remote for HTPC

[QueBert]

I'm looking for one, I won't be using it to control anything but XBMC on my PC so I don't need anything with a million features. I have an IR receiver already. It looks like the Xbox 360 remote seems like a damn good deal for $20, and would probably work great here. But, is there any remote in the sub $50 range I should look at? I'll be using Eventghost to set up the buttons, so I'm guessing a MCE compatible remote would be the best bet. But I'm not 100% sure how Eventghost handles non MCE compatible remotes. The Xbox remote seems almost to good for only being $20.

 

[tbooth]

I'm looking for one, I won't be using it to control anything but XBMC on my PC so I don't need anything with a million features. I have an IR receiver already. It looks like the Xbox 360 remote seems like a damn good deal for $20, and would probably work great here. But, is there any remote in the sub $50 range I should look at? I'll be using Eventghost to set up the buttons, so I'm guessing a MCE compatible remote would be the best bet. But I'm not 100% sure how Eventghost handles non MCE compatible remotes.

I'm using this remote with XBMC and Eventghost and it works great.

 

[QueBert]

The buttons on that aren't back lit right? I do like the curve though, looks like it would be more ergonomic.

 

[tbooth]

The buttons on that aren't back lit right? I do like the curve though, looks like it would be more ergonomic.

Correct. They are not back lit.

 

[Alienwho]

I'm using this remote with XBMC and Eventghost and it works great.

Can the remote be programmed to control the TV as well? Stuff like turning it on/off, volume, etc? If so I think i'll buy it right now.

 

[Alienwho]

Also, are the buttons programmable? For instance can I set one button to automatically open Windows Media Center, and another to open up boxee, and will it allow me to toggle back and forth?

 

[tbooth]

Can the remote be programmed to control the TV as well? Stuff like turning it on/off, volume, etc? If so I think i'll buy it right now.

I don't think it can be programmed to control your TV.

Also, are the buttons programmable? For instance can I set one button to automatically open Windows Media Center, and another to open up boxee, and will it allow me to toggle back and forth?

Using Eventghost you can probably set up the remote to do this. I honestly didn't do much in Eventghost. On the XBMC forum there is a member who already did all the Eventghost stuff and I am using his XML file.

 

[Alienwho]

Thanks for the reply.

You know, for $25 I don't see why not on checking this out.

Would you buy the remote again give all the options? A quick search on newegg for AVS gear remotes brings up 5 different remotes all very similar in the $25 range. Is the one you listed kind of the standard popular one?

 

[tbooth]

Thanks for the reply.

You know, for $25 I don't see why not on checking this out.

Would you buy the remote again give all the options? A quick search on newegg for AVS gear remotes brings up 5 different remotes all very similar in the $25 range. Is the one you listed kind of the standard popular one?

I just bought it because I liked the look of it compared to the others. It does what I need it to. I only needed it to launch and navigate XBMC. It also comes with a USB IR receiver and it's only $25.

As far as I can tell most MCE remotes are the same (have the exact same buttons etc.)

The only thing I don't like about the remote is that it turns on my XBOX everytime I use it. I just covered the IR receiver on the XBOX to solve that issue. This would most likely be the case with any MCE remote though, so not necessarily a knock on this particular one.

 

[QueBert]

Thanks for the reply.

You know, for $25 I don't see why not on checking this out.

Would you buy the remote again give all the options? A quick search on newegg for AVS gear remotes brings up 5 different remotes all very similar in the $25 range. Is the one you listed kind of the standard popular one?

As suggested look into Eventghost, you can re-program the buttons to do anything you want. It can emulate a keystrokes on a keyboard. On Vista/Windows 7 you'll have to edit a few windows system files if you don't want the remote opening MCE by default. Intelliremote is another, and I believe that one supports software profiles. Meaning when you open Boxee or MCE or whatever program the mappings change to that programs. E.G. might support this, I dunno I only use it for XBMC. It takes a little while to get use to setting up E.G. but it's not that hard, and a pretty damn powerful program. Intelliremote cost $$$ that's why I stay away from it.

 

[Alienwho]

As suggested look into Eventghost, you can re-program the buttons to do anything you want. It can emulate a keystrokes on a keyboard. On Vista/Windows 7 you'll have to edit a few windows system files if you don't want the remote opening MCE by default. Intelliremote is another, and I believe that one supports software profiles. Meaning when you open Boxee or MCE or whatever program the mappings change to that programs. E.G. might support this, I dunno I only use it for XBMC. It takes a little while to get use to setting up E.G. but it's not that hard, and a pretty damn powerful program. Intelliremote cost $$$ that's why I stay away from it.

Awesome, I'm sold.

I was planning on waiting for a deal on a harmony but all I really want is a MCE remote anyway. Don't care about turning on my tv and receiver at the same time anyway, I prefer the hundreds of dollars in my pocket.

 

[Fox5]

A generic windows media center remote ($30) will work fine and come with its own ir receiver. Just make sure to get an xp one for xp, vista/7 one for vista/7, and linux should be able to use either. (if you just want xbmc, I'd go with linux anyway)

The gyration media center remote is also worth a look. Mouse + remote in one.

 

[kalrith]

I just use my Harmony remote with an MCE IR receiver. I'm guessing you could do that with XBMC as well. Refurb Harmony remotes can be had for $30 on ebay sometimes, and new Harmony remotes often go for $50 on Amazon. I recommend looking for a deal like that and then having a remote that will control anything with an IR receiver on it.

 

[leon2006]

I use Logitech Dimovo Mini

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/keyboards/keyboard/devices/3848&cl=us,en

It's expensive(~$129) but it works for Windows PC and PS3. It's wireless is base on Bluetooth

 

[QueBert]

I just use my Harmony remote with an MCE IR receiver. I'm guessing you could do that with XBMC as well. Refurb Harmony remotes can be had for $30 on ebay sometimes, and new Harmony remotes often go for $50 on Amazon. I recommend looking for a deal like that and then having a remote that will control anything with an IR receiver on it.

A guy I do computer work for just bought a Harmony remote because his old one stopped working. I suggested he RMA it, he told me "Too much hassle and I don't wanna wait." So I take the 880 off his hands Sunday. On Monday I call Logitech, Tuesday they tell me "we don't make 880's any more, but if you want we'll replace it with a Harmony One" then the follow up email says "your remote has been shipped, don't send us the 880, just toss it in the trash"

SCOOOORE! The only thing I have that uses IR is my PC, and I probably will never have another. Sure a Harmony One is overkill for a PC, but it looks like a sweet remote. And it was free

 

[sdifox]

A guy I do computer work for just bought a Harmony remote because his old one stopped working. I suggested he RMA it, he told me "Too much hassle and I don't wanna wait." So I take the 880 off his hands Sunday. On Monday I call Logitech, Tuesday they tell me "we don't make 880's any more, but if you want we'll replace it with a Harmony One" then the follow up email says "your remote has been shipped, don't send us the 880, just toss it in the trash"

SCOOOORE! The only thing I have that uses IR is my PC, and I probably will never have another. Sure a Harmony One is overkill for a PC, but it looks like a sweet remote. And it was free

lucky bastard.

 

[Alienwho]

Yesterday I got the MCE remote tbooth recommended earlier and I have to say I am very satisfied. The remote is great. It's easy to use, all the buttons are clearly marked and the thing just plain works out of the box with both media center and boxee (these are the only two programs I checked so far). I'm already hooked on this thing and I haven't even looked at EventGhost yet.