I have tested all three remotes (MCE, Fan, and Air purifier) on both the iTach and the USB-UIRT.
I did not have any problems with any of the remotes on the iTach, except that sometimes you need to try more than once to learn the code, and sometimes you need to adjust the "gaps" and the number of times you send a code depending on the device. I am hoping as I develop the learning for VC and iTach to make this a bit better.
The iTach accepts short bursts by default, whereas the USB-UIRT tries to wait until it has received the same code multiple times in succession, and if you want to accept short bursts you have to do a song and dance. This means that for normal remotes the USB-UIRT is probably more likely to get the code right on the first try (I think).
In terms of the USB-UIRT, for some remotes than don't send a continuous stream it is actually easier with the iTach.
Also important to note, I have found that the iLearn program version 2.4 seems to work better than version 2.5.
So to sum up, I can learn all my codes from all 3 remotes quite easily with either the iTach or the USB-UIRT device. The USB-UIRT is a bit easier to aim your remote at. The placement of the pinhole for learning on the iTach is very poor, right next to the power plug, and you need to fiddle with the settings more, but it will learn anything that I can throw at it.
If you need specific codes for the MCE remote just let me know what buttons you need and what format you want (Pronto, GC, or GC compressed) and I will send them to you.
I do eventually want to create an online database of code-sets that will make sharing easier, but it will probably take some time for me to get to it.
Advantage of USBUIRT:
- Less expensive (about 1/2 the price of iTach I think)
- Works great with VoxCommando and eventGhost
- Receives codes as well as sending so it can trigger events etc.
- Easier to set up, no network worries etc.
Advantage of iTach Wifi2IR
- Works without a computer - so better for using with smart phones and tablets directly with an app like iRule or with Vera etc.
- Works without a computer so it is easier to place it anywhere in your home, all you need is a power outlet, or USB port for power.
- Also works well with VC and I will be working on perfecting the learn process so that hopefully it will be just as good as what you have just seen on the USB-UIRT demo.
These are SOME of the advantages. I'm sure there are other considerations that I've missed here.
