Are there less expensive USB-UIRT Alternatives??

[mayamaniac]

The USB-UIRT is about $50 USD. I think it's a bit expensive for this little device. It works well, and I would like to buy one for every computer client, but at $50, it cost more than most remotes alone that comes with its own IR receiver. And they don't even include the extra two IR sensors with the USB-UIRT.

Just wondering if there are other products out there that does what USB-UIRT does, and more importantly, less expensive?

Edit: Sorry, I just realize this post went into the wrong forum, can a mod move it to Hardware? Thanks.

[stanger89]

If you need a tranceiver, then not that I'm aware of.

If all you need is a receiver, then take a look at the Streamzap, it's about half the price and comes with a remote. Plus (added cost) if you get Girder 3.3/4 the newest Girder plugin supports passing raw IR codes (means you're no longer limited to the included remote).

[ben_95sl1]

I have the same issue with the usb-uirt: that's why I bought the pvr150 retail cause it comes with the receiver and blaster and the whole thing doesn't cost much more then the usb-uirt. But I'm screwed when I want to add more blasters. What do mce users use?

if just receiver then: lirc receiver can be built for like $5-10; that's what I use on my client, in coordination with girder. Works with any extra remote you have; universal is perfect

is there a diy ir blaster that exists?

[mayamaniac]

So pretty much the USB-UIRT dominates the HTPC market in terms of IR receiver/blaster combo, therefore they fix the price high, there's no competition out there.

What we need is a company in China to open the USB-UIRT up and reverse engineer it and produce a cheaper version. :P hehe

But seriously, I'm surprise that no other companies are making a similar product. Looking at what the USB-UIRT does, it can't be that hard to duplicate.

[dagar]

that's the problem ... build an LIRC and have to buy girder ... stinks

[blade]

Originally Posted by mayamaniac

What we need is a company in China to open the USB-UIRT up and reverse engineer it and produce a cheaper version. :P hehe

Don't encourage them, China already violates enough copyright and patents as it is. It's easy to produce a cheaper product when you put virtually no time and money into R&D and simply copy what someone else has developed.

[nielm]

I ordered a serial port IR receiver from http://www.zapway.de/ a couple of years back -- They are EUR14.4 + EUR 7.4 for world-wide shipping

Works well with LIRC and Girder... But of course Girder is pay-ware now (and IMHO quite expensive for 50bucks)...

A programmer could write a Sage input plugin that interfaces with directly with WinLIRC, cutting out the GIRDER cost if required...

And anyone with a soldering iron and access to an electronics shop can build their own (several sites list how-to) to save even more money!

[technazz]

I built my own UIRT using parts from an old Dish network Receiver that uses the COM port. There is a blaster and receiver built into the dish receiver I just desoldered them, bought the microchip for around $7 and soldered it for around $12. Took 3 hrs and I was up and running. But if I didnt know how to solder the 50 bux is not that expensive for the time and effort. But I agree it should be around the $35 dollar mark to be fair. I priced it out and the parts for the USB version are around $15 including the case add $5 for labour if you produce in lots of 100 and they are doubling there money!



technazz

[Naylia]

if you're looking for a similar product that costs more, check out IRTrans...they're closer to $100

[evilpenguin]

Someone would have to verify this, but I think you'd be in good shape with the MCE remote/IR Reciever/transmitter ($35) and the HIP software ($Free).

I'm pretty sure that this combo will allow you to use any remote you want in addition to being able to learn an unlimited number of IR commands to transmit.

[lovingHDTV]

I would love a sage plugin for winlirc

I use it with an old packard bell ir reciever I got of ebay for $5 a few years ago. I'm using it with the free older version of girder.

[computer33]

I think 50usd is very reasonable.

Consider us Canadians and how much we pay $50 * 1.2 = 60 + 30 dollars "brokerage" fees + shipping.

I like it but wow that is pricey. To get my money's worth it better last many many years.

[ben_95sl1]

sagetv should be able to use the MCE hardware; it's widely available and cheap. i didn't know it also came with 2 blasters...for only $35 us.

avoid high brokerage fees in canada by only shipping via USPS, stay away from UPS!!!!

[Jesse]

mayamaniac said:
What we need is a company in China to open the USB-UIRT up and reverse engineer it and produce a cheaper version. :P hehe

Nice. Here's hoping that your job is the very next one outsourced to a Chinese sweatshop.

Jesse

[mayamaniac]

Originally Posted by evilpenguin

Someone would have to verify this, but I think you'd be in good shape with the MCE remote/IR Reciever/transmitter ($35) and the HIP software ($Free).

I'm pretty sure that this combo will allow you to use any remote you want in addition to being able to learn an unlimited number of IR commands to transmit.

Yes, someone confirm that it will work with any remote, given that it is setup with Girder or HIP.

Originally Posted by Jesse

Nice. Here's hoping that your job is the very next one outsourced to a Chinese sweatshop.

Jesse

I put a smilie :P and a "hehe" at the end of that sentence, that meant it was a joke, don't get our panties in a bunch.

[evilpenguin]

I can now verify that the MCE IR Reciever can be used with other remote controls. I just went ahead and set up a few keys on my TV remote to control Sage and it worked pretty nice. Plus, if you get one now from PC Alchamy you can get 10% off, I'm pretty sure HTPC news has a coupon code in it's deal street forum

[evilpenguin]

http://www.byremote.com.au/Hip/mce_remote_faq.htm

Here's the HIP guide you'll need to setup the alternate MCE remote driver to allow the use of other remotes and get the most out the HIP software.

[Jesse]

I put a smilie :P and a "hehe" at the end of that sentence, that meant it was a joke, don't get our panties in a bunch.

It was not funny. It was in poor taste. I dont wear panties.

Jesse

[mayamaniac]

Originally Posted by evilpenguin

I can now verify that the MCE IR Reciever can be used with other remote controls. I just went ahead and set up a few keys on my TV remote to control Sage and it worked pretty nice. Plus, if you get one now from PC Alchamy you can get 10% off, I'm pretty sure HTPC news has a coupon code in it's deal street forum

thanks for the info. I guess the MCE remote and IR blaster/receiver is the best USB-UIRT alternative.

Originally Posted by Jesse

It was not funny. It was in poor taste. I dont wear panties.

Jesse

alright then, then ignore my joke. Any since this thread is about the USB-UIRT alternatives, not about personal attacks, so lets get back on topic.

[ben_95sl1]

but the mce blaster isn't supported by sagetv is it?...that's the issue i have. the receiver part is easy to get working usually and there are tons of alternatives, but the blaster has to be supported by the software. What better way to get MCE users to move over to sagetv then to support the MCE remote+blaster natively.