Remote Recommendations

[SageGk]

I need a remote for my Sage Server. I used to use a firefly remote with BeyondTV and I'm thinking of purchasing one again. I currently have a MCE blaster and remote, but I just don't like the MCE remote (with the FF remote I used to have full control over BeyondTV, with the MCE remote, I feel like I still have to use the mouse/keyboard). Can anyone recommend a remote, or should I stick with FF?

[Fuzzy]

I'd just get whatever cheap universal remote you can find that has the buttons laid out how you like, and get a USB-UIRT to receive it. You can map any button to any function very easily in sage.

[mayamaniac]

Snapstream's Firefly remote can be configured to work with SageTV with help of some software like girder or hip.

[StephaneM]

Originally Posted by SageGk

I currently have a MCE blaster and remote, but I just don't like the MCE remote (with the FF remote I used to have full control over BeyondTV, with the MCE remote, I feel like I still have to use the mouse/keyboard).

And why do you need a keyboard with your MCE Remote and SageTV?

I own : a MCE Remote, a Firefly, a Streamzap, a USB-UIRT, Hauppauge and Technotrend remotes. My vote goes for the MCE remote. Then only thing you may need is a good third party software for extending it (Eventghost, Intelliremote, or my software - see signature).

Note: why do I prefer the MCE? 1) Reliable 2) IR based (if you want to use universal remote in the future) 3) Ability to wake up your PC 4) Cheap and comes with a blaster.

Regards,
Stéphane.

[Fuzzy]

Originally Posted by StephaneM

And why do you need a keyboard with your MCE Remote and SageTV?

I own : a MCE Remote, a Firefly, a Streamzap, a USB-UIRT, Hauppauge and Technotrend remotes. My vote goes for the MCE remote. Then only thing you may need is a good third party software for extending it (Eventghost, Intelliremote, or my software - see signature).

Note: why do I prefer the MCE? 1) Reliable 2) IR based (if you want to use universal remote in the future) 3) Ability to wake up your PC 4) Cheap and comes with a blaster.

Regards,
Stéphane.

Honestly, the USB-UIRT is every bit as stable, IR based, and can wake up the PC as well. It IS a blaster, and the only thing it DOENS"T have that an MCE does.. well.. is the green button.. and who wants that anyways?

[CollinR]

Firefly no doubt, the other rf x-10 remotes all have some issue or another. Also might consider the gyration for best mouse functionality if you want to web surf while watching.


However the gyration acts strange in EventGhost's HIDplungin so I dunno how well you can really extend it. The Firefly and EventGhost you can do anything, I had amp control, TV input switching, sprinklers, lighting everything on that thing.


I only changed because now I have STBs and my USBUIRT controls those, I haven't yet figured out how to get external channel changing working right to have EventGhost do it. So for me. I just bought a URC set so I still have RF and it handles all the basics without issues. It however does no mouse emulation.

[StephaneM]

Originally Posted by Fuzzy

Honestly, the USB-UIRT is every bit as stable, IR based, and can wake up the PC as well.

To be perfectly honest some issues exists:

* USB-UIRT cable is not shielded, for some users then the USB-UIRT stops working (this may be resolved by changing the cable position or attaching a shield on the cable : little ferrite ring)

* it seems the USB-UIRT cannot wake Windows 7 PCs (driver issue to be resolved)

Regards,
Stéphane.

[bcjenkins]

This remote has a JP1.3 header on it and a built in MCE profile for $20.

B

[SageGk]

I am currently using a MCE remote/blaster with Lm gestion software. I would like to make it work better with my HTPC (like I used to have with FireFly and beyondTV). I would like to use the remote to fire up sage, turn on my monitor from standby, close sage, etc. etc. Are there any tutorials available or guides to help me through this? Thanks.

* merged *
Edit: StephaneM, I am a user of your software (donator version), I'm going to poke around and see if I can get the MCE remote to function as needed. P.S. I have the old crappier one (smaller black remote), hate the button layout, but will have to get used to it.

[StephaneM]

Originally Posted by SageGk

I would like to make it work better with my HTPC (like I used to have with FireFly and beyondTV). I would like to use the remote to fire up sage, turn on my monitor from standby, close sage, etc. etc. Are there any tutorials available or guides to help me through this?

As for today, now there isn't a guide or tutorials (too many scenarios to be covered), there will be some when I will introduce a new feature (the "Tasks").

So you'll have to be creative with the software:

* use the computer events
* use the monitor on / off action
* use the launch application action
* use the close application action

P.S. I have the old crappier one (smaller black remote), hate the button layout, but will have to get used to it.

I don't know this particular model... but you can get cheap MCE OEM remotes on e-bay if you want to replace it.

Also if you have an iPhone / Windows Phone : I will release a web remote soon, so you will be able to use that instead.

Regards,
Stéphane.

[CollinR]

Why are not using the Firefly those remotes rock!

Also you might try EventGhost but I think it sounds like you had most of it covered with LM gestion.

[kamikaze2112]

I'm kinda interested in this as well. My situation requires the use of some other receiver other than than my USB-UIRT as all my equipment is in my office at the other end of the house.

right now I'm using a PVR-150 card and have the receiver extended to my living room via Cat5 cable and altho it works, I expect that my PVR-150 card will most likely die at some inoppertune time essentially leaving me without a remote. Since I've also got a USB hub extended to the living room, I'd like to get an MCE receiver and remote so I can program my universal remote and be able to wake the computer from sleep.

Is it safe to assume that any OEM MCE remote kit will work for this purpose? It seems that the HP ones are quite popular on eBay, but there appear to be some cheaper chinese knockoffs as well. any input is greatly appreciated

Thanks

[chris123]

My favorite combination:
MCE Remote: Lasts forever, has all the buttons I like, even matches my bedsheets!
USB-UIRT: Blaster/receiver
Eventghost: To program macros

[StephaneM]

Originally Posted by kamikaze2112

Is it safe to assume that any OEM MCE remote kit will work for this purpose? It seems that the HP ones are quite popular on eBay, but there appear to be some cheaper chinese knockoffs as well. any input is greatly appreciated

If you can get your hand on a OEM model, go for it (the chinese ones are not always the real deal)

[aflat]

I like the Atlas Ocap remotes, you can find them on ebay for about $15 new. Every button imaginable on them, it can do discrete codes(send 2 events on 1 button press, so turn on TV and HD200) and it's a JP1 remote. I have 2 of them, and they are cheap enough I don't have to worry when the kids break them, unlike a Harmony.