:
- Full multimedia suite
- Wireless functionality
- Full featured remote controller
- Easy installation
- Good documentation
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Cons:
- No support for third party plugins
- Receiver might look out of place
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