Looking for Univ. Remote to control my gadgets.

[basslover1]

I'm having a hard time taking in all the info that is available out there, maybe one of you can help me out a bit.

I'm looking for an IR remote that I can use to control WMPC-HC, Windows MC (if necessary), my TV and my STB.

I know I'll need an IR receiver, I found a thread on here that links to a Dell receiver on ebay for 15 bucks, so I'll probably go that route for this.

Through a google search, I was able to find someone who configured his MCE remote to work with WMPC. Here's my question:

Is it possible for a MCE remote to control a TV and STB, or do I need a more advanced remote for these functions? If the ladder part of that question is true, can something like a Harmony remote be used for WMPC/MCE or am I forever stuck using 2 remotes.

Thanks in advance.

 

[nsafreak]

Yes a Harmony remote can be used to control a WMPC/MCE although if you want you can program a MCE remote to control your STB & TV.

 

[basslover1]

Yes a Harmony remote can be used to control a WMPC/MCE although if you want you can program a MCE remote to control your STB & TV.

I would actually prefer an MCE remote, because they're cheaper. I find it very hard to spend 50+ bucks on a universal remote.

Do you have experience with any particular MCE remote?

 

[basslover1]

http://www.amazon.com/Universal-Cont...6&sr=8-1-fkmr0

Ended up with this. Read some favorable reviews from Amazon and The Egg, it's a learning remote that is capable of controlling MCE, I'm sure I can get it to work with MPC as well, though that could take some tricks. I can at least now ditch the two stinky remotes I have.

 

[sivart]

I used a similar "macro" remote that Sony made for a while (~$25). I ended up with the Harmony, because it was just too complicated to remember which button to push based on the state of the theater system. (I.e. a different "all off" macro command for watching TV, Watch Blu-ray or watching the HTPC).

I ended up with a Harmony for about $40 and couldn't be happier.

Enjoy this remote and have fun programing the macros.

 

[basslover1]

Not concerned about the Macros, it's main purpose is to control WMPC without needing a keyboard/mouse near my bed. Using it to replace my STB remote is just a bonus.

 

[NutBucket]

I find it very hard to spend 50+ bucks on a universal remote.

Spoiled kids. Back in the day when Logitech didn't make remotes, I bought this for nearly 200 bones:

Still have it. Just have to program it for my current setup.

 

[basslover1]

For those that are interested I got the remote yesterday. I had it up and running in about 30 seconds. Programmed it to control my STB, my TV and it can turn on my 360.

Taught it a few commands from my STB remote in about 20 seconds, and the total volume control is pretty awesome. If you're watching TV though a STB, normally you'd have to hit the TV button or Audio button to adjust the volume, then swap back to change the channel. The volume control allows any device you have currently selected to adjust your main volume.

I still need to teach it a few more things, but its a pretty slick little toy.

 

[mojaveron]

Has anyone been able to get the Universal Remote Control URC-WR7 to work with a Dish Network VIP722K DVR I have tryied everything.

 

[Auric]

The $15 Dell remote/receiver includes a couple of IR blasters to control other devices. However, an MCE code is commonly included in device remotes so it is easier to take that approach to avoid complicated setups on the PC.

So, I use the AVR remote to control the TV 'n' stuff as well as XBMC and MPC-HC -both via MCE commands. XBMC needed a replacement ehshell and MPC-HC needed only minor key changes to match.

This way was not only inexpensive but simpler than even a Harmony would have been (since otherwise fiddly AVR controls are direct from its own buttons rather then from a menu).