HTPC/Universal Remote?

[ajrettke]

Hey all, I'm looking at getting a nice remote...
I currently sling my Cable to my TV, so I need RF to control the mouse to change the channels. Everything else I need IR to turn TV on/off/input and reciever volume/source.

Newegg has this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16880105001

Is there any other options? I bought a ATI wonder II to use with vista but I guess it was the wonder plus that you can rig to work with vista and not the II. So I'm stuck with nothing. If I can get a cheap RF mouse type device I already have a universal IR remote...an el cheapo but it works and 2 remotes still isn't that bad, but if one can do it all I'm down!

[smokie mcpott]

hit up amazon.com for a logitech harmony remote. you will need a usb ir receiver to plug into your htpc, but man is it worth it.... i have a harmony 550 that operates: 56" sammy, surround receiver, directv receiver, and HTPC... soooooo many customizable features to it since you can program it all through your computer

[Quizno]

i agree, when it comes to universal remotes, logitech is king with their harmony line. ive got the 550 as well and its great, got mine for $79 so they arent too pricey for what you get.

[Gunlance]

I third the logitech. I picked up my 880 off of amazon for 80 after rebate. Controls everything but my ps3, but that will be taken care of shrotly

[Wicked Klown]

I love my Logitech 520.

[LandShark]

another Logitech vote! I have 3 Logitech in my house (from 880 in living room, 550 in bedroom, and 1000 in my home theater), love them all, and controls pretty much everything including the lights and PS3. it's the best average joe's remote period!! (until you get into those $800-1000 custom remote)

@Gunlance, Nkyo make a IR to bluetooth adapter (and so does a guy over at avsforums) that can let your Logitech to also control the PS3.

[ajrettke]

I was looking at the Harmony One, but my HTPC is in another room so I need RF to the computer...any work arounds for that short of a 50' USB cable extension?

[nightelph]

I sold my PS3 and still have the BT remote. I found a user created program that will let you use it with Vista Media Center (which I don't use) but I'd like a remote to control my handful of software video players i.e. powerdvd, media player classic, etc. Can the logitechs work with these apps?

[Mediocre_man]

Not to be a salesman but I work at crap city as a firedog techs and install harmon remotes daily. People think they are expensive until they have it set up and are using it. The harmony 880 is on sale for a $100 there now. Id go for that. Im getting mine this paycheck. Im so tired of hooking them up and not having my own.

[Jon]

I have an 880 and 670 and can't imagine using any other than a Harmony.

[nightelph]

Really, an 880 for $99 is a steal. Anyone know the answer to my above question?

[Wicked Klown]

I've used my Harmony with PDVD before without issues. I never tried with MPC.

[nightelph]

^ Thanks Wick, I kinda assumed it would but its always safe to check before spending money.

Edit: The circuit city locations near me aren't having and nice deals. :(

[Maverick0984]

I'm thinking about going with the 720 but am having difficulty finding an IR USB receiver that you don't build yourself or that have a stronger receiver. Alot of what I'm finding claims 3' only. Now I wouldn't mind tackling that as it looks like fun and is in my realm of training but software wise looks to be more of a pain than it is worth. What type of IR receiver do people use to control things like Windows Media Center or any other Media Center native to Windows XP/Vista?

[Wicked Klown]

I use the Media Center Remote from MS. (http://compeve.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=263&zenid=44d40639424129b9da38036da520f5dd)

[Maverick0984]

I use the Media Center Remote from MS. (http://compeve.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=263&zenid=44d40639424129b9da38036da520f5dd)

Ah, does that mean it works for Windows Media Center *only* then?

Is this USB-UIRT relatively straight forward to get working with *any* media center? whether it be Windows version, XBMC Atlantas, Meedio...etc...

[Jon]

The Harmony 890 will take care of both RF and IR needs. It works off of RF but has the extender with 4 included IR buds so that you can control IR dependent devices.

[tgxiii]

Ah, does that mean it works for Windows Media Center *only* then?

Is this USB-UIRT relatively straight forward to get working with *any* media center? whether it be Windows version, XBMC Atlantas, Meedio...etc...

MediaPortal comes with drivers for the MCE Remote. As far as other media center front ends that support it natively, I don't know. But if you're willing to go through the effort, you can use a mapping software like HIP to make the MCE Remote work with other media center front ends.