Peel iPhone, iPod, iPad Remote Control Review

[admin]

I've presided over many advanced devices in the audio-video world. Peel, a new Silicon Valley company that hit the scene this year with the help for some well-placed venture capital, is aiming to undo even the legacy of Logitech's Harmony - if they continue on the path they're one. Peel has developed an iPhone, iPod, iPad-based remote control system that literally revolutionizes the way you'll want to consume TV. So what makes the Peel special? Simple. It allows you to effortlessly set up your system, and then it organizes your options by genre, presenting you with iconic images of what's on TV and asking you the simple question: "What do you want to watch?". And it doesn't even have to ask the question, really, because it's all right there - in front of you. It's intuitive. In fact, it's stupid-easy. Head-slappingly so, in a way that makes you look around and wonder: Why TV hasn't been this way for the past 5 years?

Discuss "Peel iPhone, iPod, iPad Remote Control Review" here. Read the article.

 

[scott911]

Personally, I think this device (and competitors such as irule) have the potential to completely pull the rug out from under Harmony.

I will be moving from a Harmony Touch screen 1100, to an iphone / ipad app quite soon. The firm that master's ease of use (both from an implimentation and daily usage standpoint) is going to do quite well in my opinion.

 

[Jed M]

Could this device function in a whole house matrix system using RF? I just wonder what the limits of its functionality or product library are.

 

[scott911]

jed - Peel actually looks very limited upon a second look this afternoon.

A lot of ipod, ipad products connect to some pretty cool IR and serial devices which can give you whole house control. The peel thing just appear to be a simple IR emitter.

Here's a link to a controller series http://www.globalcache.com/products/itach/

And here's a link to ipad interface product (it send it's commands via your home wireless network the units linked above) I liked the most. Its interface looks a little challenging to create through... http://www.iruleathome.com/

avs forums has an active area discussing these. I've never seem peel mentioned there.

 

[BMXTRIX]

Peel is another product which just doesn't deliver, but has a nice interface.

I think that Apple and CEMs have a long way to go if the iPhone is ever going to be a viable remote control.

First, devices need to be iControl compatible. That is, they need to be setup on the network and recognize a set of commands over the network easily. My Verizon Fios box can be controlled via my iPod, but it doesn't have the nifty GUI of the Peel.

That's where the Peel may (MAY!) really excel. Basically it just shows a tricked up genre based program guide. I like that, but I LIKE scrolling through channels to see what catches my attention. I'm down with a iPhone smooth scrolling version for sure though.

Yet, I have a DVR, how do I record easily? Maybe it handles it.
What about fast forward/rewind, etc.?

You already mentioned volume, but what about hiding devices? What about the LONG list of products that it does not control? What is a consumers recourse on that?

And why, for the love of all, must it use a line-of-site IR blaster?

I envision a lot of things coming down the pipe in the future, but a standardized control method for certain devices which could be used by controllers would be a huge part of that process. This way different controllers could come out which work appropriately for different people.

Those hard of seeing, hearing, older people, younger, etc.

For those who haven't tried using a touchpanel for a remote, you really should - it generally sucks.

That is, while looking at your TV, it's a lot easier to feel tactile buttons than it is to figure out where things are on a touchscreen. Kind of like texting and driving - it's just not tactile to do without looking the wrong direction, and your eyes need to be on screen. On the other hand, when you can look at the screen and see what is going on, then you get a lot more flexibility in control.

Still, there is a reason why Crestron and AMX are such large control system companies. Other reasons why Universal Remote Control and Harmony have done so well. A remote can't just be one or two devices, or just the 'majors'. It has to allow for the oddball components to be a part of the system and it needs an easy way to make that happen. That first product which can't be a part of your system or doesn't work well, is the one which will make the entire experience pretty unpleasant.

Still, nice idea on the GUI!

 

[ratso]

do we really need all those buttons? i do. i have a whole range of "tweaks" built in to my harmony remote that i'm not too sure that this could duplicate. it's the age old argument - do you want simple but not too in depth or do you want in depth but not too simple? i want both. a simple gui with an ability to get more details if i need/want it to. plus not too many devices supported. but i agree, this is def. something to keep an eye on in the future. it's close.

 

[Bismarck]

"I mean, seriously, can anyone tell me the difference between a Samsung UN55B8000, a UN55C8000, and a UN55D8000? I didn't think so."

Not to be THAT guy, but UN means it's an LED, 55 is the size, the next letter is the year, and the last 4 digits is the "model" of TV. Cheaper brands that put out tons of crap, like Apex and Westinghouse, they have ridiculous model numbers.