JP1 remote

A JP1 remote is one of many models of consumer product remote controls manufactured by Universal Electronics Inc., which has an undocumented connector within the battery compartment labeled "JP1" (or mounting holes where one can be added) that provides access to a part of the remote's memory that stores user configuration data. In late 2000, a few talented hackers learned how this connector could be used to examine memory contents and modify them using a PC. This discovery led to the formation of the [http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/index.php JP1 Forum] , a group of enthusiasts sharing a common interest in enhancing and customizing the performance of JP1 remotes. Since then the JP1 group has grown to over 9000 members, and provides a wide range of free resources, including extensive software and hardware designs. Members of the forum exchange programs and information related to specific model remote controls daily, as well as ideas and suggestions of ways to program them with new features. An extensive data base has evolved that covers the vast majority of new consumer products that rely on infrared remote control signals. Although there is no official sanction for reprogramming universal remote controls in this way, it is done with the full knowledge and understanding of the manufacturer, whose outstanding product design really makes it all possible. Thousands of members have used the group's resources to maximize the performance of their remote controls, even beyond the capability originally provided by the manufacturer, at a fraction of the cost of high-end programmable remote controls.

All JP1 remotes are made by [http://www.uei.com Universal Electronics, Inc.] , the leading manufacturer of universal remote controls in the world. They sell many models under their own popular [http://www.oneforall-na.com One For All] brand name, and also supply remotes to Radio Shack, Sony, and many other leading manufacturers of consumer electronic products. Earlier models use an EEPROM memory chip, but in recent years the designs have evolved toward using processors with flash memory. Newer flash models are labeled "JP1.x", where "x" is 1, 2, or 3, depending on the type of processor used, but they are still considered part of the JP1 family of remotes.

To take advantage of JP1 technology requires an interface cable to connect the remote to a PC. Interfaces for either JP1 or JP1.x remotes come in many varieties, depending on whether you want to use a legacy port (serial or parallel) or a USB port on your PC. For those with soldering skills the JP1 Forum publishes dozens of DIY interface hardware designs with complete documentation, some requiring just a few passive components, most using a few transistors or an integrated circuit. For the technically challenged there are always several vendors of interfaces available through the forum, generally at prices ranging from $10 to $40.

There are also many software packages that can be downloaded for various purposes. At the simplest level they can be used for programming features that are otherwise programmed tediously and blindly through the remote's keypad. Tasks such as selecting the specific brand and model devices (TVs, DVDs, Receivers, VCRs, and such) to be controlled, reassigning the functions of certain keys, creating macros, etc., can be programmed much faster and easier with a PC. Furthermore, JP1 programming enables you to save a file of the remote's configuration for use in quickly duplicating the programming in several identical remotes, restoring it if the remote is lost or replaced, or for exchanging with friends having similar remotes.

At the intermediate level, perhaps the most popular use for JP1 programming is to to expand a remote's repertoire, i.e., to add capability for controlling a new product or one not included in the list of codes in the user's manual. Since new home theater products are being introduced continually, JP1 group members with software skills work to stay abreast of these new products,often with the help of information supplied by rank and file members using "learning" remotes or other methods. The result is that buying the latest TV or other gadget seldom causes your favorite remote control to become obsolete.

At the highest level, JP1 can be used to modify some of the fundamental ways a remote works, so that it provides features beyond those it is supplied with as-manufactured. Examples are programming keys to perform different functions depending on whether they are given a long or short press, or two presses in rapid succession, adding time delays within macros, reassigning functions to keys that are not normally programmable, and many more.

Whatever the level of interest, there is a wealth of tutorial information in the forum archives, and many experienced and capable members who provide advice and assistance to newcomers as they learn the ropes. The JP1 group has a reputation for being one of the most expertly populated and responsive forums on the internet.

External links

* [http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/index.php JP1 Forum]

* [http://www.hifi-remote.com/jp1/ JP1 General Info]

* [http://www.hifi-remote.com/ofa/ One For All General Info]