Inspiron 5000 IR port

[ToonGal]

I've finally ordered my HTPC system parts, and will be buying SageTV soon after the system is put together. Now, I'm thinking outside the box so I know what other parts & s/w I need.

My Dell Inspiron 5000 laptop has an IR port, http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems....htm#infrared, which says it is "IrDA 1.1 compliant". From what I know, it's the type of IR that allows peripherals to communicate with one another.

However, can this IR port be used to receive info from the Hauppauge remote? I'd buy SageClient if I could actually run it on my laptop with the remote. Otherwise, it's probably more of a pain, and I might as well just stream files outside the Sage environment.

Any IR help and background info greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[gplasky]

Nope -uh-uh nada not worth trying. You're right-it is for peripherals to communicate. Transfers to your Palm Pilot, etc. Girder won't support. Some people have tried but it really isn't worth it. I know some software packages tried it on the pocket PC's for transmitting and you just don't get the distance either. You could hook up any inexpensive remote/usb receiver like Streamzap or a ATI remote to use with your laptop.

Gerry

[ToonGal]

Originally posted by gplasky
Nope -uh-uh nada not worth trying.

About what I expected. Don't think I'd have put too much effort were it required anyway, given there are cheap buyable functional easier alternatives. -Sigh- I was just hoping I finally found a use for that dumb port.

Thanks for the help, hun!

[steingra]

Originally Posted by ToonGal

About what I expected. Don't think I'd have put too much effort were it required anyway, given there are cheap buyable functional easier alternatives. -Sigh- I was just hoping I finally found a use for that dumb port.

Thanks for the help, hun!

Did you ever find a use for the port?

I was just thinking how nice it would be if the IR port on my Dell laptop could talk to SageTV, using one of the hauppauge remotes I have.

I guess if the answer is still no, I will have to get another USB UIRT for it. Of course then I will to make sure it doesnt interfere with the *other* USB UIRT I have in the area.