Operating a 'headless' HTPC - possible?

[SiD the Turtle]

Hi everyone. I'm looking at putting together a HTPC in the coming weeks to sit along side my main system. In a lot of cases, I would only really want to boot the HTPC to play music without having to switch on the TV. So what I'd love is to be able to do the following:

1. Using a remote, turn on the PC or bring it out of hibernation (any old Media Centre remote should be able to do this).
2. Windows should boot directly into Media Centre.
3. Using an OSD on the remote browse my music collection (much like you would on an MP3 player), select the album I want to listen to and press play.

Is this possible? I've heard a few things about the Logitech Harmony remotes, but reviews on them don't really seem to cover this area.

 

[chet84]

I'm just about to start this exact project and was hoping the Logitech Harmony would carry out this function - I will probably start a thread in the next few days so watch this space!

Just realised when you posted this - did you have any luck?

 

[SiD the Turtle]

Hey there.

I did build the HTPC but I didn't have any luck with finding remotes. In the end I bought a KVM so I could switch the screen between my main system and the HTPC.

If you have a Windows Mobile and Windows Vista you can install a Windows Sideshow gadget that lets you control media player, but that's about it.

Sorry