Basic HTPC queries

[Mike1983]

Hello all

So after an earlier post and after playing around with XBMC, I'm now set on the idea of building a couple of HTPCs instead of getting a new Popcorn Hour / other streamer box.

Having only just started looking into things though, please could I ask the following questions to you more clued up people!

1) How would I start up (and shut down) the HTPC via a remote control? Could this be done using a Logitech Harmony One for example or would I need to send a Wake On Lan request using an android device?

2) Linked to above, am I correct in thinking a case like this comes with an IR receiver (wasn't sure if the "not included" note referred to just the remote or the receiver as well? http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-015-SR&groupid=2362&catid=2282&subcat=
Is this receiver compatible with a Logitech Harmony One?

3) How do you go about using IPlayer, 4OD, Netflix etc with XBMC installed? Do you just minimise XBMC and use an internet browser window or are there slicker solutions that integrate with XBMC?

4) What's the best solution for text input into the HTPC for browser activities, searching iPlayer, Netflix etc... Is there an Android app you can get that gives you a keyboard layout or is it necessary to use a bluetooth keyboard?

5) Same question as above for mouse input?

Thanks for your time,

Mike

 

[Participant]

1. I use a HP IR receiver from eBay Hong Kong. Works perfectly with my harmony 525 in terms of waking and sleeping from the remote. Needs to be rc6 compatible to wake from sleep. Wake on lan from my android phone works perfectly too via universal remote (can sleep and all sorts from it too). If your HTPC is connected by wifi then wake on wireless lan is more complicated and I don't know how to achieve it.

2. I don't think it comes with either remote or receiver. The accessories are listed underneath the item so that coupled with the ambiguous wording makes me assume that it doesn't include them. Same with the power supply.

3. Don't know sorry.

4. I use either my android phone (universal remote does this also) or a cheap keysonic wireless keyboard and tracker pad. Model rfk something.

5. Universal remote does this too.

 

[TJM]

Look up the GMYLE Media Center MCE PC Remote Control. It costs less than £15, comes with an IR receiver and works perfectly with XBMC. The standby button will put the PC to sleep and wake it up. It also has a mousepad thingy, with isn't particularly good but will do for the odd time you need a cursor.

There are user-developed BBC, ITV and 4OD add-ons for XBMC - google them (e.g. iplayer xbmc) and the thread on the XBMC forums will come right up.

As far as the keyboard goes, I wanted my system to be as idiot proof as possible, so I plugged an old keyboard into it. If anyone wants to search for something, they can type it in.

 

[Martynt74]

as Robbie says, the Streacom FC8 doesn't come with a PSU or a remote control. Both are additional accessories.

Its a lovely looking case, although i found the heatsink to be quite tricky to install. Its very eerie having a completely silent box at times, especially as i didn't connect up the power led on the front. Theres no way of knowing if its on or off, which was tricky when trying to troubleshoot something!

I use a Logitech DiNovo Mini as a remote. Haven't got it set up to wake the box on although i'm not sure if thats possible or not. Its great beaing able to flip between curser arrows and mouse though.