Controlling an HTPC

[ihrsetrdr]

I have a Mac Mini that will function as an HTPC; video will connect to my 42" LCD via a DVI D TO HDMI cable. I have been testing control of the Mini with my Macbook, and looks "do-able" at this stage(not yet connected to 42").

Of course, I could get a wireless keybaord & mouse, but I don't really want to go that route.

My question:

Does anybody here control their HTPC via a laptop AND, if so what would be some pros and cons?

[Randyman...]

Seems couter-intuitive to me. The whole point of a HTPC is to act like regular consumer playback devices with added functionality. I use my Harmony One remote to control the entire A/V system plus a W7 HTPC AND my Desktop PC ("Media Center" type remote for the HTPC, and regular "mouse type" navigation with the arrow keys for the Desktop PC - all come in over HDMI to the Pre/Pro). Very convenient, and who wants a laptop in their lap when they are trying to watch TV? NTM - you should "go green" anyways ;) (Why power an entire laptop when a remote control will do ;) )

:cool:

[ihrsetrdr]

Seems couter-intuitive to me. The whole point of a HTPC is to act like regular consumer playback devices with added functionality. I use my Harmony One remote to control the entire A/V system plus a W7 HTPC AND my Desktop PC ("Media Center" type remote for the HTPC, and regular "mouse type" navigation with the arrow keys for the Desktop PC - all come in over HDMI to the Pre/Pro). Very convenient, and who wants a laptop in their lap when they are trying to watch TV? NTM - you should "go green" anyways ;) (Why power an entire laptop when a remote control will do ;) )

:cool:

Harmony One...looks to be around $228 on Amazom.com (http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Harmony-Advanced-Universal-Remote/dp/B00119T6NQ)

Apple wireless mouse=$69 (http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB111LL/A/Wireless-Mighty-Mouse?fnode=MTY1NDA1Mg&mco=Nzk2OTk1NQ)

Apple Wireless Keyboard=$79 (http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB167LL/A?fnode=MTY1NDA1Mg&mco=Nzk3MDAyNw)

Keyboard+mouse=$148

I'm just collecting ideas and doing comparison shopping here. The basic purpose for using this Mac Mini as an HTPC is to stream online media content, when DirectTV has nothing but garbage to offer, which is becoming increasingly more frequent...their program management team should all be fired and blacklisted. As I don't have a lot of components to manage(just a DVD player and DirectTV) I really can't justify spending a large sum on a "specific purpose" item, such as an all-in-one remote. I'll give the laptop control thing a shot and build on my approach from there. Thanks for your input, I appreciate it, ;)

[nd4spdbh2]

i dont know what os your running on the mini, but on my htpc i use an ATI remote wonder plus... bitchin lil RF remote so you dont have to have a direct line of sight.

and please dont buy apples overpriced keyboards, get yourself a GOOD keyboard and mouse combo for cheaper.

Hell even better, small wireless kb and trackpad all in one. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823218001

[Neuromancer]

You dont need to spend 228 on a harmony either

Well maybe for Mac, I do not know what options they have.

My $35 anyware remote controls HTPC and stereo, and would control my TV if i had a tv remote to program with it (cant find a universal remote for my tv *sigh, not even my harmony remote could do it)

What tuner card are you using? Most come with remotes anymore...

[Randyman...]

You can use a $20 remote if you want (Actually, I have no idea if a Mac will work with a remote designed for Windows Media Center? But I'm sure some will work). The Harmony-One controls 8 devices in my setup, handles all A/V switching and preset switching, and has fully mappable buttons that can access any of the 8 devices for any specified activity. It GREATLY simplifies my slightly complicated setup - so it was a no-brainer for me. The interface to your A/V system should be as unified & streamlined as possible w/o detracting from the immersion experience IMO. Having a Mouse and a Keyboard in your lap as you watch TV or whatever seems like a step backwards and cumbersome - but that's just my opinion...

The Cheaper $75 Harmony Remotes might be an option, too...

:cool:

[Randyman...]

(cant find a universal remote for my tv *sigh, not even my harmony remote could do it)...

Seriously? That is highly unusual from my experience. I bet we can get you going. What is your TV's exact model? And which Harmony do you have? I take it you've searched for your unit in the Harmony's setup application?

:cool:

[ihrsetrdr]

Regarding remotes, somebody on 123macmini.com mentioned using the Apple Remote; I thought I had one but I don't. They go for $19. Honestly, I never thought a computer could be controlled with a remote, except for sound.

All I really have to do from either a laptop or using a remote is open Hulu desktop, or start Plex (http://www.plexapp.com/), then browse the selections.

[Jon]

I'd still go with the Harmony if considering a remote. The One is among the top-of-the-line, but they have others that are fully functional for up to 6 devices and can be had for less than $40 (600-series). You can pick up a USB-UIRT or the MCIR off ebay for less than $20.

I can understand if it's still too much to put down for a remote, but if you get hooked into your HTPC, it will be a worthwhile investment if you continue adding onto your home theater setup.

[LandShark]

I think I have a couple apple remote laying around collecting dust..... PM me if you want one. :cool:

I too agree a good universal remote like Harmony is a well spent investment! and if you are running Plex, I'm not sure if MCE remote will work in OSX tho....

[ihrsetrdr]

Hey Gary,

Good to see you around! :beer: <-Landshark beer

PM sent.

[ps2cho]

Hey if you got an iphone or ipod touch you can use that with "itap"

[ihrsetrdr]

Hey if you got an iphone or ipod touch you can use that with "itap"


I'm thinking seriously of getting an ipod touch; I've never had any type of mpg player but my brother has had an ipod touch for a while, and won't quit raving about it.

[ps2cho]

I'm thinking seriously of getting an ipod touch; I've never had any type of mpg player but my brother has had an ipod touch for a while, and won't quit raving about it.

I highly recommend the iphone if your gonna spend the money and buy a touch anyway. I don't think I could go back to a traditional phone from now onwards.

[scoobydoo]

i have been using my ipod touch with air mouse pro for a few days and i am considering selling my dinovo mini now

[ihrsetrdr]

I finally got the Mini set up with the 42" LCD TV, control with my Macbook is working out well. I use WakeOnLan (http://www.readpixel.com/wakeonlan/) to wake up the Mini, then just connect to the Mini desktop.

Only remaining issue is getting the audio routed through the TV's speakers.

[DeviantV1ral]

vnc, i use logmein.com