Remote control options for VMC?

ach · **9th August 2008, 01:01 AM**

After a long process, I finally have a working HTPC running Vista Media Center (though there are still teething issues, such as Media Center crashing upon startup half the time). One of the high-priority tasks left, is to find a decent and cheap remote control so we can finally start using it the way it was meant to be.

I know the de facto choice is usually the Microsoft OEM MCE remote, but that's becoming hard to find in Australia recently, so I'm curious to see what the best alternatives are out there.

I've read about the following remotes:
1. Sunwave remote - $35 from DigitalNow
2. Hauppauge MCE remote kit - about $45 and includes an IR emitter
3. Rock remote - about $30-35

Do people have any opinions on whether any of the above stands out from the others?

On paper they all look pretty similar to me, but the Hauppauge currently is my top choice, solely because it comes with an IR emitter, and I'm thinking I could perhaps get that to control my receiver. Is it worth the extra $10?

I am actually also very interested in the following 2, but have not been able to find any mention of these from local sites:
1. Philips SRM5100 - Aus product page here
Is this one available anywhere to buy? Looks pretty cool to me, and should be fairly cheap as it's pretty basic.

2. MS Vista Media Center remote?
I've read about there supposedly being a new Vista Media Center remote coming out from Microsoft, but the articles are at least a year or two old, and I can't find any news on it since. Here's an example.
Anyone know what's happened to these? Could it be possible that Microsoft is phasing out the MCE remotes to pave the way for these? If so I might be tempted to wait, as these look way cooler than the others.

Anyway, at the end of the day I just want a remote that works seamlessly. Any thoughts/comments/suggestions greatly appreciated!

DDH · **9th August 2008, 06:54 AM**

I did the same research a couple of weeks ago and decided on the Hauppauge as it seems to be a direct replacement for the MCE device. Have one on order now for a new MCE now, got it a few $ cheaper than you list from Digitan http://www.staticice.com.au/cgi-bin/...uppauge+remote

ach · **11th August 2008, 11:09 AM**

Thanks for the reply DDH, would be interesting to see how you go with the Hauppauge remote.

That is my default choice now as well, but I'm really keen to find out more about the Philips SRM5100 and the MS Vista remote, as I think they both look a lot more stylish.

So no one else has heard anything about the rumoured Microsoft Vista MC remote?

ach · **20th August 2008, 06:14 PM**

DDH - have you been using the Hauppauge remote yet? What's your reaction, positive or negative?

Also, I've asked this question in a lot of places, but no one seems to know the answer - does the Hauppauge MCE remote allow the TV, Vol-Up and Vol-Down buttons to be reprogrammed, like the MS MCE remote?

DDH · **20th August 2008, 06:51 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by ach

DDH - have you been using the Hauppauge remote yet? What's your reaction, positive or negative?

Also, I've asked this question in a lot of places, but no one seems to know the answer - does the Hauppauge MCE remote allow the TV, Vol-Up and Vol-Down buttons to be reprogrammed, like the MS MCE remote?

I've only connected the IR receiver to my test MCE and used the remote one evening. The MCE rig this is for is actually not mine, just hijacked the equipment to test it out.

I do not believe the keys are programmable. There is no IR receiver on the remote (required to "learn" the codes) and it does nothing using the M$ remote commands to go into a programming mode.

ManicMark · **23rd August 2008, 02:01 PM**

Hi guys,

I have managed to get a PS2 DVD remote to work with media centre.

All u need is a PS2 to USB adapter and a program called MCEjoy, can be found here

Enjoy.

amilwain · **9th September 2008, 10:41 PM**

Philips SRM5100 $82.50 and SRM7500 $258.50 Vista MCE remotes are now available from www.techbuy.com.au

AM

BladeRoNNeR · **12th September 2008, 04:17 PM**

Hi,

I haven't looked into the above mentioned remotes but have got a Logitech Harmony remote (the middle model just down from the top one). Cant remember the model number.

To be honest the quality of the remote is very good, controls pretty much everything also, not just MC, but perhaps too many options. So much so I havent really set everything up yet. Still Logitech are worth a look too....

Daveee · **25th September 2008, 10:08 AM**

Will most remotes work to control VMC and Winamp and some other applications? I am guessing they should?

So far I have been looking at very similar remotes to the OP;

Logitech Harmony 525

Rock Remot

Hauppauge

Does anyone have any further comments on these?

BladeRoNNeR · **25th September 2008, 01:45 PM**

Besides the quality of the Logitechs being pretty good, one of the best features I like is the software and customising of the controls. It uploads your setup online so if you break or loose your remote or decide to upgrade to a newer model you can just download your setup to a new model and continue. Also Logitechs are rechargable, and the model I have even switches on the screen/lights when it senses you pick the remote up. Flashy huh .. lol.

If you are like me and have other logitech devices they intergrate very well with predefined setups, like wise for over 250k different branded devices.

Daveee · **29th September 2008, 09:43 AM**

I think I'll be getting the Haromny 525. Was at a mates on the weekend and he had one around and it looked sweet. I am also happy with all my other Logitech products (keyboard, mouse, speakers) so why stop now!

ExtremePC · **29th September 2008, 10:01 AM**

Another vote for a Harmony, any model really they all seem to work pretty well.

ach · **29th September 2008, 07:29 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by amilwain

Philips SRM5100 $82.50 and SRM7500 $258.50 Vista MCE remotes are now available from www.techbuy.com.au

AM

Thanks a lot for that tip amilwain. I was just about to order the SRM5100 from TechBuy, but I happened to find the MS MCE remote on eBay (after looking for ages) for a really good price, so I decided to just order that instead. Doing so also gives me the receiver, so I can get a more advanced universal remote down the line.

davomate · **30th September 2008, 04:33 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by ExtremePC

Another vote for a Harmony, any model really they all seem to work pretty well.

I am on my second one, after the cheapest (mono screen) model wore out after a couple of years. Very happy with the colour screen one I have now. It also controls my amp and sets it to the correct input source depending on whether I am using the media center, the radio or CD player. Programming them is a bit of a challenge initially, but once set up they are excellent.

Note that you will still need a IR receiver in order for media center to receive the commands from your remote. I have one of the last MS remotes before they stopped selling them (the remote is in a drawer, the receiver is in use).

Daveee · **1st October 2008, 09:36 AM**

Thanks for that davomate, I might still stick with the 525 and see how I go. If it wears out in a couple of years then there should hopefully be something cheaper/better out by then!

I forgot about an IR receiver. I have the one (I think it's IR) that came with my Leadtek DVT1000T remote. I looked at the remote through a digital camera and it was a blue light. I'm guessing I am in business? Or is this not IR?