RPi Remotes

[macgyver]

I'm still running V4, all clients are NMT. Very happy still but I need an extra client as I have bought a projector so looking at other options. It seems that RPi/Kodi might be good to try (never used either before) so I've ordered a RPi4 and I'll give that a go. 
What I can't find is info on what people use as a remote control. In an ideal world it'll use an old NMT/MVP remote as we are all used to them but is that possible? What have others used? I see Flirc alot - is that a good idea?
Any pointers would be much appreciated.
Cheers

[mvallevand]

The RPi4 is still not fully developed for Kodi but it is getting better. The source of information for Kodi client is here https://forum.kodi.tv/showthread.php?tid=252916

The reason you hear about flirc is the RPi doesn't have a built in IR which you can get on many of the other boxes. If you have IR you can use you you NMT or Hauppauge remote with them, but unlike the NMT you have to configure them.

USB MCE remotes are another option.

I still prefer my mini wireless usb Ritek keyboard over a remote because I get full UI control and great pretty much 100% NextPVR functionality on any box. That also could be because I test UI Client so much with a keyboard on a PC I am comfortable with it. I also have a bluetooth for my bluetooth devices. These are great because you don't have to expose the IR

Martin

[snagglewest]

If your projector is CeC compliant that's the easiest way to control Kodi on a Pi, just use your projector remote.  If that's not an option I like the OSMC remote that came with my Vero4k+.  Wouldn't give ya 2 cent for the Vero, but the remote is nice and it comes with the usb adapter.  kinda pricey but it works very well with Kodi.  

The Flirc is also an option if you want to go that route with a IR remote.  The Pi will see it as a keyboard and it basically takes the remotes IR signal and turns it into keyboard outputs. It's easily configurable and works with most any IR remote.  The down side is you have to spend $23 bucks on the flirc plus the cost of the remote. It used to be my go-to with a MCE remotes but since finding the OSMC remote I use them now.  easier and cheaper in the long run.

As Martin said, the 4 is still a work in progress and it's still got some issues, but the 3 works very well with Kodi.  Personally I use Libreelec now.  OSMC used to be my go-to but they have made some decisions on not supporting realtek dongles which was a non-starter for me.  3 of my 4 Pi3's have realtek 5ghz dongles that work perfectly and I'm not about to replace them for no gain.  

Bottom line - do your research first and pick which options work for you.

[macgyver]

Thanks for the replies, it hadn't occurred to me that I would have been better off getting a RPi3 but it's all a bit of an experiment while we have time on our hands! I'll give Libreelec a go.
I've just checked the projector (Optoma) and the manual says it's CeC but only talks about powering up/down connected devices so I'm not convinced that'll be an option but you never know.
If all else fails I could just get another PCH because I know that should just work, but you never know with second hand ones. I have two dead ones sitting on a shelf I wish I could fix. This experimentation is also my first step towards moving to v5 at some point but that's a big task with everything on PCH.

[mvallevand]

The issue with CEC is it can control the RPi nicely but check your remote to see how many keys are offered. For me NextPVR's player biggest strength is the number + arrrow key combination for skipping but you might be missing keys you use if you want to use UI Client (NMT like) mode

Martin

[Bobins]

My Experience:-

2 of my RPi's are connected to Samsung TVs which supposedly are CEC compliant. I can control Kodi on both the RPi's using the the TV remote.

[macgyver]

The issue with CEC is it can control the RPi nicely but check your remote to see how many keys are offered.  For me NextPVR's player biggest strength is the number + arrrow key combination for skipping but you might be missing keys you use if you want to use UI Client (NMT like) mode

Martin

Bang on. Not having that is a deal breaker. The projector remote has very few keys.
I've managed to get another PCH working for now. It's fine once you get it to power up with HDMI output but that can take many minutes of off/on attempts as most times it shows no output.
I will have a go with the RPi soon though and let you know how it goes.

[jksmurf]

Just another data point for this, I have an RPi2, FLIRC and the old PCH A100/110 remote, works fine. Libreelec 9.2.1 with knewc.
When I want to Type in a long search or set up a repository path I also have a RiTEC "i10" Wireless mini KB for that purpose.

wrt WiFi I have tried about 3 or 4 5GHz Dongles* and maybe this is where OSMC beats Libreelec but it drops connection very often and / or reverts to 2.4GHz. I actually ended up using the Rpi2 with an Orico USB 3.0 to 1GHz Lan Adapter (UTL-U3) most of the time, it's just more stable. The RPi2 attaches to an old Sony Viera. knewc works great on it; and Netflix.

* Working Dongles
5GHz/2.4GHz Netgear A6210 and TPLink_T4Uv2;
2.4GHz only TP-LINK_TL-WN821N v3

* Not Working Dongles
5GHz/2.4GHz TP-LINK Archer T4U v3 and ASUS-USB-AC53

k.