TouchControl Universal Remote

As a long time iRule user, I was on a mission to find a remote replacement when I found out iRule had been sold and their servers would eventually be shut down. I tried many different apps prior to trying Touch Control and all lacked in some form compared to what I had been able to do with iRule. Also, many were clunky, had poor design interfaces or had problems with crashing, etc. After spending a couple hours with Touch Control, I knew this would be the perfect replacement. Not only does Touch Control do all that iRule does but it does a TON more and more often than not, in a much more straightforward way. The options with Touch Control are seemingly limitless and as I journey through designing my new remote, each day I discover new, neat features I want to add. Yes, there is a learning curve, and some of the more advanced features require some basic javascript programming, but I had absolutely NO javascript experience coming in and I feel I’ve made some pretty decent strides in getting things figured out. And the best part of the app hands down is the tech support. It is beyond amazing and always willing to help you figure something out when you get stuck. Plus there is a very nice companion manual which provides a great reference to all the features of the app and explains with examples how to set things up. I’ve got control and feedback set up for a bunch of different home theater and lighting devices and look forward to adding more. This is not a ‘set up in an hour or two’ kind of remote. It requires a fair amount of setup, layout and programming time, but it allows unlimited customization based solely on how you want to accomplish things and lay them out. If you’re a DIY’er and like to tinker, this is an amazing app. After several weeks working with it in my limited spare time, I’ve got nothing bad to say about. There are regular updates that keep adding cool new features and did I mention the tech support is awesome? A+++

I’ll admit I was upset when the makers of the iRule app I was using for home control sold out to Kramer Electronics. I chose TouchControl as a replacement and have no regrets. It is far more powerful than iRule ever was and has a much better model that uses locally built servers with which to edit configurations on devices. Well worth the time I invested to learn the basics I needed. One of the best features of this system is the tech support. Dave is incredibly helpful and responds within hours to push me over small bumps I’ve encountered. What’s really great is that fixes to minor bugs and even new features that I’ve suggested are implemented within days of my request! Never would have expected this from an app. The only feature missing is a timer that would execute commands on a schedule (like existed in dedicated remotes like ProntoPro NG 7000, e.g.)—but Dave even suggested a workaround for that. Overall, considering the power, price and current level of support, you can’t go wrong with this app.

After having to replace my iPad, I noticed I could no longer download my iRule app which I had invested a lot of time with over the years. Attempting to contact both iRule (which no longer supports the App) and Apple resulted in no progress. So I resigned myself, to having to find an alternative. I tried out several Apps (some a great deal more expensive), in much frustration. The Apps simply did not have the capability and flexibility I had come to expect from using iRule. Fortunately I stumbled upon this App and am so very happy I did. There is a bit of experience required to get up to speed, but not any more than iRule required. In addition Dave is always readily available to provide A++ support with getting over the learning curve, helping with any desired Java scripts, etc. He has spent thousands of hours developing and perfecting the app and documentation and it shows. In comparison to iRule, l believe the TC app has equivalent if not more flexibility and capability and is more user friendly and straight forward than iRule. The instruction manual is approximately 200 pages, well written, and is useful for explaining basic functionality for the novice, as well as more complicated versatile implementations for the advanced users. I can highly recommend this App for all users and you will not find a better Remote Control for IR, IP, Serial (RS232) and other communications in the App Store that is better designed, functions great, and has great versatility. The fact that this app is dirt cheap and has great support makes it a no brainer.