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[BullishDad]

I've been thinking about purchasing a remote control system for use with MC9.1.  I am not a programmer and was looking for a simple to install and use solution.

After searching this forum, it seems that Girder is the program of choice, but it needs to be used in conjunction with a receiver of some kind, plus there is a learning curve that sounds steep.

The Streamzap Remote looks interesting.  The price of $30 after $10 rebate is reasonable and it appears to support MC without needing Girder.  You can use Girder, but without any support from Streamzap.

If anyone has used a Streamzap, how well does it work with MC9.1 without Girder and with Girder?  I'd like to be able to navigate around MC including the hairstyle mode.

Also, if anyone from JRiver has tested Streamzap with MC9.1, I'd appreciate your comments on how well it works with the program and what functions are supported.

[bspachman]

I used to use a StreamZap with MediaJukebox/MediaCenter. It worked fine for very basic functionality. Check out the streamzap website for lots of info, but for specific functions with MC, see:

http://www.streamzap.com/products/pcremote/help/jrivermc.html

I ended up moving to the USB-UIRT because the StreamZap limited me to using the streamzap remote, which only gave me about 35 different commands. As you know, there are a lot more than 35 commands available with MC, so using the SZ with Girder was extremely limiting.

The USB-UIRT allows you to use universal remote codes, so I was able to use a much more capable remote to control MC.

As for navigating in Hairstyle mode, I'm not sure how the SZ performs. Because you need arrow key functionality, the navigation pad on the remote may not work...maybe someone else knows for sure.

I'd say go for the USB-UIRT and Girder so that you aren't limited to what you can do in the future....

Best,
Brad

[BullishDad]

I decided to give the StreamZap a try because it was within my budget and I wasn't ready to delve into Girder.

So far I am pleased with the purchase.  It should work well for the vast majority of the functions I would use it for away from the PC.  I've taught all of the StreamZap commands to my HTM MX-500 remote.  From the MX-500 I can control my receiver's volume in addition to everything the StreamZap does.

It would be even better if the StreamZap had a right mouse button and the ability to create a macro instead of the limited list they give you for the colored buttons. Edit: I found out that the Exit key functions like a right mouse key when you are in mouse mode.

The Menu key will take you from Mega-me to Full Screen Visualization to Hairstyle mode and back to Mega-me.  The arrow keys worked fine for selecting songs in Hairstyle mode.  However, to use the commands on the left side of the screen, you have to enter Mouse Mode to move the cursor.

For those interested, there is a good review of the StreamZap at http://www.remotecentral.com/streamzap/index.html.

The remote has its limitations, and someday I may graduate to USB-UIRT and Girder, but the StreamZap keeps it simple, which is fine for now.