Recommend me a good remote control

[greggerm]

I'm seeking some good advice on remote controls.

Currently, my HTPC has no IR receivers, no RF receivers. It is a Vista32 box running Sage and PowerDVD as needed.

Primary Goal:
* Control SageTV.

Secondary:
* Control PowerDVD
* Control WinAMP

Added Bonus, but don't let this be a requirement at all:
* Be "learning", and able to control my A/V receiver and television.

I've been looking into MCE remotes, however my Newegg experience is showing me off brands and nothing I have a good first impression with. Can any of you send a recommendation my way for a brand/model of MCE remotes?

Your help is appreciated!
-Greg

[ghostlobster]

My recommendation would be to grab a USB-UIRT receiver and any model Logitech Harmony.
You can never go wrong with a Harmony.

[Steve52]

I have two MX-700 remotes that I have used for several years. These are expensive but very good.

[greggerm]

With the MX-700 or a Harmony, how is the programming *for Sage* accomplished. I have no remotes with which to help either remote learn?

(in addition, there's the extra cost of the USB-UIRT)

-Greg

[Steve52]

Originally Posted by greggerm

With the MX-700 or a Harmony, how is the programming *for Sage* accomplished. I have no remotes with which to help either remote learn?

(in addition, there's the extra cost of the USB-UIRT)

-Greg

You will need a USB-UIRT.

The MX-700 has many preprogramed codes which are installed with the free updates that come with the remote. You could pick one and set the MX-700 to use it and program Sage with it.

If cost is really important you might be able to purchase a standard Hauppauge remote from EBAY an use it with Sage. I think Sage has an option to use this control, and you would not have to program the codes individually. This would not doubt be your cheapest option if you don't already have some kind of remote lying around.

[wayner]

I concur with the Harmony.

Here is how it works - you tell the Harmony setup wizard that you have a Media Center PC running Sage - it will then automatically use the Sage codes when you are using an Activity that uses the Sage device.

In the Harmony wizard you set up devices - i.e. TV, Media Center PC, Receiver, Cable box, DVD player, etc.

Then you set up activities - WatchTV, WatchDVD, Watch Media Center PC, Listen to FM radio, etc. Then you just tell the Harmony wizard what devices and inputs are used for each activity and you are done. It is easier than it sounds.

[mbowling]

I have the Harmony 880. As the other folks have mentioned the Harmony remotes work great with SageTV. Of course you will need an IR receiver. I use the Harmony with a Sage client PC using a MCE IR receiver. I have a USB-UIRT on the server that changes the channels of the digital cable boxes. If you will only be using one computer and not a server/client configuration then you need the USB-UIRT with the remote control of your choice.

[scat]

Originally Posted by ghostlobster

My recommendation would be to grab a USB-UIRT receiver and any model Logitech Harmony.
You can never go wrong with a Harmony.

I second this, search for my post I made a How-To on my Harmony 880 Eventghost and SageTV.

Scat

[greggerm]

I trust the MX-700 is infinitely customizable... how about the Harmony?

Mid-post, I refreshed the thread and saw a few more responses. I have now seen Scat's 880 + Eventghost guide, and it looks like it would hold promise for overriding Harmony's commands, and indeed using that methodology to enhance the MX-700 would be a possibility as well.

Here's a follow up question - Is it possible to have these remotes drive the Hauppauge IR receiver? Do any retail outlets actually sell IR receivers? Will the remotes above work with other MCE-compatable IR sensors? I am balking at the USB-UIRT cost when I can get a MCE remote and sensor for far less, so if I can use a MCE sensor with a different 3rd party remote, I'll be doing a little better. (I have no need for IR-blasting capabilities... am I cheaping out too much by going this route?)

Thanks all for your input and assistance. The remote control is the last puzzle piece in my HTPC setup.

-Greg

[CollinR]

Once you have a USBUIRT you can use any remote you like, using PC software like EventGhost is soo much more powerful then Harmony (which I loath!) or JP1. It's a difference like SageTV vs your cable companies DVR.

If you didn't have Vista I would suggest the Snapstream Firefly but I am unsure if it has Vista drivers. I definately suggest the USBUIRT and EventGhost combination.

[gplasky]

It will work with just about any receiver. The nice thing with using a MCE receiver is that it is natively supported by SageTV. There's literally nothing to do but choose it in setup and use it. Same if you set the Harmony to use the Hauppague commands. I use the USB-UIRT because I need to be able to blast to a cable settop box and it tends to work best. Unelss you can do firewire (I can't-no port on cablebox). There's about $20 difference between a USB-UIRT and a MCE receiver (with remote).

Gerry