View source for Getting started with Xsight and Nevo

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== Introduction ==
The Xsight and Nevo model remotes are very advanced IR and RF remotes made by Universal Electronics Inc. (UEI), the maker of One-for-all (OFA) brand and supplier to many OEMs, cable and satellite systems. With original list prices of $150-$250 US, and current prices of around $20 on [http://www.ebay.com ebay], they are arguably the best value of any universal remote available today, very similar in form and function to certain Harmony remotes at a fraction of the price. It can control any consumer IR device in existence. Universal Electronics Device Codes Database is the largest and most comprehensive in the world.

:Nevo C2 / Xsight Color - IR only
:Nevo C3 / Xsight Touch - IR and RF

Advanced features include:
*LCD display with up to 5 pages of 6 functions per page
*Fully backlit
*15-18 devices (18 devices for Touch, C2 and C3) 
*Rechargeable battery (Touch and C3 only)
*RF with 6 IR blasters (Touch and C3 only)
*Direct RF control of several home automation devices and HR20 series DirecTV receivers (Touch and C3 only)
*72 favorites with icons and custom categories (Mom, Dad, Kids, Sports, News, etc.) 
*Activity macros
*Device specific macros
*Variable hold durations 
*Pronto hex import 
*Custom devices and protocols 
*Custom icon for any command 
*Offline config with unlimited local file backups and versions 
*IR signal analysis tools via Remote Master
*Convert learns to new device
*Web based wizard style programming or advanced programming via Remote Master on Mac/Linux/Windows XP/7/8/10 
*Access to huge UEI database, Remote Central codes and JP1 database

== Setup and Programming ==
Xsight and Nevo can be programmed entirely with the [http://ez-rc.com EZ-RC] website by answering a series of questions. Device configuration can be done entirely on the remote itself. Activities, Macros and Favorites must be programmed from a PC. If your remote came with a CD, DO NOT install it. The latest software will be downloaded automatically when you connect your remote. If the drivers are not installed, you can download the [http://www.oneforall.com/conduit/conduit.exe conduit] ([http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/dload.php?action=file&file_id=14416 mirror copy]) (only needed for EZ-RC site, not Remote Master). If you are running Windows 8.1 or greater, also apply the [http://www.oneforall.com/downloads/dl/file/id/344/urc8602_windows_8_1_10_connection_patch.zip Xsight Color patch] ([http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/dload.php?action=file&file_id=14417 mirror copy]), or the  [http://www.oneforall.com/downloads/dl/file/id/347/urc8603_windows_8_1_10_connection_patch.zip Xsight Touch patch] ([http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/dload.php?action=file&file_id=14418 mirror copy]).

'''Note: EZ-RC only works in IE (Microsoft Internet Explorer), not in Edge, Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Safari or any other browser.''' In Edge, you can re-open the page in IE mode by clicking the ellipses at the top right and selecting "Open with Internet Explorer". 

Remote Master is an alternative program that offers many advantages for the advanced user over EZ-RC which are detailed later in this article. To use it, download and install [https://sourceforge.net/projects/controlremote/files/RMIRDevelopment/ Remote Master]. Then connect to the [http://ez-rc.com EZ-RC] website to get the latest firmware and create a baseline config. Starting with a download of this config will make things go much smoother in Remote Master, but it isn't required. All config can be done with Remote Master.

If you are new to Remote Master, please read the [[JP1 - Just How Easy Is It? - RM-IR Version|tutorials]] and learn how to use it before you attempt to program your Xsight or Nevo with it. All JP1 remotes share much of the same functionality. But features unique to Xsight/Nevo are found [[JP1 - Just How Easy Is It? - RM-IR Version#Xsight.2FNevo|here]]. 

Here is the general work flow:

* The first time you run RMIR, connect your remote and Download from it (and save the .rmir file, in case you want to restore it later)
* Go to the [http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/dload.php JP1 file section] and download the device upgrades you'd like to add. (Device model numbers usually don't need to match exactly since most models of a similar vintage within the same brand share most of the same codes).
* In RMIR, go to the Devices tab, click New, Open, then browse to the device upgrade file you downloaded from the file section and arrange the functions as desired on the Layout and/or Buttons tabs (click Page+/- to access each page of the LCD screen). Assign icons as desired.
* Click OK when done
* Assign device icons, button names and volume lock (volume punch through) on the General tab
* Create and edit Activities on the Activities tab. Assign icons as desired.
* Create and edit Macros on the Macros tab
* Create and edit Favorites on the Favorites tab. Assign icons as desired.
* Optionally manage and convert learned signals to device upgrades on the Learned Signals tab
* Upload to the remote
* Save often (you can save/load as many versions as you wish)

A Macro is simply a series of commands performed with a single button press. An Activity is a special kind of macro that also assigns groups of buttons to different devices, i.e., volume keys to a receiver, playback keys to a disc player, number keys to a cable box, etc. Activities are good for turning several devices on or off and selecting the appropriate inputs as well as assigning each group of keys to the appropriate devices. Macros are good for sending a series of commands to save button presses, i.e., if it takes several steps to toggle captions on your device, put all those steps in a macro and assign to a single button.

The Volume Lock settings on the General tab set the volume control device when a given device is selected. The volume device on the Activities tab takes precedence over this when a given activity is run.

Please post questions, bug reports and feature requests [http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=14804&start=0 here]. Development discussion should continue in the existing developer thread. If you are a beginner with RM and have general questions, please post those in a new thread or other existing threads if applicable.

== Favorites and Icons == 

The Nevo and Xsight Touch and Color models have a favorites list feature. It consists of one master list, and several other custom lists which are a subset of the master list. Each favorite can have an icon (max 72x34, automatically scaled down if larger) which can be assigned in RMIR by double clicking the Icon checkbox. The best source for channel logo icons is [http://www.iconharmony.com/icons/watchtv?category=NevoXsight iconharmony] and there are more icons [http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/dload.php?action=category&cat_id=164 here].

Every individual function for every device can also have an icon. Devices and Activities can also have icons, but those are limited to a set of built-in icons.

[http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=120666#120666 Here] is a dedicated icons thread with more info and links to other icon sources.

== Win 8.1/10 Requirements ==

Xsight has issues maintaining a connection in Win 8.1/10, meaning the connection to the remote is immediately lost and neither EZ-RC nor RMIR can fully download or upload. If this is the case, you'll get the error "write remote returned 0" in RMIR or the upload/download will appear to finish very quickly without error (a normal upload/download takes several seconds, possibly minutes). Thanks to user <span class="plainlinks">[http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=16988 eXim82]</span>, there is a solution for Win 8.1 detailed [http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=115162#115162 here].

I have created a set of [http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/dload.php?action=file&file_id=12673 reg files] you can simply double click to change the appropriate key to fix the issue (assuming you have privileges to access the registry). Links to the official patches from OneForAll are posted below in the [[Getting started with Xsight and Nevo#References|References]] section. Or you can simply go straight to the following registry key (where 80xx is the PID for your model remote) and change EnhancedPowerManagementEnabled to 0. Change takes effect next time remote is plugged in. 

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USB\'''VID_06E7'''&'''PID_80xx'''\XSIGHT.\Device Parameters] 

Different Xsight and Nevo models have different PID's (8001, 8002, 8004, 8005, 8006, 8007, 8008, 8009 and 8011). But this key should get you close no matter what model since the VID is always the same ('''067E'''). 

When you first plug in a remote with an older firmware, the key is "XSIGHT.". After the first upgrade attempt, a new key "Xsight" is created. You must make the above change to the new key and retry the upgrade (disconnect/reconnect, click Connect in EZ-RC and click Upgrade again).

Some Windows updates may reset this key, so the change may need to be applied again. If you have issues downloading/uploading, check the registry key first and set it back to 0.

== Troubleshooting ==

*If the remote won't learn, make sure you are aiming at the bottom of the Xsight/Nevo. The learning eye is not at the top of the remote like most other JP1 remotes. If you are using EZ-RC, make sure you Upload to the site after each learning session to save your learned commands. Otherwise they will be wiped out the next time you Download from the site.
*If you can't remove the Assist buttons in your activities, then you need to update the firmware on your remote from the EZ-RC site.
*If your remote won't download, upload or stay connected in Windows 8/8.1/10, you need to perform the registry patch in the previous section.
*If your remote is unresponsive, try the reset/firmware upgrade instructions [http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=27215#27215 here].

== FAQ == 
'''What's the difference between the Xsight Color, Xsight Touch, Nevo C2 and Nevo C3?''' 
*The 18 device Xsight Touch (URC-8603 or AARX18G) is identical to the Nevo C3, and the 15 device Color (URC-8602 or ARRX15G) is identical to the C2 except that the C2 has 18 devices. The Touch and Color are the same except that all Touch models are 18 device, add RF capability, rechargeable battery, charging base, slimmer/lighter design and touchscreen. The on-screen functions on the Color are accessed via buttons along the sides rather than direct touch. The URC models are OneForAll brand in Europe and the AARX are Acoustic Research brand in the US. C2 and C3 are Nevo brand worldwide. The first Xsight model was introduced around 2009 and discontinued around 2011.

*There are two other similar, but more limited Xsight models, the 12 device Plus (URC-8620 or AARX12G) and 6 device Lite (URC-8610). These are physically smaller and have only a 3 line LCD where each function is accessed by using an up/down rocker switch to select.

*The RF capable Xsight Touch and Nevo C3 require a base (with 6 included blasters) in order to be used in RF mode (ARRE433B or REX-433). Without the base, the remote can still be used in IR mode or in RF mode for DirecTV devices only.

'''Why use Remote Master instead of EZ-RC?''' 
*EZ-RC is wizard based like Harmony, asking a series of questions whose answers program the remote automatically. 
*EZ-RC allows you to save one online configuration, and your remote must be connected to your PC in order to edit or view it. 
*EZ-RC lets you add devices by browsing manufacturers and model numbers. 
*EZ-RC only works in Internet Explorer. 
*EZ-RC website could be shut down at anytime by UEI (One-for-All) when they choose to no longer support the Xsight/Nevo line of remotes. 

*Remote Master (RM or RMIR) is not wizard based. It gives you direct access to every aspect of the remote configuration. 
*RM can save/load/edit/create any number of devices or remote configurations off-line and edit them whether your remote is connected or not. 
*RM can load any of the thousands of devices in the JP1 file section. 
*RM can convert learns to new devices which results in perfect signals and uses less memory. 
*You can use tools like IRScrutinizer to analyze pronto hex codes and build your own devices from them in RM. 
*RM runs on many platforms (PC/Mac/Linux) and does not require a browser. 
*RM will work forever, regardless of what UEI does in the future. 

*Both RM and EZ-RC can be used to fully configure every aspect of the remote and can be used interchangeably.

'''How is Xsight different from other JP1 remotes?''' 
*Xsight has an LCD (controlled via touch or buttons depending on the model) for up to 30 additional functions per device or 72 favorites with custom icons. This is a major advantage as additional functions can be logically organized and clearly labeled. On a traditional JP1 remote, additional functions would have to be memorized or documented on a "cheat sheet" for reference. 

*Xsight includes a USB interface cable, so it is not necessary to buy or build a JP1 cable. 

*Xsight does not and never will have an extender. This means no extender capabilities like toadtog or calling macros from within macros.

*Xsight has many extender features already built-in: unlimited length macros, device specific macros, pauses, key group mapping and enough devices so that multiplexing isn't needed. It also has enough LCD buttons that long, short, double, shifted and double shifted buttons aren't needed either.

*Xsight is activity based. This means the Xsight has a special class of macros that includes key group mapping for mixing the functions of different devices and handling channel lock and volume punch thru. However, Xsight activities differ from Harmony activities in that after the activity macro runs, the remote ends up in a specific device mode with certain key groups mapped to other devices as desired. In this sense, an Xsight activity is simply a macro plus key group mapping, not a mode of operation per se, like a Harmony activity would be.

*Xsight can be programmed via wizards via the web by answering a series of questions. This enables non-experts to create sophisticated activity macros without any programming knowledge. However, Xsight can also be programmed with Remote Master, exploiting all JP1 capabilities to the fullest. 

*Xsight Touch can natively control HR2x, H2x series DirecTV DVRs and receivers as well as many home automation devices directly via RF without needing an RF base or IR blasters, making it a truly universal RF remote

*Xsight has guided, interactive device code setup on the remote. This means if you want to use Xsight without activities, to set up the remote, you simply look up the brands of your devices on the remote itself without having to look up any codes or connect to a computer.

*Xsight favorites feature is greatly enhanced over other JP1 remotes. Rather than just a few favorites executed sequentially by a single button, Xsight has up to 72 directly accessible favorites on the LCD with custom full color icons and optionally grouped into several custom categories. 

*Xsight Touch has a rechargeable battery and charging base. 

*Xsight has a huge amount of memory. Rather than a few kilobytes, it has a few megabytes for devices, macros, learning and icons. 

'''How does Xsight compare to similar Harmony remotes?''' 
*The Xsight Touch RF remote is very similar to the Harmony 900 and Xsight Color IR remote is very similar to the Harmony One, 650 and 700 in terms of button layout, ergonomics and features. Both are PC programmable, activity based, backlit, learning, have a step-wise help facility, and have favorites and icons. Like the 900, the Touch is RF and has a rechargeable battery and charging base. Like the 650, the Color is IR only and uses standard AA batteries. But you can use rechargeable AAs (Eneloop type batteries are highly recommend). 

*The biggest difference is that Xsight does NOT have power and input state tracking like Harmony. This means for TOADs (devices that have only power toggle and input cycling commands), Xsight cannot remember those states. In activity macros, devices could toggle off when it was intended for them to toggle on or go to the wrong input. But, if you are able to use discrete power and input commands, this doesn't matter. With discretes, the power and input states will always work correctly. This can also be an advantage in systems using HDMI-CEC control which normally interferes with Harmony state tracking.

*'''Key advantages Xsight has over Harmony are:''' 
**6 functions per page 
**Hard Red/Green/Blue/Yellow buttons (Harmony One lacks these)
**15 devices (18 devices for Touch, C2 and C3) 
**Native RF universal remote control for home automation and some DirecTV receivers
**72 favorites with custom categories (Mom, Dad, Kids, Sports, News, etc.) 
**Editable activity macros 
**Unlimited macro length 
**Variable hold durations (great for turning TV vol to zero with one command) 
**Pronto hex import 
**Custom devices and protocols 
**Custom icon for any command 
**Offline config with unlimited local file backups and versions 
**IR signal analysis tools 
**Web based wizard style programming or advanced programming via Remote Master on Mac/Linux/Windows XP/7/8/10 
**Access to huge UEI device database, Remote Central codes and JP1 database

*'''Key advantages Harmony has over Xsight are:''' 
**Power and input state tracking
**Access to Harmony device database

'''What is the latest firmware and how do I get it?''' 
*The latest firmware version is 1.3.32 for Xsight and 1.3.33 for Nevo (Home -> Settings -> -> About). The only way to update the firmware is via EZ-RC. You'll be prompted to update when you connect if your firmware is not the latest.

'''How can I factory reset my remote?''' 
# Go to 'Home' 
# Hit settings' 
# Scroll to the last page 
# Hit 'Reset' ONCE 
# Type '981' 
# Screen should change from 'Reset' to 'Factory Reset' 
# Press Factory Reset

== Buying the Nevo ==
* '''Nevo C2:''' You can buy the Nevo C2 on ebay (shipped worldwide from China) for under $25: ([http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_ftrt=901&_sop=12&_sadis=15&_dmd=1&_ipg=200&_ftrv=1&_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=nevo%20c2&_dcat=61312&rt=nc&_mPrRngCbx=1&_udlo=0&_udhi=25 link])
* '''Nevo C3:''' The Nevo C3 costs around $200 on ebay: ([http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=nevo+c3+-battery&_sop=15&LH_BIN=1&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_nkw=nevo+c3+-battery+-dock+-base&_sacat=0 link])

== References ==
*[http://ez-rc.com/Pages/LogOn/UserLogOn.aspx EZ-RC website (IE only, or use IE compatibility mode in Edge)]
*[http://www.oneforall.com/faq/59-remotes/105-xsight-remotes-urc-8602-8620/ Xsight Support/Manuals/Installs (click any FAQ for links to manuals and downloads)]
*[http://www.avsforum.com/forum/93-remote-control-area/1157746-acoustic-research-xsight-remote.html Xsight thread at AVSForum]
*[http://www.remotecentral.com/reviews/acoustic_research_xsight_touch/index.html Xsight review at RemoteCentral]
*[http://www.iconharmony.com/icons/home Icons and Logos]
*[https://sourceforge.net/projects/controlremote/files/RMIRDevelopment/ Remote Master]
*Manuals: [http://www.oneforall.com/downloads/dl/file/id/43/urc8602_manua_en.pdf Xsight Color], [http://www.oneforall.com/downloads/dl/file/id/39/urc8602_quick_guide_all_languages.pdf Xsight Touch]
*[http://www.oneforall.com/conduit/conduit.exe conduit.exe] ([http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/dload.php?action=file&file_id=14416 mirror copy]) (only needed for EZ-RC site, not Remote Master)
*Win 8/10 Connection Patch from OneForAll site: [http://www.oneforall.com/downloads/dl/file/id/344/urc8602_windows_8_1_10_connection_patch.zip Xsight Color] ([http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/dload.php?action=file&file_id=14417 mirror copy]), [http://www.oneforall.com/downloads/dl/file/id/347/urc8603_windows_8_1_10_connection_patch.zip Xsight Touch] ([http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/dload.php?action=file&file_id=14418 mirror copy])
Note: All Xsight Color/Touch info also applies to Nevo C2/C3.
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