Good Remote for HTPC

[SpeedFreak03]

When I upgrade my system, I will have it hooked to my tv (using the s-vid out on my ati radeon 9000). My Pinnacle PCTV had a remote, but it died. I really was never happy with it though, as it was a PAIN to program, and had tons of limitations. So can you guys recommend me a remote? I need it to launch and control Intervideo WinDVD (if that isn't possible then I could use PowerDVD), Cyberlink PowerVCR (for watching TV), Windows Media Player 9, and master volume for the whole system. I have available PS2, USB, serial, and parallel ports for this remote, so anything will work as far as that goes. BTW, Im gonna run Windows XP Pro.

 

[SpeedFreak03]

Anyone?

 

[TerryMathews]

Buy this and use any remote you want with Girder.

 

[Goi]

The Philips Pronto series have been hot favorites, from the entry level Pronto TSU1000 up to the Pronto Neo. If you're not into touch screens, the Home Theater Master series of buttoned universal remotes are also widely regarded as some of the best. Check out Remote Central for more info.

 

[Auric]

I use this and like it so much I bought a second one. The layout it intuitive, it is comfortable, the IR signals are powerful and it is uber programmable. It is such a personal preference thang though.

 

[SpeedFreak03]

I'm considering the ira-2 (I really don't need the features that the tira-2 has), as terry suggested. I don't understand how I would program my remote to control the ira though. Like I have an RCA universal remote that came with my dtv box. What code would I use to program it? Also, on the sony remote auric showed me, I see buttons for "TV", "VCR", "CBL/SAT", "DVD", and "AMP". Which button would control my computer?Thanks again, Josh

 

[SpeedFreak03]

Ok, I re-read the description of the IRA-2, and it sounds like you can use ANY remote that is made for ANY device. If I'm correct, that means that I could program it to use the VCR or DVD device on my RCA remote to control the IRA-2. If I'm correct, then I really like this system! So...am I correct?

 

[Goi]

You could use something like Girder to program the IR/RF receiver to accept certain codes that your fixed/universal remote gives. Another popular IR receiver is the IRman.

 

[TerryMathews]

Yeah, a universal remote is kinda counter-productive here. Instead of programming the remote to match the device, you're end goal is to program the computer to respond to the remote's IR codes via Girder. You can do this anyway you like. If your universal remote has a default code for DVD, I'd use that simply so that you don't have to reprogram it every time you change the batteries.

Basically, in it's simplest form Girder allows you to define a command for an application (Command, in this case, being any Windows signal, keyboard, RPC, or otherwise) and bind it to an input from one of several sources which include varous IR receivers.

Technically, if you wanted to, you could make a webpage control using Girder. Or write a custom app to send commands via telnet. Girder is very open-ended.

 

[chocoruacal]

My advice....snag a wireless keyboard mouse. I have a nice remote (Sony AVM2100), a IR receiver, and Girder, but have completely abandoned them in favor of my Logitech duo. Its just too convenient, and easily hidden when not in use.

 

[thorin]

Checkout WinLIRC and use any remote you want.

Thorin

 

[kaizersose]

Originally posted by: TerryMathews
Buy this and use any remote you want with Girder.

agreed. i've got one and use my old reciever remote with it. works great, expecially for the price.

 

[SpeedFreak03]

I already have a wireless mouse, and I was gonna just use that, but it needs to be pretty user-friendly (I won't be the only one using it), and using a mouse while sitting/laying on a couch is kind of tricky...But anyway, I read about the universal remotes, and they sound like they are for regular TV/VCR/DVD/etc setups. So, if I buy the IRA-2, download Girder (or any software like it), and use my RCA remote, I should be set, right? Thanks again for all your help.

 

[Goi]

Yes you should be set, as long as your RCA remote provides you with enough buttons that you wanna assign

 

[Auric]

Yes, if you have a remote already that you like then you just need a receiver for the PC and the software. I happen to use one that is part of a Packard Bell FastMedia package including remote control because it only cost $5 on eBay and works 'triffically with the free WinLIRC and IRAssistant. Technically, the receiver is not as good as something like IRMAN, IRA-2, UIRT etc, and will not work with many other common remotes (although there is nothing wrong with the included one except it is not able to control a TV and AMP etc.) -however, the signal bands and strength of the Sony I mentioned overcomes this potential limitation. I use the CBL/SAT and DVD buttons for music and movies respectively and do not need to control anything else on the PC. The number of master buttons is important if you are going to be using it with a lot of gear. The next model up Sony has seven instead of five, but I did not need them or care for the slightly different layout and extra size as much. However, other than the remote, I would not recommend the system I use (although again, it works 'triffically) if you don't mind spending $25-50 for a universal receiver and certainly a USB model would be more convenient than serial. Philips has a range of interesting remote control and text entry gear worth considering also.

 

[SpeedFreak03]

Originally posted by: Goi
Yes you should be set, as long as your RCA remote provides you with enough buttons that you wanna assign

I'm probably gonna order the IRA-2. The RCA does have tons of buttons, and all I control is my tv and directv box (im gonna use my computer for DVDs), so I have a lot of open buttons. Thanks again for all your guys opinions!