Possible dumb newbie remote control question

[Groovr]

Heya... first post

I've just converted an old Dell machine I had gathering dust into a Jukebox/movie player. No tuner for now, but I'm happily watching Xvids and listening to my MP3s over the network. Very nice.

I want to get a remote control happening so I don't have a 101 key keyboard sitting on the coffee table (girlfriend is not impressed) but I would prefer not to buy one of the MCE remotes. I'm about the get a universal remote to run the whole system, and if I can incorporate GBPVR into that, I'd be a happy man.

I've had a look in the Wiki at the HIP guide, and I'm "sort of kinda maybe" understanding it, but I don't want to jump the gun and end up buying the wrong thing... so I'm hoping I can learn from someone who has already done all the hard work for me

Can I just get a generic USB IR dongle and use it as a receiver? I thought it would be that simple, but I've read a few bits and pieces that say the USB IR will not work for this, and I'll need a serial connector. Is that true, or do I have the wrong end of the stick?

Can I even do what I'm hoping to do? It seems so from the Wiki, but searching the posts here indicates a lot of MCE and ATI remotes...

[sub]

Can I just get a generic USB IR dongle and use it as a receiver? I thought it would be that simple, but I've read a few bits and pieces that say the USB IR will not work for this, and I'll need a serial connector. Is that true, or do I have the wrong end of the stick?

You can use the USB-UIRT for this purpose, but its much more expensive than one of the MCE remotes + it's receiver.

[Groovr]

Well, down here (Australia) a USB IR dongle is around the same cost as the cheapest MCE remote I can find... but the dongle option means (if I understand correctly) that I'll be able to configure BGPVR to respond to a generic multi-function remote, which would be preferable for my needs.

Or am I getting this all wrong?

[sub]

There is no such thing as a "generic USB IR dongle", at least that I'm aware of anyway. One specific product that people can use as an IR Receiver is the USB-UIRT (see http://www.usbuirt.com/), but thats pretty pricey at US$50.00 + shipping from the US. It'd let you use your generic multi-function IR remote.

Most people find a MCE remote cheaper locally, and you can still use your generic multi-function IR remote if you prefer, configured to send the MCE remote signals.

[Groovr]

Oh ok... Sorry, I misunderstood.

I have owned in the past a little USB thing with an infra-red I/O, which allowed me to synchronise with my Nokia phone in much the same way as you can with a laptop PC. So I assume that type of device will not do the job?

I should probably just leave you alone and buy a damn MCE remote :p

[sub]

have owned in the past a little USB thing with an infra-red I/O, which allowed me to synchronise with my Nokia phone in much the same way as you can with a laptop PC. So I assume that type of device will not do the job?

No, it wouldnt do the job. That is IrDa which is entirely different from the IR signals in remote controls.

[Groovr]

Gotcha... I guess I have a lot to learn

Thanks for your help - I probably would have wasted some money without it. Much obliged

[-Oz-]

this http://forums.nextpvr.com/showthread.php?t=21936 is how I did it with a custom IR receiver and a logitech remote; snazzy