Harmony 520 remote, my parts, etc....

[Grampz]

I am opening up a new can of worms here, but here it goes...

I have a Hauppage WinTV-HVR-950Q usb tuner with the ir on the dongle. Previously I have tinkered with getting things to work with the dinky remote that comes with this tuner, but could not get it to be recognized on a prior installation of WinTV. Fresh install of Win7-64, and npvr now. I only installed the Hauppage drivers for npvr to use.

The main system remote I have is a Logitech Harmony 520, which I have enjoyed for a few years in controlling my system. In moving to an htpc/npvr setup I ask whether I can make these parts work. In the remote software setup I see that every button is programmable, but realize that I need to fix pc communication first.

Where do I start? Are there utility apps that I can use to test each step? Need newer parts?

Greg

[Grampz]

Did find a quick how to on testing a remote's output signal...

http://www.wikihow.com/Check-if-a-Remote...red-Signal

Received signal output from my harmony and yamaha av receiver remotes, but not the hauppage. still do not know if the the hauppage ir receiver on the dongle is functioning.....

Greg

[ga_mueller]

I use a Windows media center remote and IR receiver. The IR receiver plugs into the HTPC usb port. They can be had on ebay for around $15 for both. If you want to continue to use the Harmony, just program it to be a Windows media center remote, and use it with the IR receiver.

[soccerdad]

I second the media center remote. You can play with others and perhaps get them to work, but the WMC remote just works. My harmony works just fine using the WMC remote dongle.

[Grampz]

I have gotten my Harmony 720 remote and Hauppage IR receiver to be recognized within npvr. Actually stumbled into it. Did not need to purchase any additional hardware.

I have been tinkering with the irremote.ini file, and the Logitech Harmony config software but cannot get the custom functionality I desire. I have the reference page from the wiki, but any changes I apply don't work. Almost like there are canned remote actions that won't change. What am I missing?

Greg

[ottoguy]

Not to change your dirction but there is also the option of the IR server suite. I used it with a harmony remote and a usb ir receiver. This way you can program any button on the remote to do any button or sequence on the PC. I have never played with the irremote.ini file so I have nothing to offer there.

[Grampz]

option of the IR server suite

Do not know of this.. Links for info? Will try a Google search...

Greg

[Grampz]

Looked into the IR server Suite some.. Questions before I load up something new... Trying to stay lean, clean, and mean....

Compatable with current Hauppage usb tuner dongle which contains the IR receiver?

If so, abandon future attempts with irremote.ini file?

If so, where does npvr get it's control?

Greg

[Sykor]

I have gotten my Harmony 720 remote and Hauppage IR receiver to be recognized within npvr. Actually stumbled into it. Did not need to purchase any additional hardware.

I have been tinkering with the irremote.ini file, and the Logitech Harmony config software but cannot get the custom functionality I desire. I have the reference page from the wiki, but any changes I apply don't work. Almost like there are canned remote actions that won't change. What am I missing?

Greg

It depends on what custom functionality you're aiming. Giving an example would be helpful. Remember you have to restart the IR service/program for changes to apply.

Also, check out http://forums.nextpvr.com/showthread.php...Y-SOFTWARE! (no software remote control). Having a Logitech Harmony and "wasting" it emulating a mere Hauppauge Remote is not the way to go ;-P

Logitech's IR database not only has MCE remote IR codes but MCE _keyboard_ also. That gives you way more than 45 ir codes to play with. Besides, you can tweak the translation table in the registry. (ex: adding Win_Key+F7 ir code to your 720 remote, but altering the registry to send a totally different keystroke). Although this would mean getting a MCE compatible usb ir receiver, the $10 or less it will cost you are well worth it...

I love Hauppauge, but I had weekly headaches with their irremote app. Now... it just works... Hell, I can even wakeup the htpc with the remote now...

[Grampz]

well...

Within my tinkering, I am now able to view recordorded/live tv within a small window in the the npvr/retro skin interface after pressing the "menu" button. Another stumble thing. I must press "menu"to toggle between the main menu/current playing small window and full screen. Would rather have this ability linked to the "Prev(iew)" or some other button.

Would like to use the "Info" button to show the current what is playing timeline. Could not get this to work in messing with irremote.ini and harmony setup program.

Info on the wiki does not cover what you have suggested, why I am questioning so much. I assume that setting up the IR Server Suite will nix my current approach..

Greg