Universal Remote suggetsions?

[dvasco]

At least he knows how to install GBPVR and connect the PC to the TV.

[zed]

Well, I only recently started using the remote altho I have been using the blaster for a while. Until then I've only watched stuff using the MVP boxes, the GB-PVR box was essentially a server, not connected to a TV, running headless, in fact. I just acquired a couple HDTV's and since the MVP won't do HD, I connected the computer to the TV so now have more use for the remote. I assumed that the TV on/off was something for MCE, maybe thru the blaster and just never thought much about it. Frankly, I'm surprised that the MS remote is that smart.

A friend of mine has a couple of Harmony units and I've been thinking about getting one so followed this thread. They look pretty slick but are a bit pricey for me at this point.

Anyway, that's my story & I'm sticking with it...

[dvasco]

I was surprised the MS remote was that smart and with backlighting too. However, I have a ReplayTV, GBPVR, Sat box, and TV in the living room I control with a URC-8910 because the MS remote can't control all of that. I have the Harmony 659 for the bedroom where I have an IR repeater for access to the ReplayTV, an MVP, DVD player, and another TV.

[madcat]

Yeah, I actually bought it for two reasons (none of them are to actually use it...):
1) I wanted to have the MS Remote Keyboard, and it comes without an IR receiver, but works with the one that comes with the MS Remote Control
2) The Hauppauge remote gave me lots of problems (some other people here mentioend it), as not executing command, then repeating commands on it's own, etc. I also used a OFA remote, and managed to prove that the problem is on the recieving end, not the remote itself. So I needed a new receiver.

I'm actually using a Harmony 880 (and occasionaly the MS Remote Keyboard) over the IR receiver of the MS Remote Control. Remote itself is tucked away (which is a pity, cause the actual feel of it is very good, specially compared to the original terrible Hauppauge).

BTW, except for the TV On/Off and Volume, I also programed the "Green" button (the big one in the middle) to do GB-PVR start/exit. But that's using HIP.

[Smoker]

Does anyone know of a local (national) store that carries the ms mce remote ?

I would like to buy it locally and not through the net.

[madcat]

Does anyone know of a local (national) store that carries the ms mce remote ?

Which "local" would that be?

[Smoker]

SouthEast Michigan

[Smoker]

Can HIP be used with the MS MCE Remote ?

[dvasco]

Yes

[topperdude]

I am at a stage where GBPVR is working fine using keyboard/mouse and I'd like to move it to living room and connect it to the TV. I'd like to replace keyboard/mouse and setup GB-PVR to be controlled by a remote control. At present, I would like to get a functional rather than fancy (i.e. Harmony or MX-xxx series remotes) setup.

The JP-1 option seems pretty interesting. However, even with JP-1, I understand I'll need to buy an IR receiver such as USB-UIRT separately, correct?

At present, I don't care for IR blaster functionality in USB-UIRT and only want a receiver to receive commands from an IR remote control to control GB-PVR. Would it be possible to use IR receiver from an existing wireless keyboard or mouse and use software such as HIP or WinLIRC (per instructions in the wiki) to send appropriate commands to GB-PVR?

If not, what would the next least expensive option for getting just an IR receiver (other than building it myself) that I could use with a suitable (JP-1 or other IR) remote.

Thanks for any feedback,
-Topper