HTPCs with Ir Sensors

S

scott_b

n00b
Joined
Mar 14, 2009
Messages
7
I am looking for systems, HTPC or not, that have integrated remote sensors that I could use to control them with my Harmony remote.

I know there's the Mac Mini, and that works except that it's a bit expensive for what you get. I'd like something like the Dell Studio Slim Desktop, only with a remote sensor integrated in.

So what are some other systems that a person can buy with an integrated remote sensor in them? Preferably one you can make work with something like XBMC on Windows or Linux.
 
valve1138 said:
Does it have to be integrated? Or would a usb-uirt be ok?
Click to expand...

No... It doesn't HAVE to be integrated, but that would be the strong preference. But if it's going to be USB based, it should work with both Windows and Linux.
 
I've got the Antec Micro Fusion Remote with the built-in Veris LCD/IR receiver. After literally (yes, the real meaning of literally i.e. not figuratively) days trying to get my Harmony 525 to work reliably with it I gave up and bought a Hauppage USB MCE remote. I was up and working in about 30 minutes.

The big problem I had is that I could not get the Harmony to reliably send the iMON PAD signals not matter what settings I used (various delays, number of times the code is sent, etc). I would always end up having some codes get detected multiple times (or not at all).

It's possible that I could have got it working reliably with the MCE codes, but I'm running MediaPortal and it's minidisplay plugin causes the MCE codes to stop working with iMON. And when it comes down to it, the iMON software sucks (plus it sends keystrokes, which are a pain to deal with compared to actual remote codes). Getting the iMON software configured for more than one application is just asking for pain, especially when with an MCE remote you can use EventGhost directly.

Now the only thing I use the built-in receiver for is to boot/wake up the HTPC (the external USB receiver can't do that). I have MediaPortal control the LCD, but it's impossible to get good contrast. I didn't buy the case for the LCD but for the dimensions (though it would have been nice if it worked well).

Get an external MCE remote. Make sure it's a real one (or compatible like the Hauppage) that sends actual MCE remote codes, rather than having a receiver that pretends to be a keyboard.

BTW, proper MCE remotes work just fine with MythTV (for example). And the Hauppage receiver is very unobtrusive - it only lights up when receiving a signal.
 
I've got an antec fusion, and was bummed that the version I had didn't have the built in receiver. I ended up going with a USB MCE remote that came with a reciever, and I eventually ditched the remote for my harmony.

I actually think I prefer the USB recevier at this point... The cable was long enough that I could run it through my cable management and tack it to an place on my entertainment center that hid it well, but made it still functional. I guess what I'm trying to say is an external USB receiver isn't really as bad as it sounds...

Mine is plug and play... no setup required. I had it running in Linux with MythTV for a while, then with Media Portal in XP and now with Media Center in Vista... it just works.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top