Topic: Media Center Remote (Read 5560 times)

JimH · « **on:** July 21, 2009, 04:36:31 pm »

We've spent a lot of time working with MCE Remotes and finally think we have a winning combination, so we're about to start offering this hardware package:

Edit -- Shipping began on September 14.

Media Center Remote

Many of you may already have remotes, but I wanted to share this with you as we launch it.

Thanks,

Jim

skeeterfood · « **Reply #1 on:** July 21, 2009, 05:36:30 pm »

Does this work with Windows XP, or is it a Vista only remote? I already have one, but it's the first thing I would want to know if I was ready to order one.

-John

JimH · « **Reply #2 on:** July 21, 2009, 05:46:38 pm »

Thanks for the suggestion. ~~I'll fix it tomorrow.~~ Fixed.

It didn't work on XP without installing a driver. After a lot of searching I found this driver that worked:
http://www.ironclad.net/pinnacle_remote_kit/

datdude · « **Reply #3 on:** July 21, 2009, 09:18:46 pm »

one thing that would sell it is to better visually explain how this works with my other devices (tv, amp). how does it physically connect to these devices? what does it look like when connected? maybe a flash animation or some quick airplane style diagrams.

glynor · « **Reply #4 on:** July 22, 2009, 12:01:01 pm »

This looks like a very nice and economical package, Jim. Very interesting. Unfortunately, the fact that the MCE Remote is IR pretty much rules it out for me. I would love it if MC would eventually officially support some sort of RF remote similar to the Snapstream Firefly. For me to even consider a remote control it HAS TO be RF.

I control all my IR devices through a USB UIRT similar to the one you include in this package, though, and I think I paid as much for just it as you are charging for this whole package.

One last thing you might want to advertise is what freq. ranges this UIRT supports. I assume this one is a standard 34-40KHz model. Some, much more rare, devices work at 56KHz though (USB UIRT offers this as an add-on option).

Mike Noe · « **Reply #5 on:** July 22, 2009, 12:53:55 pm »

Jim, just called the number to order a unit. Got a very nice lady who really wasn't sure how to handle my request. Are you sure you're taking orders now?

JimH · « **Reply #6 on:** July 22, 2009, 01:16:24 pm »

Funny. Thanks for calling. It will still be a few days before we're ready.

You got her to read the e-mail I sent though. Thanks for that.

marko · « **Reply #7 on:** July 22, 2009, 01:24:41 pm »

and, when the 'very nice lady' starts taking orders, how would I call her from the UK?

Is it just a case of prepending "001" to the number? 0016126778200

JimH · « **Reply #8 on:** July 22, 2009, 01:39:59 pm »

Quote from: marko on July 22, 2009, 01:24:41 pm

and, when the 'very nice lady' starts taking orders, how would I call her from the UK?

Is it just a case of prepending "001" to the number? 0016126778200

Thanks for thinkiing of it. The US country code is 1, so I think you're correct. Is France 0033?

We're behind Greenwich 5 hours right now.

We'll probably set up a way to do this by fax, and maybe by Buy Button.

fitbrit · « **Reply #9 on:** July 22, 2009, 01:48:16 pm »

Quote from: JimH on July 22, 2009, 01:39:59 pm

Thanks for thinkiing of it. The US country code is 1, so I think you're correct. Is France 0033?

We're behind Greenwich 5 hours right now.

We'll probably set up a way to do this by fax, and maybe by Buy Button.

Just to confirm, yes Marko and Jim, you dial 001 from the UK when calling US or Canada. Then comes the area code etc.

jmone · « **Reply #10 on:** July 23, 2009, 03:29:27 am »

Jim you may want to integrate the following info this wiki page to the new one as it covers the XP Driver and the "debounce" issue with Universal RCs. http://wiki.jrmediacenter.com/index.php/Supported_Remote_Control_Devices#Media_Center_Edition_.28MCE.29_Remote_Control_and_Keyboard

JimH · « **Reply #11 on:** July 23, 2009, 06:53:26 am »

I split the Harmony Remote discussion.

datdude · « **Reply #12 on:** July 26, 2009, 04:37:07 pm »

So if I wanted to to use the new remote options in MC, would it be possible to turn on and off my tv, computer, and amp with the push of one button all at the same time? Could I do it with my dinovo mini (which uses bluetooth) but then through MC would automagically send the ir signals out to a repeater?

How would this physically work? My amp is flush with my entertainment cabinet and there is no room in front or back for an large ir device. How does it actually connect? What would it look like? Are there mini ir repeaters like a quarter inch thick or less that hook flush on to the front of the amp and tv or is just kind of sitting out there with some big repeater that looks ugly?

thanks

datdude · « **Reply #13 on:** July 26, 2009, 05:05:38 pm »

That poses another question. How would this work if the PC and MC are not running? If there is an IRBlaster in front of my TV and Amp, I presume there is no other way to control them since it would be in the path of my normal remote?

JimH · « **Reply #14 on:** July 26, 2009, 06:32:16 pm »

Quote from: datdude on July 26, 2009, 04:37:07 pm

So if I wanted to to use the new remote options in MC, would it be possible to turn on and off my tv, computer, and amp with the push of one button all at the same time? Could I do it with my dinovo mini (which uses bluetooth) but then through MC would automagically send the ir signals out to a repeater?

I don't think so. It's possible, but I don't think it would work now.

Quote

How would this physically work? My amp is flush with my entertainment cabinet and there is no room in front or back for an large ir device. How does it actually connect? What would it look like? Are there mini ir repeaters like a quarter inch thick or less that hook flush on to the front of the amp and tv or is just kind of sitting out there with some big repeater that looks ugly?

They are called emitters or blasters. They have an 1/8 inch mono plug on one end and a very small plastic bubble on the other end. It's about 1/8 inch thick and 1/2 inch wide. They are "stick on". Here's a picture:

and some more pictures on pix01.

datdude · « **Reply #15 on:** July 26, 2009, 07:58:47 pm »

Very Cool, I must say!

datdude · « **Reply #16 on:** July 26, 2009, 08:04:46 pm »

Quote from: datdude on July 26, 2009, 05:05:38 pm

That poses another question. How would this work if the PC and MC are not running? If there is an IRBlaster in front of my TV and Amp, I presume there is no other way to control them since it would be in the path of my normal remote?

I'll answer my own question! It looks like it is 'see through' for regular remotes! The only thing stopping me from buying this at the moment would be that I really prefer not having to use IR (at least for the remote). RF or bluetooth would be preferrable. I'll have to ponder that one.

fitbrit · « **Reply #17 on:** July 28, 2009, 05:41:08 pm »

Quote from: datdude on July 26, 2009, 08:04:46 pm

I'll answer my own question! It looks like it is 'see through' for regular remotes! The only thing stopping me from buying this at the moment would be that I really prefer not having to use IR (at least for the remote). RF or bluetooth would be preferrable. I'll have to ponder that one.

Does your receiver have a serial port? I'm trying to find a solution too, and there may be a PDA based combined solution coming up. http://www.roamingremote.com/ It's wifi based, and the developer is quite confident it'll work with MC "as long as it[MC] has a published list of keyboard shortcuts I can emulate via software." I'm hoping to be able to combine controlling MC with the PDA, with MC controlling the volume on my receiver via its transceiver/emitter thingy. I guess that's going to involve a lot of bounced signals, but I hope it'll work. 99.9999% of the time I use HTPC for my media, so I don't really care about controlling my other components.

JimH · « **Reply #18 on:** September 02, 2009, 11:54:13 am »

We're starting to sell these now:
http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=53651.msg365227#msg365227

rpalmer68 · « **Reply #19 on:** September 03, 2009, 07:41:03 am »

Quote from: fitbrit on July 28, 2009, 05:41:08 pm

Does your receiver have a serial port? I'm trying to find a solution too, and there may be a PDA based combined solution coming up. http://www.roamingremote.com/ It's wifi based, and the developer is quite confident it'll work with MC "as long as it[MC] has a published list of keyboard shortcuts I can emulate via software." I'm hoping to be able to combine controlling MC with the PDA, with MC controlling the volume on my receiver via its transceiver/emitter thingy. I guess that's going to involve a lot of bounced signals, but I hope it'll work. 99.9999% of the time I use HTPC for my media, so I don't really care about controlling my other components.

Not that I want to take away from the new MC remote offering/support as I think this is fantastic for basic users wanting something simple... but I use Netremote and Girder to do all of of my control... I control some devices via serial and some via IR... the girder scripting allows me to do almost anything... and I can get a lot of good stuff back from MC into Netremote like playing now info (I can even browse my library ad start playback) on the PDA.

http://www.promixis.com/

Richard

JimH · « **Reply #20 on:** September 03, 2009, 08:28:38 am »

Girder and Netremote are nice solutions. We've recommended them for years.

The remote we're offering, with the recent changes for support of remotes and transceivers, are a _much_ simpler solution.

If you don't want to control an amp, there is no setup required. Setup for amp and TV add 5 or 10 minutes.

How many hours do you think you have in the Girder/Netremote setup?

marko · « **Reply #21 on:** September 03, 2009, 01:31:00 pm »

Quote from: JimH on September 02, 2009, 11:54:13 am

We're starting to sell these now:
http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=53651.msg365227#msg365227

Jim, Is it still FAX orders only? Any hint of a time frame for a PayPal button?

JimH · « **Reply #22 on:** September 03, 2009, 02:18:30 pm »

Stand by. We're thinking.

JimH · « **Reply #23 on:** September 03, 2009, 03:38:45 pm »

We think we have it working with our buybutton system, but we won't open it up until Tuesday. Thanks.

rpalmer68 · « **Reply #24 on:** September 03, 2009, 04:30:08 pm »

Quote from: JimH on September 03, 2009, 08:28:38 am

How many hours do you think you have in the Girder/Netremote setup?

Way too many probably, hence the reason I said that your solution is fantastic for those not wanting anything complicated.

My issue is that all my gear in my main room is controlled via serial not IR. In the family room on the other hand I could have easily used your remote as I'm basically using a similar remote to the MC remote just with Girder at the moment.
R

gappie · « **Reply #25 on:** September 04, 2009, 01:42:35 am »

Quote from: JimH on September 03, 2009, 03:38:45 pm

We think we have it working with our buybutton system, but we won't open it up until Tuesday. Thanks.

ill wait for tuesday then.

im curious if i will remove girder. it looks promising.

gab

ps.. link first post is a bit messy.

JimH · « **Reply #26 on:** September 15, 2009, 03:58:26 pm »

The International Order Window has just opened. Please place your bets now.

leezer3 · « **Reply #27 on:** September 15, 2009, 05:16:33 pm »

Just a random thought-
Have you thought of offering a MC licence and the remote as a package for a small discount? ($10?)

-Leezer-

gappie · « **Reply #28 on:** September 15, 2009, 05:51:45 pm »

Quote from: JimH on September 15, 2009, 03:58:26 pm

The International Order Window has just opened. Please place your bets now.

i purchased one today. i even got a registration code with it. not sure for what though.

gab

edit: clicking on the registration code tells me that there is an error restoring my mc licence. an unknown error.

JimH · « **Reply #29 on:** September 15, 2009, 06:17:32 pm »

Thanks, gab.

JimH · « **Reply #30 on:** September 15, 2009, 06:26:48 pm »

Quote from: leezer3 on September 15, 2009, 05:16:33 pm

Have you thought of offering a MC licence and the remote as a package for a small discount? ($10?)

Oh yes. It's a few months away though.

The response has been surprisingly good so far, but it's still a small group who may use MC a little more than typical users.

We need to shake this down really well and then solidify the supply side. It's a lot more complicated than it might seem.

marko · « **Reply #31 on:** September 16, 2009, 01:05:06 am »

Thanks for providing this, ordered mine this morning.

Thanks too to all you 'theatre view dudes/dude-ettes' who've been feverishly beta testing all the recent work in this area. Hopefully, I'm one fed-ex delivery away from reaping the benefits of all your hard work.

Jim, can we expect regular email updates regarding the status of our orders?

Received, despatched, here's a tracking number, track it at this address, etc, etc,?
or will it just 'arrive'?
It's a little important for me as I work nights and so more often than not, in bed when such deliveries arrive.

-marko.

JimH · « **Reply #32 on:** September 16, 2009, 06:58:05 am »

Quote from: marko on September 16, 2009, 01:05:06 am

Jim, can we expect regular email updates regarding the status of our orders?

Not yet. Sorry. Thanks for the order.

marko · « **Reply #33 on:** September 29, 2009, 05:15:05 am »

Remote arrived this morning. Took just 14 days, including weekends.

Let the fun begin

Thanks again for the great service, and for putting this package together.

-marko.

gappie · « **Reply #34 on:** October 05, 2009, 07:12:56 am »

mine just arrived, took a bit longer, which is no suprise knowing german customs.

time to play.

thanks

gab

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Author Topic: Media Center Remote (Read 5560 times)