media PC remote?

[ItherNiT]

Hi all, I would like to know can you get a remote for media pc's? I basically want to install media PC but keyboard and mouse sort of problematic, please don't recommend consoles I really don't like them.  

[Wi RoZ]

Why don't you use your phone as a remote? If you got android and a wifi connection, you'll be fine using Unified Remote.

[defunkt]

I think dell used to make one.

[ItherNiT]

I want my parents to be able to use it as well, they are technological impaired, my mom doesn't even know how to select a printer...

[dalekphalm]

Any computer retailer should keep a stock of "MCE certified IR Remotes". These generally (though not always, so check the product details) come with a USB IR Receiver as well.

 

You plug the IR Receiver in, it's plug-n-play and gets detected and installed. It's fully compatible with Windows Media Centre, and also generally works with other media programs (Like XBMC, Plex, VLC). Just, not every key will work with the non-WMC programs.

 

You can then use 3rd party programs to fully program and customize the non-functional keys.

 

One example of a more expensive remote would be any of the Logitech Harmony series. Logitech provides the remapping program free-of-charge with your purchase, where other 3rd party programs may cost you.

 

[Edit]

Something like this:

http://ncix.com/products/?sku=81077&vpn=29662&manufacture=CABLES%20TO%20GO

 

Although that price is a bit high. I've seen the same type of thing for as cheap as $30 or less. I bought one from Canada Computers a few months ago for $30.

[knight_40k]

If you have a harmony remote you can use its software to program it to act as MCE keyboard/mouse.

 

You just need to buy an IR transeiver like this

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-USB-MCE-IR-Wireless-Receiver-Win7-Vista-FOR-HP-fast-shipping-/251279301065?pt=US_Remote_Controls&hash=item3a8169d9c9#ht_2431wt_1142

 

This is how I do it for my HTPC.

[ItherNiT]

Any computer retailer should keep a stock of "MCE certified IR Remotes". These generally (though not always, so check the product details) come with a USB IR Receiver as well.

 

You plug the IR Receiver in, it's plug-n-play and gets detected and installed. It's fully compatible with Windows Media Centre, and also generally works with other media programs (Like XBMC, Plex, VLC). Just, not every key will work with the non-WMC programs.

 

You can then use 3rd party programs to fully program and customize the non-functional keys.

 

One example of a more expensive remote would be any of the Logitech Harmony series. Logitech provides the remapping program free-of-charge with your purchase, where other 3rd party programs may cost you.

 

[Edit]

Something like this:

http://ncix.com/products/?sku=81077&vpn=29662&manufacture=CABLES%20TO%20GO

 

Although that price is a bit high. I've seen the same type of thing for as cheap as $30 or less. I bought one from Canada Computers a few months ago for $30.

Unfortunately non of the South African stores keep stock of any of the above, for the price of that remote I am able to get a media player, that will service to all my requirements.  

[5tephenm1o5]

i would recommend just a apple tv but if ur decided on a pc then a mini wireless keyboard and track pad like what linus used to use for his streams would be a good option

[AhmedFromKSA]

Why don't you use your phone as a remote? If you got android and a wifi connection, you'll be fine using Unified Remote.

 

I agree i use it myself and it has anything u might need

[ERSCreeper]

I will agree about getting an apple TV or a western Digital TV. http://www.rebeltech.co.za/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=75&products_id=4800

 

OT: Do you go to OC?

[mr moose]

I will agree about getting an apple TV or a western Digital TV. http://www.rebeltech.co.za/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=75&products_id=4800

 

OT: Do you go to OC?

Apparently there is also an android box out now that does the same thing.

[Giddyguy]

Hi! In our HTPC we tried everything: first we got a wireless mouse for like $5 off meritline or a frys deal ( i dont remember but it was cheap) it had a little usb reciever and was a basic remote = this was nice but it really limited the use of the full computer (typing was a pain), next we tried an ios, and android app = these work well if you find a good app (for us the thing kept disconnecting and it just became a nuance) so finally my dad bought the logitech k400 and its great and only $30 US at amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Wireless-Keyboard-Multi-Touch-920-003070/dp/B005DKZTMG

 

i know you didnt say u wanted a keyboard and mouse but honestly its the best option out there. this one especially is pretty thin and has a trackpad (which is very responsive) and is relatively inexpensive. i would suggest you just get this and skip all the trouble of testing different options. as for teaching your parents: i think it would be easier for them to use this over some fancy remote like a logitech harmony and also easier than using a mobile app.

 

this is just my suggestion, i hope you find something that fits your needs!

[mr moose]

Hi! In our HTPC we tried everything: first we got a wireless mouse for like $5 off meritline or a frys deal ( i dont remember but it was cheap) it had a little usb reciever and was a basic remote = this was nice but it really limited the use of the full computer (typing was a pain), next we tried an ios, and android app = these work well if you find a good app (for us the thing kept disconnecting and it just became a nuance) so finally my dad bought the logitech k400 and its great and only $30 US at amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Wireless-Keyboard-Multi-Touch-920-003070/dp/B005DKZTMG

 

i know you didnt say u wanted a keyboard and mouse but honestly its the best option out there. this one especially is pretty thin and has a trackpad (which is very responsive) and is relatively inexpensive. i would suggest you just get this and skip all the trouble of testing different options. as for teaching your parents: i think it would be easier for them to use this over some fancy remote like a logitech harmony and also easier than using a mobile app.

 

this is just my suggestion, i hope you find something that fits your needs!

That's exactly what I have, the k400 rocks my theatre, I also use it in bed with the lappy under the bed connected to the tv.

[YouRezz]

What about xtreamer - http://www.xtreamer.net/

you have a ton of variations from hd players to tv boxes

[ERSCreeper]

People, we are in South Africa.... 80% of products either don't come here or only come after 3 months... Also shipping you have to pay out of your ass for it.

[silencerbob]

Mediaportal is a htpc program that runs on windows and it supports MCE remotes.  Microsoft dont make them anymore, but u can pick up a Hauppage MCE remote pretty cheap these days.... or any other "MCE" remote.  keep in mind that a PC remote control needs a "sensor" that connected by USB, which usually comes with the remote.

 

This is what it looks like :

 

http://pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=11589

[hAxx]

I heard that Apple's TV remote controller can be configured within XBMC.

 

The only pain you will get is to remember wich button does what..

[obsidian1200]

It's for cases like these that I wish there were some way to configure the PS3 Media Remote. It's a nice little remote, cheap, bluetooth, has all the buttons I could think you'd want, but I guess there's not a big enough demand for someone to make this a thing, and I lack the technological know-how to even know where to start lol.

[TassieTim]

I have a ThermalTake Media Lab VFD 5.25 Bay Panel , A2328 or A2331 not sure which one i have, got it a while ago now , running in one of my HTPC's .

Picked up of eBay Australia for about au$110 or so .

Fitted nicely into my Thermaltake Bach MediaLAB case

[frigid]

Hey there. Try this.

 

Windows 7 Vista XP Media Center MCE PC Remote Control and Infrared Receiver for Home, Premium and Ultimate Edition
http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B003WF0FBO/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

It is CDN$ 15.98. I have one, works as described by others in this thread.

[BRiteBak]

Just buy a dedicated $100 tablet for using with it instead of your phone

[KingOFCruel]

Guide to Htpc Remotes: http://lifehacker.com/5935151/the-remote-control-conundrum-how-to-choose-the-right-remote-for-your-home-theater-pc

[bufli]

Personally i use a combination of Gyration Media Center remote and Unified remote for android.

[Gxp08]

Logitech T650 Touchpad. They are dirt simple and any one can use it. I love it and so do my Friends

 

http://www.logitech.com/assets/46161/3/t650-wireless-rechargeable-touchpad.jpg

[2Supra4U]

_{I got one of these off ebay. 7 or 8 bucks. free shipping}