HTPC question

[BirdDad]

is the remote control dependant on the video card or is it a function of the case?
If it is from the video card and I bought a HTPC case would I have to drill a hole for the IR sensor?

 

[acegazda]

I do know that it is controlled by the video card, hoever it seems illogical that you would have to drill a hole in the case make sure the IR beam reached the vid card. I don't think you need to do that.

 

[krotchy]

I think it depends alot on the remote you buy. Im pretty sure logitech has a USB based remote/ir thing meant to plug into the front USB port for a quick HTPC remote. They may also have some that interface with your video card somehow, but im sure there is a dongle for the IR reciever so you dont have to point the remove to the back of the case.

Course some HTPC cases come with a remote, IR sensor and VFD display. Im not 100% sure how those interface with the computer exactly to be honest.

One thing I have read however is that you need Windows MCE to take advantage of a remote control. I heard (take it with a grain of salt) that you cant use a remote in XP Pro/Home, at least not a media center remote.

 

[Zepper]

The better remotes are pretty generic. They can be programmed to send many different command strings based on the functions you need to accomplish. You can set it up to manipulate on-screen menus, etc. Create new menus for different programs. As they say, the options are endless.. The IR receiver can be mounted externally or internally - in a spare drive bay filler plate, etc. Some of the top HTPC cases come with the remote and have an integrated sensor.

.bh.