This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to
part 15 of the FCC rule. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
in residential installations. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and if, not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If the equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or televisions reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment
off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
•
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a different circuit from the receiver.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Note If serial or parallel ports are configured, a filtered/shielded serial or parallel cable is recommended to
minimize EMI and ensure FCC class B compliance.
Page 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Taking a First Look2
Using the Avidea Remote
The Batteries3
The Remote Control Layout4
Activating the Avidea Remote5
The Touch Screen6
Operating Devices9
Working with Modes13
Adjusting the Settings14
Changing the RF/IR Settings18
Entering Codes for Other Devices21
Learning Commands24
Labeling Buttons and Devices26
Recording Macros28
Freedom Edit32
Maintaining the Avidea Remote34
Important Notices34
Cleaning Avidea Remote34
Troubleshooting36
General Problems36
Programming Problems38
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
Specifications39
Table of Brands40
Index54
Page 4
TAKING A FIRST LOOK
The Avidea Remote Control is a Radio Frequency (RF) and Infrared (IR)
remote that can be programmed to operate all the Devices connected to your
Avidea System, such as your TV, cable box, satellite receiver, VCR, etc. It has
an extensive library of codes for these Devices that can be easily programmed.
See "Entering Codes for Other Devices" on p. 21.
In addition, the Avidea Remote can "learn" codes from your existing remote
controls that are not already stored in its library. See "Learning Commands"
on p. 24.
You can label the touch screen buttons on the Avidea Remote. Characters and
numbers are available for labeling as well as various audio and video symbols.
See ‘Labeling Buttons and Devices’ on p. 26.
Recording macros is another feature of the Avidea Remote. If you wish to
assign a sequence of commands to a single button, you can record a macro. See
‘Recording Macros’ on p. 28.
We have provided you with software for use on a PC called Freedom Edit, so
that you can create your own screens and create an individualized look for
your remote. You can find Freedom Edit on the included CD-ROM and on
the Boston Acoustics website www.bostonacoustics.com/avidea. Freedom
Edit’s online help system will guide you through the process. In the future
Freedom Edit will also allow you to upgrade your Avidea Remote. See
‘Freedom Edit’ on p. 32.
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
22
Page 5
USING THE AVIDEA REMOTE
The Batteries
The Avidea Remote requires 3 AA-batteries (3 x 1.5 V) to function.
You can use either the supplied batteries or purchase rechargeable batteries.
1 Remove the battery cover by releasing the tab and lifting.
2 Install the batteries in the battery compartment.
3 Replace the battery cover.
After a few seconds, the Avidea Remote starts up automatically and beeps
twice to indicate that it is ready for use.
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
Note:Do not touch the screen or hard buttons during start up as this may cause your
emote to lock up. If it does lock up, r
r
3
emove one battery and start again.
Page 6
TABLE OF CONTENTSUSING THE AVIDEA REMOTE
The Remote Control Layout
On the Avidea Remote you can perform functions by means of soft and hard
buttons.
• Soft buttons are the buttons you can tap on the LCD Touch Screen.
• Hard buttons are the buttons located above, below and on the left side of
the LCD touch screen.
• The 2 hard buttons located above the Touch Screen turn the Avidea
System and TV Power on and off.
• The 4 hard buttons just below the touch screen are Mode, OSD (On
Screen Display) Close (Closes OSD), and the Device button. Their
labels are displayed at the bottom of the Touch Screen.
• The hard buttons located at the bottom are for the Avidea System
Volume Up/Down, Mute, Channel Up/Down, TV source, and the
Navigation buttons.
• The hard buttons located on the left side of the Avidea Remote are
the Backlight button and the Touch Screen Page Up/Down buttons.
Avidea System PowerTV power
LCD Touch Screen
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
Backlight button to
activate the Backlight
Page Up button
Page Down button
to switch to another mode
Avidea System Volume
4
Mode button
Up/Down
Navigation
buttons
Avidea Mute
Soft buttons
OSD (On Screen
Display)
Close (Closes On
Screen Display)
Device button
to go to the
Device Page
Channel Up/Down
TV Source
Learning eye
Serial port for
connecting to a PC
Page 7
TABLE OF CONTENTS
USING THE AVIDEA REMOTE
Activating the Remote Control
Turning on the Display and the Backlight
The Remote Control’s display can be activated
in four different ways:
Tilting the unit more than 50 degrees
as illustrated activates the display but
not the backlight.
Pressing the Backlight button on the
left side will activate the display and
the backlight.
Tapping the screen gently with your finger
or a blunt, soft object like a pencil eraser
will activate the display, but not the backlight.
Pressing any button will activate the display, but not the backlight.
Note:You can set the backlight to automatically activate whenever you use the
remote. See ‘Adjusting the Backlight Timer’ on p. 15.
Whenever batteries are installed in the Avidea Remote or when it is reset, the
Remote will beep twice. The Avidea Remote then automatically switches to
the Device Page that displays all potential Devices that your Avidea Remote
can operate.
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
Fig 1: Device Page
5
Page 8
USING THE AVIDEA REMOTE
The Touch Screen
The LCD Touch Screen is divided into different sections:
Here the date and time are displayed when you are
operating your Devices. See p. 15 & 16 to set time
and date.
In this area you can see:
· The page number of the Device
· The Device you are operating
· The battery level indicator
With these soft buttons you operate your Device.
These are the labels of the 4 hard buttons below the
touch screen.
Using the Soft Buttons
By tapping the soft buttons on the LCD Touch Screen you send commands to
the Device you have selected. The name of the active Device is indicated at
the top of the touch screen.
NoteYou can operate the soft buttons in the same way you operate hard buttons on
a conventional remote control. When you keep the soft button pressed
instead of tapping it, the Avidea Remote keeps sending the command for up
to 30 seconds.
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
Using the Hard Buttons
Hard Buttons can be operated at any time, even without turning on the LCD
Touch Screen.
OSD (opens On Screen Display)
Mode button:
Press and hold 3 seconds to
activate the Mode screen.
Avidea System
Volume Up/Down
Avidea System Mute
Navigation buttons:
To perform actions in the menu of a Device, like the on
screen display of a TV or a VCR display. Use the cursor
to move up, down, left or right in the menu and press
OK to select.
6
Close (closes On Screen Display)
Device button:
Press to go to the
Device Page. Only
active when the word
“Device” is displayed
above the button.
Channel Up/Down
TV Source:
Selects the input on your TV
.
Page 9
USING THE AVIDEA REMOTE
Using the Page Up and Page Down Buttons
The controls to operate your Devices are typically located on different pages.
You can scroll through these pages using the Page Up and Page Down
buttons on the left side of the touch screen. The page number on the left of
the touch screen indicates the active page number and the total number of
screens; for example 1/6 means page 1 of 6 pages. The pages also “wrap
around” which means you can go to any page in any direction.
Using the Backlight Button
Use the Backlight button to activate the Avidea Remote’s display and
backlight.
NoteIf the screen stays black or becomes blank, adjust the contrast using the page
buttons on the left side. See Changing the LCD Contrast below. The Remote
Control also has an automatic shut-off feature to conserve battery life.
See ‘Adjusting the Backlight Timer’ on p. 15.
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
Changing the LCD Contrast
To adjust the LCD contrast on the touch screen:
1 Press and hold the Backlight button.
The screen lights up.
2 While still holding the Backlight button, press the Page Up button
once to increase the LCD contrast one level.
The LCD contrast is adjusted one level up.
–or–
Press the Page Down button once to decrease the LCD contrast
one level.
The LCD contrast is adjusted one level down.
7
Page 10
USING THE AVIDEA REMOTE
3 Release the Backlight button when the contrast is satisfactory.
The LCD contrast can be adjusted to 4 different levels.
NoteTo adjust the contrast multiple levels, press the Page Up or Page Down
button multiple times. When you press and hold the Page Up or Page Down
button, the LCD contrast will change only one level.
The Battery Status
The battery icon indicates the status of your batteries.
When the battery status is low, the Low Battery icon appears at the top
of the touch screen. You can still operate your Devices, but you cannot adjust
the settings, enter codes, learn commands or record macros anymore. When
you try to perform these actions, a message screen appears.
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
Replace the batteries to make the Avidea Remote fully functional again. See
‘The Batteries’ on p. 3 to replace the batteries.
8
Page 11
USING THE AVIDEA REMOTE
Operating Devices
To operate Devices on your Avidea Remote select the Device Page. This
screen displays the available Devices: TV, VCR, Disc, Tuner, Sat, etc.
Activating the Device Page
Press the Device button.
The Device Page appears.
Fig. 2: The Device button
Selecting a Device on the Device Page
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
Tap the soft button of the Device you want to operate.
The first page of the selected Device appears. Using the Page Up and
Page Down Buttons you can go to another page of the Device.
You operate Devices using the buttons on your Avidea Remote:
• Soft buttons (touch screen buttons)
• Hard buttons
Selecting Other Device Functions
The second Device Page allows you additional control
of your Avidea System. On this page you will find four
soft buttons labeled Zone 2, Macros, Listen Modes,
and Sleep Timer.
9
Page 12
USING THE AVIDEA REMOTE
Zone 2
The Avidea System has the ability to provide audio simultaneously and
independently in two different listening "zones". With the connection of
additional amplification and loudspeakers to the Zone 2 output from your
Avidea Control Center you can for instance, enjoy a CD in one room and the
FM tuner in another.
To activate a Device from Zone 2 tap the Zone 2 button. Devices available
now come up in a new page labeled Zone 2. You operate the Devices as you
would in Zone 1. To turn off Zone 2, or return operation to Zone 1, tap the
Off or Zone 1 soft buttons at the bottom of the touch screen.
NoteIf a Zone 2 user selects a Device already in operation in Zone 1 (or vice versa)
both users will have control of that same Device. This may cause conflicting
use and programming.
Listen Modes
The Avidea Remote allows adjustment of several “listening modes”. Listening
Modes allow you to use two, five or all six of the system’s speakers, depending
on program type, format, and personal choice. The Avidea subwoofer is
always on, regardless of the number of speakers being used.
NotePage 2 of each Device contains a customized Listening Mode page for that
Device.
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
On the Listening Mode page you will find the following soft buttons:
Display
Turns the display and lights on the Avidea Control Center on or off. The
power button will remain illuminated.
Status
Brings up the Status Bar on your TV. Shows full
system configuration, settings, and Device playback
information.
Surround Music
Uses all six speakers to recreate the ambience of a
live musical performance. This is the preset mode
for all audio-only Devices.
Stereo
Uses only two speakers, the front left and front right,
allowing Avidea to behave like a traditional 2-channel
eo system.
ster
10
Page 13
USING THE AVIDEA REMOTE
Surround Movie
Uses all six speakers to recreate a movie theater surround sound experience
from sources that are not Dolby
for all video Devices. When any external Device provides a Dolby Digital
or DTS signal, the Avidea System will automatically select the ideal
playback mode.
5/6
Turns the rear center speaker on and off. The Avidea System can properly
decode the latest surround sound formats: Dolby
and DTS®-ES™. Both of these formats are available on DVD, and may be
provided by some digital cable and satellite programming.
The proper amount of sound will come automatically from the rear center
speaker when watching an EX- or ES-encoded movie. A regular Dolby
Digital or DTS soundtrack will also send sound to this speaker. However,
when watching these movies it is possible that too much sound can come
from the rear center speaker, and not enough from the rear left and right
speakers. If that is the case, press the 5/6 button to turn the rear center
speaker on or off. (The corresponding blue light on the control center will
provide a visual confirmation of the status of the rear center speaker.)
Simply choose which system configuration you prefer for a specific movie
soundtrack.
Subw -/+
Adjusts the output level of the subwoofer to match the type of
programming being played. You may also find that a relatively higher
subwoofer level is preferred when playing the system at lower volumes.
The range of this control is -12 to +12, and a visual indication of any
level change will appear on the control center display and your television.
®
Digital or DTS®. This is the preset mode
®
Digital Surround EX
™
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
Night (Disc and Changer Device only)
Changes the Avidea System’s overall dynamic range while listening to
DVD’s. This will reduce the difference between a movie’s softest and
loudest passages, making the movie more suitable for viewing when you
are concerned about disturbing others.
Note:The Avidea System has Listening Mode Memory™. It will automatically
remember both the Listening Mode and the associated subwoofer level setting
for each Device. Let’s say that the last time you listened to the Tuner you
listened in Stereo and set the subwoofer to +3. You just finished watching a
movie in Dolby Digital Surround EX with the rear center speaker on and the
subwoofer set to +5. When you switch to Tuner, the system will
automatically switch to Ster
Listen Mode settings will be stored automatically in the system’s memory and
recalled the next time you choose that Device.
11
eo, subwoofer +3. Any changes you make to the
Page 14
USING THE AVIDEA REMOTE
Macros
A macro allows you to send a sequence of commands using one single
button. You can for instance switch on your TV, turn on your cable box
and tune to a movie channel, all by pressing a single button. Pressing the
Macros soft button on the second page of the Device Overview will bring
you to a set of Macro soft buttons. Refer to ‘Recording Macros’ on p. 28
to learn how to program these for your particular needs.
Sleep
You can program your Avidea System to shut off automatically. Using the
- and + soft buttons allows you to program the Avidea System to shut off
automatically in 15 minute intervals for up to 90 minutes.
Activating The Avidea System ‘On Screen Display’ (OSD)
Your Avidea System is equipped with an On Screen Display (OSD). The OSD
is used to check system status and make adjustments to your Avidea System.
Adjustments may include things like TV aspect ratios, speaker levels and
parental controls. (See your Avidea Home Theater System Setup and Use
Guide for complete information on the use of the OSD)
To access the OSD press the
display. You use the Navigation Buttons (up/down/left/right/ok) to access
specific adjustments within the OSD. Use the Close hard button at the bottom
of the LCD display to close the OSD.
OSD hard button at the bottom of the LCD
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
Note
12
After pushing the Close button it is necessary to press the Device button to
n to normal remote operation.
etur
r
Page 15
USING THE AVIDEA REMOTE
Working with Modes
Operation of the Avidea System or connected Devices requires that the remote
be in Use mode. For customizing the Avidea Remote (adjusting the settings,
entering codes, learning and labeling buttons, or recording macros) requires
switching to the appropriate mode.
The Avidea Remote can be put into 7 different modes. These modes are:
Use modeThe normal mode for operating your Avidea System and all
the connected Devices. See ‘Operating Devices’ on p. 9.
Setup modeFor changing the Avidea Remote settings.
See ‘Adjusting the Settings’ on p. 14.
Brand modeFor entering the codes for the brands of your Devices using
the Avidea Remote’s library. See ‘Entering Codes for Other
Devices' on p. 21.
Learn modeFor learning commands from other remote controls. See
‘Learning Commands’ on p. 24.
Label modeFor re-labeling buttons and re-naming Devices on the Avidea
Remote. See ‘Labeling Buttons and Devices’ on p. 26.
Macro modeFor recording macros. You can assign multiple commands to
one single button. See ‘Recording Macros’ on p. 28.
RF/IR modeFor changing mode of communication to connected Devices.
You can control other Devices (VCR, satellite receiver) from
greater distances. See ‘Changing the RF/IR settings’ on p. 18.
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
NoteFor learning commands, entering codes, and recording macros, it is necessary
to select a Device on the Device Page. (See below.)
1 On the Device Page tap the soft button of
the Device you want to customize.
The first page of the selected Device appears.
2 Press and hold the Mode button for 3 seconds.
The Mode screen appears.
NoteYou have to press and hold the Mode button for
3 seconds to pr
13
event accidental changes.
Page 16
USING THE AVIDEA REMOTE
3 Select the desired mode from the Mode screen.
Adjusting the Settings
The Avidea Remote settings can be adjusted in the Setup mode.
1 Press and hold the Mode button for 3 seconds.
The Mode screen appears.
2 Tap Setup in the Mode screen.
The first Setup page appears.
The Avidea Remote settings consist of 3 setup pages with several settings per
page. Use the Page Up and Page Down buttons to navigate to the appropriate
setup page.
First Setup Page
On the first setup page you can adjust:
• The LCD timer
• The backlight timer
• The beep volume
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
Adjusting the LCD Timer
The LCD timer indicates how long the LCD touch scr
before it turns off. You can set the timer between 3 and 120 seconds.
14
een stays active befor
e
Page 17
USING THE AVIDEA REMOTE
Press ‘+’ to increase or ‘-’ to decrease the time the LCD stays active.
1 Tap ‘+’ or ‘-’ once to adjust the timer 1 second up or down.
2 Press and hold ‘+’ or ‘-’ to adjust the timer in 10 second intervals.
Adjusting the Backlight Timer
The backlight setting indicates how long the backlight of the LCD touch
screen and the buttons stays active. The backlight timer can be set between 1
second and 120 seconds. You can also set the backlight in the ‘On’ setting so
that the backlight automatically activates when the touch screen is tapped or
a hard button is pressed.
NoteThe backlight cannot stay active longer than the LCD. If you increase the
backlight timer, the LCD timer will automatically increase as well.
Press ‘+’ to increase or ‘-’ to decrease the time the backlight stays active.
1 Tap ‘+’ or ‘-’ once to adjust the timer 1 second up or down.
2 Press and hold ‘+’ or ‘-’ to adjust the timer in 10 second intervals.
3 After you have reached 120 seconds, press the ‘+’ once more to jump
to the ‘On’ state which will automatically activate the backlight whenever
the unit is used.
NoteBattery life will be reduced when the settings for the LCD timer and the
backlight timer are high or when the backlight is activated automatically.
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
Change the Beep Volume
The beep volume setting adjusts or turns off the volume of all button and
system beeps on the Avidea Remote. The beep volume levels are mute, soft,
medium and loud.
Press ‘+’ to increase or ‘-’ to decrease the beep volume.
Second Setup Page
Use the Page Down button to get to page 2.
Adjust the Date
You can set the year, the month and the day.
ess ‘+’ to incr
Pr
ease or ‘-’ to decr
ease the value for the year
1 Tap ‘+’ or ‘-’ once to adjust the year, month and day one value up
or down.
15
, month, and day.
Page 18
USING THE AVIDEA REMOTE
2 Press and hold ‘+’ or ‘-’ to adjust the values for
the year and the month more rapidly. The value
for the day settings will change per 5 days.
The Avidea Remote will immediately reflect the date
change at the top of the screen.
Adjust the Time
1 Tap ‘+’ or ‘-’ once to adjust the time 1 minute
up or down.
2 Press and hold ‘+’ or ‘-’ to adjust the time more
rapidly. The time will increase or decrease per
30 minutes.
The Avidea Remote will immediately reflect the time
change at the top of the screen.
Third Setup Page
Use the Page Down button to get to page 3.
On the third setup page you can:
• Calibrate the touch screen
• Read information about your Device
• Revert the Avidea Remote
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
Calibrate the touch screen
1 Tap the Calibrate button.
The first instruction “Touch the top left corner” appears.
ap as accurately as possible in the center of the image in the upper left
2 T
corner using a small blunt object such as a pen cap or PDA stylus.
The second instr
3 Tap as accurately as possible in the center of the image in the lower right
corner using a small blunt object such as a pen cap or PDA stylus.
A message scr
panel appears again.
16
uction “T
een “Calibration successful” appears for 3 seconds. The setup
ouch the button right cor
ner” appears.
Page 19
USING THE AVIDEA REMOTE
Avidea Remote Information
This page contains information that may be important to the dealer in case of
a defect. The following information is displayed on this screen:
• Free memory (in percentage), which gives you an indication on how much
memory is left to (further) customize the Avidea Remote
• Boot version
• Application version
• Configuration file
Revert
Warning When you revert the Avidea Remote, all customization is lost. You loose all
the Avidea Remote settings, Device codes, learned codes, and custom macros.
You should save your configuration file to your PC before reverting. See the
Freedom Edit on p. 32 for more details.
By tapping the Revert button the Avidea Remote will be reverted to the
original configuration file. You might have to revert when you notice that
scrolling through pages is slowing down.
1 Tap the Revert button.
A message screen appears to confirm or cancel the revert process.
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
2 Press OK or Cancel.
To exit Setup Mode
1 Press the Mode button.
The Mode screen appears.
e Mode button you want to go to.
ap th
T
2
For normal operation, press Use.
17
Page 20
Changing the RF/IR Settings
Your Avidea Remote Control comes from the factory ready to control the
Avidea System using Radio Frequencies (RF). RF signals have an operating
range of 20 meters (66 feet) in a typical home and unlike traditional Infrared
(IR) signals used by most consumer electronics, RF signals can go through
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
18
Page 21
USING THE AVIDEA REMOTE
2 From the Mode page press the RF/IR button.
A message will ask you to select the Device you want to change. Press
Next.
3 On the next screen select the Device you wish to change.
The first RF/IR page appears.
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
4 Select the transmission mode. The preset mode for Devices you have
connected to your Avidea System is IR. If you want to change this to RF,
press the RF button. Tap the Done button to finish.
19
Page 22
USING THE AVIDEA REMOTE
Now when using the Remote, all commands will be transmitted in RF mode
and converted by the Avidea System to IR. The IR signal is then sent through
the IR Emitter and delivered to the selected Device.
NotePlease do not change the RF settings to IR for Disc or Tuner unless you
cannot get your Avidea System to respond to RF commands.
Changing RF Settings- RF ID
If you have more than one Avidea System in your home or perhaps a neighbor
in close proximity also has a system, you may find that the RF signals from
one system’s Remote Control will interfere with the other. In this case you
will want to change your system’s ID code so that your system operates
independently.
1 Looking at the rear panel of your Avidea Control Center you will find
a dial labeled ID located near the main power line. By rotating the dial,
change the setting from the default ‘A’ setting to another. Note the
new setting.
2 From the Device Page, press and hold
the Mode button for 3 seconds.
The Mode screen appears.
3 From the Mode page press the RF/IR button.
A message will ask you to select the Device you
want to change. Press Next.
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
4 On the next screen select the Device you wish
to change.
The RF/IR page will appear.
5 Press the button labeled Change RF Settings.
The second RF/IR page will appear.
6 On this screen find the box labeled Change RF ID. Scroll to the ID
designation that matches the ID knob on the back of the Control Center.
Press Done.
NoteAll Devices must match the ID number selected on the Control Center. If
you change one Device you must change all others in the same manner for
proper operation.
20
Page 23
USING THE AVIDEA REMOTE
Changing RF Settings- RF Channel
In rare occasions, other RF controlled Devices (garage door openers, cordless
phones) may interfere with the operation of your Avidea Remote Control. If
you suspect interference, you can choose another channel to operate your
Avidea System.
1 Looking at the rear panel of your Avidea
Control Center you will find a dial labeled CH
located near the main power line. By rotating
the dial, change the setting from the default 0
setting to another. Note the new setting.
2 From the Device Page, press and
hold the Mode button for 3 seconds.
The Mode screen appears.
3 From the Mode page press the RF/IR button.
A message will ask you to select the Device you
want to change. Press Next.
4 On the next screen select the Device you wish to change.
The RF/IR page will appear.
5 Press the button labeled Change RF Settings.
The second RF/IR page will appear.
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
6 On the next screen find the box labeled Change RF Channel. Scroll to the
RF designation that matches the CH knob on the back of the Control
Center. Press Done.
NoteAll Devices must match the CH number selected on the Control Center. If
you change one Device you must change all others in the same manner for
proper operation.
Entering Codes for Other Devices
The Avidea Remote can operate other Devices (VCR, Satellite Receiver) that
are connected to your Avidea System. This eliminates the need to use
multiple remotes, as well as allowing a sequence of commands to be
ogrammed as "macros". See ‘Recording Macros’ on p. 28.
pr
To take advantage of the Avidea Remote’s ability to control other brands and
Devices, follow these steps.
21
Page 24
USING THE AVIDEA REMOTE
To enter codes:
1 Locate Code.
We recommend that you look up the codes for all other Devices that are
connected to your Avidea System (located in the back of this manual
starting at p. 40). Once the correct codes are located, record them in the
space provided below for future reference.
2 Select the Device, e.g. TV, for which you want to enter a code.
The first page for that Device appears.
3 Press and hold the Mode button for 3 seconds.
The Mode screen appears.
4 Select Brand.
The Brand screen appears.‘Brand’ and the label of the selected Device
appear at the top of the LCD touch screen.
DeviceTableCode
CableCable
SatSat/DBS
VCRVCR
PVRPVR
TVTV
ChngrCD(R)
AuxCD(R)
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
5 Tap Next to enter the code for your Device.
The code screen appears. When a code is already stored, as in the
illustration below, that code is displayed.
22
Page 25
USING THE AVIDEA REMOTE
6 Enter the code from the ‘Table of Brands’ from p. 40 onwards.
NoteTo delete a number, tap on the LCD touch screen.
In the Table of Brands the brands are ordered alphabetically per Device.
Some brands use several codes for the same Device. The codes in the table
of brands contain only the basic functions of the Devices. Enter the first
code and see how well it operates your Device. If your Device is not
responding properly, you should try out the second code for that brand.
Try out all codes for the brand until you can operate the Device to your
satisfaction.
NoteThe Brand Codes provided for your remote represent the most comprehensive
library currently available. You may discover that certain hard and/or soft
buttons do not perform exactly as you expect. If this happens, please use
Learning Mode to teach your Avidea Remote the exact desired functionality
using your original remote controls. See ‘Learning Commands’ on p. 24.
7 Press OK to enter the code for your Device.
When the code is correct, you will hear a confirmation beep. Press the
mode button for 3 seconds. The mode screen appears. For normal
operation, press Use.
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
If you enter an incorrect code, you will hear an error beep. A message screen
appears.
1 Press OK.
videa Remote returns to the Brand screen where the incorrect code
The A
is displayed.
2 Look up the correct code and repeat instructions 6 and 7.
23
Page 26
USING THE AVIDEA REMOTE
Learning Commands
If a Brand code in the library is not appropriate for your Device, or if buttons
on the Avidea Remote do not work as expected, you can program the Avidea
Remote by transmitting IR signals from your existing remote controls to the
Avidea Remote’s learning eye. To do this, place the Avidea Remote and the
Device’s remote control on a flat, opaque surface, 1 to 4 inches (2 to 10 cm)
apart.
1 to 4 inches (2 to 10 cm)
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
The Learn Sequence
1 Select the Device, e.g. TV, for which you want to learn a function.
The first page for that Device appears.
2 Press and hold the Mode button for 3 seconds.
The Mode screen appears.
3 Tap Learn on the Mode screen.
The Avidea Remote is now in Learn Mode.
‘Learn’ and the label of the selected Device
appear at the top of the touch screen.
24
Page 27
USING THE AVIDEA REMOTE
4 Use, if necessary, the Page Up or Page Down button to go to the next
button you want to ‘teach’.
5 Press the soft or hard button you want to ‘teach’ on the Avidea Remote.
The soft button will go from light to dark, and the Learn label changes to
Learning, which means the Avidea Remote is ready to receive commands
from an existing remote control. The Avidea Remote will wait for 5
seconds to receive an IR code from another remote control.
NoteWhen a hard button is pressed to learn, there is no on-screen feedback to
indicate which button is pressed.
6 Press and hold the button on the existing remote control you want to
‘teach’ to the Avidea Remote.
When the Avidea Remote receives an IR code:
• You hear a confirmation beep.
• The label changes from Learning to OK. The Learn sequence has
been completed successfully.
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
For each Device you can ‘teach’ all soft and hard buttons on the Avidea
Remote, except for:
• the Backlight button
• the Page Up and Page Down buttons
• the Mode button
• the Device button
25
Page 28
USING THE AVIDEA REMOTE
When the Avidea Remote does not receive an IR code in 5 seconds:
• You will hear an error beep.
• The label changes from Learning to Failed. The Learn sequence has failed.
• The Avidea Remote will return to Learn mode. Return to step 5 of the
Learn sequence to relearn the button.
7 Go to other pages of the selected Device with the Page Up and Page
Down buttons. Repeat steps 5 and 6 until you have copied all the
commands of the existing remote control.
8 Press Done when you have finished learning commands to the buttons of
your choice.
The Avidea Remote returns to Use Mode. You can try out the new IR
codes or select another Device to learn.
Labeling Buttons and Devices
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
You can label or relabel buttons and Devices with:
• Characters in lower case and upper case
• Numbers
• Symbols
To label a Device:
1 Go the Device Page.
2 Press and hold the Mode button for 3 seconds.
The Mode screen appears.
26
Page 29
USING THE AVIDEA REMOTE
3 Tap Label on the Mode screen.
The Avidea Remote is now in Label Mode. ‘Label’
and the ‘Device’ appear at the top of the touch
screen with the following message on screen.
4 Tap Next
5 Tap the Device that you want to re-label. The Avidea
Remote shows a mini-keyboard. The text you
want to re-label is displayed above the keyboard.
6 Edit the label.
Press Del to delete the current text.
Tap the characters, numbers, and/or symbols you
want to use.
To enter a space, press Space.
To display other keyboards with capital letters
and symbols, press the Page Up or Page
Down button repeatedly.
NoteYou will hear an error beep, when you selected
more characters than can be displayed on the
selected button.
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
6 Tap OK to save the changes and return to the
Device Page.
-or-
Tap Cancel to Return to the Device Page without
saving changes.
7 Label all other elements you want. You can navigate
to the different pages of the selected Device screens
or the Device Overview, using the Page Up and the
Page Down button.
8 Press Done when you have finished labeling the
buttons of your choice. The Avidea Remote returns
to Use Mode. You can see the label or select
another Device to label.
o label a button within a Device:
T
Go the Device Page.
1
2 Select the Device that contains the button you wish
27
Page 30
USING THE AVIDEA REMOTE
to relabel.
3 Press and hold the Mode button for 3 seconds.
The Mode screen appears.
4 Tap Label, Tap Next, select the button you wish to label, and continue
with step number 3 above (p. 27). Use the Page Up/Down keys to access
other buttons within the Device.
Recording Macros
A macro allows you to send a sequence of commands using one single button.
You can for instance, switch on your TV, turn to a movie channel and prepare
your VCR for recording by rewinding the videotape.
To record macros, the Avidea Remote has to be in Macro mode.
1 Go the Device Page.
2 Select the Device, e.g. TV, with the buttons you want to program
as a macro.
NoteBasically, you can assign any button as a macro button. However, it is
recommended to assign only the reserved macro buttons on the last page of
every Device. Use the Page Up and Page Down buttons to go to the last page
of the Device.
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
3 Press and hold the Mode button for 3 seconds.
The Mode screen appears.
4 Tap Macro on the Mode screen.
A message screen appears. The Avidea Remote
is now in Macro Mode.
28
Page 31
USING THE AVIDEA REMOTE
5 Tap Next.
The Device screen with the Macro label appears. With the Page Up and
Page Down buttons you can go to other screens of the selected Device
6 Tap the soft or hard button you want to select as a macro.
A message screen appears
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
7 Tap Start.
The Device Overview appears with the ‘Recording’ label at the top of the
screen. From the Device Overview you can go to the different Devices or
you can press the Extra hard button to go to the Extra screen with delays
and beeps.
29
Page 32
USING THE AVIDEA REMOTE
8 Tap the button of the Device you want to go to.
The Device screen appears.
9 Tap the soft or hard buttons with the commands you want to record.
10 Press the Page Up and Page Down buttons to go to different screens of
the same Device.
–or–
Press the
11 To add delays and beeps to the macro, press the Extra hard button on the
Device Page.
The Extra screen appears.
Device button to go to the Device Page again.
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
NoteDelays may be required between commands. Some Devices will not respond
to another remote command immediately after turning on.
o add a delay
T
1
, tap one of the Delay buttons.
By tapping several Delay buttons, the duration of the delay will
eased.
be incr
o add a beep, tap the
T
2
Beep button.
3 Press the Device button to go to the Device Page again.
30
Page 33
USING THE AVIDEA REMOTE
12 Press Stop to stop recording.
A message screen appears.
13 Press OK to save the macro and return to the Mode screen.
The existing command of the selected button is replaced by the macro.
–or–
Press
Cancel to return to the Mode screen without saving the macro.
The button retains its previous command.
14 Set the Avidea Remote in Use mode to test the recorded macro.
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
N
31
Page 34
FREEDOM EDIT
If you want to personalize your Avidea Remote even more beyond its standard
programming features, Freedom Edit is the tool for you to use. Freedom Edit
is the Avidea Remote’s companion software that you find on the included
CD-ROM.
You can find more information and updates of the software on
http://www.bostonacoustics.com/avidea.
Freedom Edit is the visual editor for creating and configuring the Avidea
Remote Configuration Files (NCF) on your computer. An NCF is a file that is
used to define the Avidea Remote behavior and look for the LCD touch
screen.
NoteIt is a good idea to make back-up copies of your own configurations. This can
be done with Freedom Edit.
With Freedom Edit you can:
• Define the types and brands of your Devices.
• Generate a new Device Page.
• Design the page layout and the appearance of buttons.
• Configure the behavior of the hard buttons and soft buttons.
• Access Freedom Edit’s extended help system by pressing F1.
• Save, duplicate and share NCFs, Devices, buttons, bitmaps or codes with
another Avidea Remote.
• Preview the NCF on the Freedom Emulator.
• Download the new configurations to your Avidea Remote and upload the
configuration file on your Avidea Remote to Freedom Edit by means of
the included serial cable.
1 Plug one end of the serial cable in the serial port on your computer.
2 Plug the other end of the serial cable in the serial port on the Avidea
Remote.
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
NoteWhen the Avidea Remote is connected to the PC, the battery life will be
reduced.
32
Page 35
FREEDOM EDIT
Minimum System Requirements
• PC with a Pentium 166 MHz or higher
• Windows 98/ME/XP
• 32 MB of RAM
• 16 MB of free hard disk space
• Free serial port
• CD-ROM player
Installing Freedom Edit from the CD-ROM
1 Place the Freedom Edit CD-ROM in your computer.
Freedom Edit setup will start up automatically. If not, you can install
Freedom Edit by double-clicking the FreedomEditSetup.exe file on the
CD-ROM.
2 Follow the instructions on screen that will guide you through the
installation procedure.
The first time you run Freedom Edit, you have to accept the license
agreement. Otherwise Freedom Edit will not run.
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
33
Page 36
MAINTAINING THE AVIDEA REMOTE
Important Notices
Take care not to scratch the touch screen
Use your finger to tap the LCD touch screen or use plastic-tipped pens
intended for use with touch screens, such as a PDA stylus.
Never use an actual pen, pencil or other sharp object on the LCD touch
screen.
Protect the Avidea Remote from extreme temperatures
Keep the Avidea Remote away from heaters and other heat sources.
The Avidea Remote is not waterproof
The Avidea Remote should not be exposed to rain or moisture.
Do not store or use the Avidea Remote in any location that is extremely damp
or wet.
When you have spilled water on the Avidea Remote, you have to take out the
batteries and let the Avidea Remote dry for 48 hours before returning the
batteries to the Remote.
When you have spilled other liquids like coffee on the Avidea Remote, you
can clean it with distilled water. Make sure no water gets into the housing.
The touch screen of the Avidea Remote contains a glass element
Do not drop the Avidea Remote or subject it to any strong impact.
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
Cleaning the Avidea Remote
Use a soft, damp cloth to clean the Avidea Remote.
If the LCD touch screen of the Avidea Remote is soiled, clean it with a soft
cloth moistened with a diluted window-cleaning solution.
Do not use a corrosive detergent or an abrasive sponge.
Avoid the use of abundant water.
TipYou may want to switch your Avidea Remote to Front input to avoid system
operation while cleaning. Using the front input eliminates any soft buttons
that can be activated during cleaning.
34
Page 37
MAINTAINING THE AVIDEA REMOTE
How do I reset the Avidea Remote?
Under normal circumstances, you will never have to reset the Avidea Remote.
However, on rare occasions, if the Avidea Remote’s touch screen freezes or if
you notice unusual behavior, you need to perform a reset to get the Avidea
Remote running again. All customized commands and Devices are retained,
however you will need to reset the time and date.
1 Remove the battery cover from the back of the Avidea Remote.
You will see the Reset button in the battery compartment.
2 Use an unfolded paperclip or
a sharp pencil to carefully
press the Reset button.
The Avidea Remote restarts and
beeps twice to indicate it is
ready for use.
How do I revert to the last downloaded configuration?
Reset button
Reverting to the last downloaded configuration restores the Avidea Remote’s
Devices and commands to the state last downloaded from your PC. This
means that any changes made in the remote are lost permanently. Normally,
you never have to revert the Avidea Remote.
1 Press and hold the Mode button for 3 seconds.
The mode screen appears.
2 Tap the Setup button.
3 Press the Page Down button to access setup page 3.
4 Tap the Revert button.
A message screen appears to confirm or cancel the revert process.
5 Press OK or Cancel.
Do I have to calibrate the touch screen?
The Avidea Remote’s touch screen is calibrated when it leaves the factory.
You only have to calibrate the LCD touch screen:
• When you upgrade the Avidea Remote’s software in the future. The
Avidea Remote displays a message to calibrate the touch screen. Complete
the instr
When the touch scr
•
uctions in ‘Calibrate the touch scr
een buttons do not respond properly. Navigate to
een’ on p. 16.
Setup Mode first as described in ‘Adjusting the Settings’ on p. 14 and
continue with the instr
uctions in ‘Calibrate the touch scr
een’ also on p.
16.
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
35
Page 38
TROUBLESHOOTING
General Problems
The display stays blank or becomes black
• Make sure the batteries are properly installed. See ‘The Batteries’ on p. 3.
• Press the Backlight button to make sure the Avidea Remote and the
backlight are turned on. See ‘Turning on the Display and the Backlight’
on p. 5.
• Adjust the contrast using the Backlight button and the Page Up or Page
Down buttons on the left side of the Avidea Remote. See ‘Changing the
LCD Contrast’ on p. 7.
The display is too light or too dark
• Adjust the contrast using the Backlight button and the Page Up or Page
Down buttons on the left side of the Avidea Remote. See ‘Changing the
LCD Contrast’ on p. 7.
The Avidea Remote shuts off automatically
• This is a timeout feature of the Avidea Remote to save power. You can
change the time Avidea Remote stays on in the Settings. See ‘Adjust the
LCD Timer’ on p. 14.
IR Devices that have been configured 90006w do not respond to commands
from the remote control.
• Check in the IR/6w mode if the Devices you want to operate are set up
properly. See ‘Changing IR Devices to06w Control’ on p. 18.
• Make sure the IR emitter is placed near the Devices you want to use with
6w signals. See ‘Changing IR Devices to06w Control’ on p. 18.
• Be aware that more than one IR emitter may be needed if many IR
Devices are stacked or located on different shelves. See ‘Changing IR
Devices to06w Control’ on p. 18.
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
A Device responds to0some06w signals and not to others.
It is possible that a Device does not respond properly when operated with RF
signals. This is mostly due to IR signals that cannot be properly transmitted
as06w signals. In that case, you have to reconfigure the remote control to
operate the Device with IR signals again. See ‘Changing IR Devices to06w
Control’ on p. 18.You also may be receiving interference from another RF
Device. See ‘Changing 6w Settings’ on p. 20 and p. 21.
NoteThe brand codes provided with your remote represent the most
comprehensive library currently available. You may discover that certain hard
and/or soft buttons do not per900m exactly as you expect. If this happens,
please use Learning Mode to ‘teach’ your Avidea Remote the exact desired
functionality using your original remote controls. See ‘Learning Commands’
on p. 24.
36
Page 39
TROUBLESHOOTING
My Avidea System operates without me controlling it.
You may be receiving interference from another Avidea System. See ‘Changing
RF Settings’ on p. 20 and p. 21.
External Devices do not respond to commands from the Avidea Remote
• Make sure the Avidea Remote is in Use mode. See ‘Working with Modes’
on p. 13.
• If in IR mode, make sure the Avidea Remote’s sending LED is pointed
towards the Device you’re operating.
• Check if the battery level is low. If so, replace the batteries. See ‘The
Batteries’ on p. 3.
• Check if you have entered the correct codes for your Devices. See ‘Entering
Codes for Other Devices’ on p.21.
• Check if the button you are trying to use is assigned properly via Brand
mode, Learn mode or Macro mode. See ‘Entering Codes for Other Devices’ on
p. 21, ‘Learning Commands’ on p. 24 and ‘Recording Macros’ on p. 28.
• Calibrate the touch screen. See ‘Calibrating the touch screen’ on p. 16.
The TV Power button turns my TV On but not Off.
If the code library for your TV includes discrete On/Off commands they will be
stored on TV p. 2 as soft buttons. It is possible that only your TV's On command
will be stored to the TV Power hard button. To fix this problem simply use
Learning Mode and your original TV remote to properly configure your TV
Power button. See ‘Learning Commands’ on p. 24.
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
The Avidea Remote does not learn commands from an existing remote control
• Press and hold the buttons on the existing remote control for a longer or
shorter period of time.
• Make sure the distance between the Avidea Remote and the existing remote
control is between 1 and 4 inches (2 to 10 cm). See ‘Learning Commands’
on p. 24.
• Do not ‘teach’ commands directly under fluorescent lights.
• Do not ‘teach’ commands on a reflecting table surface.
• Check if the battery level is low. If so, replace the batteries. See ‘The
Batteries’ on p. 3.
• Check if there is sufficient memory to learn commands. If not, revert the
Avidea Remote. See ‘Avidea Remote Information’ and ‘Revert’ on p. 17.
• Make sure that the Avidea Remote page label changes from Learn to Learning
before pressing the button you are trying to learn on the existing remote.
The Avidea Remote is not recognized by the Freedom Edit software
• Make sure the serial cable is properly connected. See ‘Freedom Edit’ on p. 32
• Disconnect other equipment connected to the serial ports, e.g. PDA’s.
• Plug the serial cable in another serial port.
• Try to connect multiple times.
37
Page 40
TROUBLESHOOTING
Programming Problems
Buttons are not sending the correct commands
• Check if you have defined the correct brands for your Devices. See
‘Entering Codes for Other Devices’ on p. 21.
• Check whether the button of the Device is learned properly. See ‘Learning
Commands’ on p. 24.
• Check whether the macro is recorded properly. See ‘Recording Macros’
on p. 28.
The Avidea Remote will not switch modes
• Replace the batteries. When the batteries are low the Avidea Remote
prevents you from switching modes so that no customization can get lost.
The Avidea Remote is low on memory
• Revert the Avidea Remote. See ‘Revert’ on p. 17.
The configuration file is corrupted
• When this unlikely event occurs, you have to revert to the original
configuration or use Freedom Edit to download a new configuration file.
All your customized commands and Devices will be lost and you will have
to reprogram your Avidea Remote. If you use Freedom Edit, please make
backup copies of your customized configurations. See ‘Revert’ on p. 17
and ‘Freedom Edit’ on p. 32.
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
The Avidea Remote error message
If the error message ‘Invalid CF version or corrupt Flash!’ occurs:
• Use the Reset button on the back of the Avidea Remote. See ‘How do I
reset the Avidea Remote?’ on p. 35.
• Try to recover the Avidea Remote Configuration File (NCF) by
downloading a backup copy or the default file from Freedom Edit. See
‘Freedom Edit’ on p. 32.
• Go to the Boston Acoustics website
http://www.bostonacoustics.com/avidea for more information.
38
Page 41
SPECIFICATIONS
The specifications and design of this product are subject to change without
notice.
SETUP AND USE GUIDE
DisplayMonochrome touch screen LCD with 4 gray levels and
digital contrast control.
Resolution: 160 x 100 pixels
Blue EL backlighting for LCD and hard buttons
Interface3-wire (RS232) serial port connector
SoftwareBuilt-in Boston Acoustics Radio Frequency codes
Library with IR codes to operate different brands
Total number of Devices limited only by memory
Infrared (IR) Infrared sending LED and learning eye
Operating distance of 33 feet (10 meters)
Learning frequency up to 56 kHz and 455 kHz
Learning distance 1 inch (2 cm) up to 4 inch (10 cm)
Radio FrequencyBand: 418 MHz
16 Extender ID’s and 4 Channels
Minimum SystemPC with a Pentium 166 MHz or higher
RequirementsWindows 98/ME/XP
32 MB of RAM
16 MB of free hard disk space
Free serial port
CD-ROM player
Memory2 MB non-volatile flash memory
Batteries 3 AA-batteries (3 x 1,5V): primary or rechargeable
Power ManagementTilting the unit more than 50 degrees. The display will
be activated, but not the backlight.
Pressing the backlight button on the left side. The
display as well as the backlight will be activated.
Tapping the screen gently with your finger or a blunt,
soft object like a pencil eraser. The display will be
activated, but not the backlight.
Pressing any button will activate the display, but not the
backlight.
Power off automatically
Dimensions 7.2 inch x 2.8 inch x 1.3 inch (183mm x 72mm x
33mm)
Operating Temperature 41°F to 113°F (5°C to 45°C)
AccessoriesRS232 cable for PC connection