Jp1 remote
Encyclopedia
A JP1 remote is a type of Universal remote
, usually with a six-pin interface connector labeled "JP1" in the battery compartment, manufactured by Universal Electronics Inc. The JP1 interface allows the remote to be reprogrammed, adding new code lists and functions. Home Theater
hobbyists use JP1 to avoid obsolescence
.
Most JP1 remotes are capable of advanced functions like remapping keys and macros. Some models can be updated over the telephone to add new code lists.
, Sony
, Sky
, and many other manufacturers of consumer electronic products. Several North American cable TV providers, such as Comcast
, Rogers
, Cox
, Shaw
, Charter
and Time Warner
also supply JP1 remote controls with their equipment.
Earlier models use an EEPROM
memory chip, but in recent years the designs have evolved toward using processors with flash memory
.
The JP1 marking on the original remotes is common notation on printed circuit board
s indicating "Jumper 1", i.e. the first (and in most cases for these remotes, the only) jumper on the board. In apparent recognition of the significance the JP1 marking has made, newer flash models are labelled "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.
for cabling parallel port
, serial port
or USB connectors to various JP1 remote controls are freely available, and several vendors offer pre-built interface cables.
Nicola Salmoria
discovered how to add new functions by writing software "Extenders" (protocols which replace a JP1 remote's main processing loop). Extenders may depend on a particular JP1 remote's hardware capabilities. Typical extender features include longer macro length; fast command execution; nested macros; and the long key press (LKP) -- in which a key performs different actions depending on how long it is pressed.
Programs complementary to the core package cover such functionality as creating new devices, creating new protocols, assembling the assembler
languages of the processors in the remote controls and analysis of signals learned on the remote control to enable proper protocol support to be built to control new devices.
The JP1 Remotes Forum grew out that work, and remains the foremost locus of discovery for exploiting new JP1 functionality. The forum offers discussion and help with JP1 remotes; and is where hobbyists and developers publicly maintain freely available hardware
designs, software, and upgrades. The forum hosts an extensive data base of JP1 compatible consumer products and infrared remote controls.
Universal Remote
A universal remote is a remote control that can be programmed to operate various brands of one or more types of consumer electronics devices. Low-end universal remotes can only control a set number of devices determined by their manufacturer, while mid- and high-end universal remotes allow the...
, usually with a six-pin interface connector labeled "JP1" in the battery compartment, manufactured by Universal Electronics Inc. The JP1 interface allows the remote to be reprogrammed, adding new code lists and functions. Home Theater
Home theater
A home theater or home theatre is a theater built in a home, designed to mimic commercial theater performance and feeling, more commonly known as a home cinema...
hobbyists use JP1 to avoid obsolescence
Obsolescence
Obsolescence is the state of being which occurs when an object, service or practice is no longer wanted even though it may still be in good working order. Obsolescence frequently occurs because a replacement has become available that is superior in one or more aspects. Obsolete refers to something...
.
Most JP1 remotes are capable of advanced functions like remapping keys and macros. Some models can be updated over the telephone to add new code lists.
JP1 Remote controls
All JP1 remotes are made by Universal Electronics, Inc They sell many models under their own One For All brand name, and also supply remotes to Radio ShackRadio shack
Radio shack is a slang term for a room or structure for housing radio equipment.-History:In the early days of radio, equipment was experimental and home-built. The first radio transmitters used a noisy spark to generate radio waves and were often housed in a garage or shed. When radio was first...
, Sony
Sony
, commonly referred to as Sony, is a Japanese multinational conglomerate corporation headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan and the world's fifth largest media conglomerate measured by revenues....
, Sky
Sky
The sky is the part of the atmosphere or outer space visible from the surface of any astronomical object. It is difficult to define precisely for several reasons. During daylight, the sky of Earth has the appearance of a pale blue surface because the air scatters the sunlight. The sky is sometimes...
, and many other manufacturers of consumer electronic products. Several North American cable TV providers, such as Comcast
Comcast
Comcast Corporation is the largest cable operator, home Internet service provider, and fourth largest home telephone service provider in the United States, providing cable television, broadband Internet, and telephone service to both residential and commercial customers in 39 states and the...
, Rogers
Rogers Cable
Rogers Cable Inc., a subsidiary of Rogers Communications Inc., is Canada's largest cable television service provider with about 2.25 million television customers, and over 930,000 Internet subscribers, in Manitoba, Southern & Eastern Ontario, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador.The...
, Cox
Cox Communications
Cox Communications is a privately owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises providing digital cable television, telecommunications and wireless services in the United States...
, Shaw
Shaw Communications
Shaw Communications is Canada's largest telecommunications company that provides telephone, Canada's fastest Internet and television services as well as broadcasting and soon Wifi. Shaw is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta...
, Charter
Charter Communications
Charter Communications is an American company providing cable television, high-speed Internet, and telephone services to more than 4.7 million customers in 25 states. By revenues, it is the fourth-largest cable operator in the United States, behind Comcast, Time Warner Cable, and Cox Communications...
and Time Warner
Time Warner Cable
Time Warner Cable is an American cable television company that operates in 28 states and has 31 operating divisions...
also supply JP1 remote controls with their equipment.
Earlier models use an EEPROM
EEPROM
EEPROM stands for Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory and is a type of non-volatile memory used in computers and other electronic devices to store small amounts of data that must be saved when power is removed, e.g., calibration...
memory chip, but in recent years the designs have evolved toward using processors with flash memory
Flash memory
Flash memory is a non-volatile computer storage chip that can be electrically erased and reprogrammed. It was developed from EEPROM and must be erased in fairly large blocks before these can be rewritten with new data...
.
The JP1 marking on the original remotes is common notation on printed circuit board
Printed circuit board
A printed circuit board, or PCB, is used to mechanically support and electrically connect electronic components using conductive pathways, tracks or signal traces etched from copper sheets laminated onto a non-conductive substrate. It is also referred to as printed wiring board or etched wiring...
s indicating "Jumper 1", i.e. the first (and in most cases for these remotes, the only) jumper on the board. In apparent recognition of the significance the JP1 marking has made, newer flash models are labelled "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.
Hardware interface
A JP1 interface cable connects a JP1 remote to a PC, enabling the PC to read and write to the remote's user memory. SchematicsCircuit diagram
A circuit diagram is a simplified conventional graphical representation of an electrical circuit...
for cabling parallel port
Parallel port
A parallel port is a type of interface found on computers for connecting various peripherals. In computing, a parallel port is a parallel communication physical interface. It is also known as a printer port or Centronics port...
, serial port
Serial port
In computing, a serial port is a serial communication physical interface through which information transfers in or out one bit at a time...
or USB connectors to various JP1 remote controls are freely available, and several vendors offer pre-built interface cables.
Updating JP1 Remotes via an interface
The data and software in many JP1 remote controls can be updated and extended using an interface cable connected to a PC running software such as IR, RemoteMaster, or KeyMap Master. Updates and extensions include new device code data, new IR protocols, advanced keymapping, and macros.Nicola Salmoria
Nicola Salmoria
Nicola Salmoria is an Italian software developer. He is the original developer of MAME, an emulator application designed to recreate the hardware of arcade game systems in software...
discovered how to add new functions by writing software "Extenders" (protocols which replace a JP1 remote's main processing loop). Extenders may depend on a particular JP1 remote's hardware capabilities. Typical extender features include longer macro length; fast command execution; nested macros; and the long key press (LKP) -- in which a key performs different actions depending on how long it is pressed.
Software
There are various software packages available. The core package at its simplest allows for the basic remote functionality to be updated via the PC. It also allows for installing new devices, protocols and extenders, though these are created separately and copied into the core package. It also permits the entire remote control's configuration to be saved as files on the PC for backup purposes or "cloning" remote controls.Programs complementary to the core package cover such functionality as creating new devices, creating new protocols, assembling the assembler
Assembler
Assembler may refer to:* Assembler , for an assembly language, a computer program to translate between lower-level representations of computer programs...
languages of the processors in the remote controls and analysis of signals learned on the remote control to enable proper protocol support to be built to control new devices.
JP1 Forum
In October, 2000, at remotecentral.com’s "General Consumer Remotes" forum, electronics hobbyists Dan "HW Hackr" Nelson and Rob Crowe worked out how a JP1 connector could be used to examine and modify that portion of a remote control's memory containing user configuration data and user-updated devices. The hobbyists were able to reverse engineer the layout of this memory area, then discovered how to apply updates directly.The JP1 Remotes Forum grew out that work, and remains the foremost locus of discovery for exploiting new JP1 functionality. The forum offers discussion and help with JP1 remotes; and is where hobbyists and developers publicly maintain freely available hardware
Hardware
Hardware is a general term for equipment such as keys, locks, hinges, latches, handles, wire, chains, plumbing supplies, tools, utensils, cutlery and machine parts. Household hardware is typically sold in hardware stores....
designs, software, and upgrades. The forum hosts an extensive data base of JP1 compatible consumer products and infrared remote controls.
Older UEI Remote controls
Universal Electronics Inc. also supplied a previous series of universal remote controls, typified by the European control called the 'Big Easy'. This control can operate up to four consumer devices, with protocols and code sets normally limited to TV, analogue satellite and VCR. However, some terrestrial digital receivers and DVD players are using old protocols and code sets, typically those previously used by analogue satellite receivers. This means that these old controls can still be useful. Remote controls in this product range can normally be identified by the presence of three programming eyelets in the battery compartment. The codes to reprogram these remotes can be set down in the form of an algorithm, which can be freely downloaded and used to find extended control sets.See also
- Universal RemoteUniversal RemoteA universal remote is a remote control that can be programmed to operate various brands of one or more types of consumer electronics devices. Low-end universal remotes can only control a set number of devices determined by their manufacturer, while mid- and high-end universal remotes allow the...
- Article discussing Universal Remote Controls in General - Logitech Harmony RemoteLogitech Harmony RemoteLogitech Harmony Remote is a line of universal remote controls manufactured and sold by Logitech. The design of remote control interface is oriented toward the activity the user selects instead of the command-based approach typical of early remote controls...
- Logitech's range of programmable remote controls (non-JP1)
External links
- JP1 Community Wiki - JP1 history, technical details, help and how-to's
- Description of JP1 at Remote Central website