Remote control to use with a PC

Greenlizard0 · 8 Feb 2009 at 23:42

Now that the Asus Essence STX has finally arrived, I'm tempted to upgrade to it.

However, this is from a Creative X-Fi Fata1ty card which confered the huge advantage of having a breakout box, and as such you could use a remote control with it.

For example the Compro K100 Remote Control Upgrade Kit - Retail appears to do what I want, i.e. adjust volume and delve into my pc from a distance.

What other remote controls can be used? I have a lot of limited options - I don't want to buy a TV card, and as such most of the Hauppage remotes aren't what I want.

Another thing to consider is to buy a cheap wireless keyboard and keep it away from the PC. Would this be a good idea?

errata · 9 Feb 2009 at 13:08

I have the compro and hate it. After using a hand friendly shaped remote like the default microsoft media centre one, the compros shape, key action, layout and labelling are sorely lacking.

I current covet remotes made by gyration and logitech or for real delving in windows an accuratis keyboard

Your choice may be more dictated by what programs you want to control

XPMCE, media player, powerdvd etc

Exibit · 9 Feb 2009 at 13:32

I am using a couple of remotes at the moment with my Media pc

First is a Logitech mouse that works like a mouse when laid down, but will allow you to pick it up and then it likes a pointer

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/mice_pointers/mice/devices/3443&cl=US,EN

The 2nd remote I use is
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/remotes/universal_remotes/devices/372&cl=us,en

Greenlizard0 · 9 Feb 2009 at 22:42

Thanks for those to start off with chaps.

I want to control mainly the volume controls, skipping forward or back a file or two. I also heavily use VLC media player and occasionally MPC. I don't ever use WMP/Vista MCE (thing).

Exhibit - the first product (price!! pft!!) you linked to - does that have a reciever you plug into your PC? I should have perhaps added that I will need a receiver with the remote, a lot of controls I've seen seem to quite confusingly, not have one? :confused:

Greenlizard0 · 12 Feb 2009 at 03:21

wilsky · 12 Feb 2009 at 07:42

My guess is your best bet is the XBOX360 Remote control for Windows. (comes with a receiver, and is around £20, if you can find one anywhere..)

Greenlizard0 · 12 Feb 2009 at 08:07

It's to connect up to my PC.

RickST · 12 Feb 2009 at 09:46

For a bit of a different option - I use an xbox 360 wireless controller - works great

Greenlizard0 · 12 Feb 2009 at 09:55

So....can you use one of them with a PC? :confused:

RickST · 12 Feb 2009 at 09:59

Yep, just get a little dongle - has loads of buttons and joy sticks for mouse and scrolling. After a while I can even type pretty fast using the one screen keyboard

Greenlizard0 · 12 Feb 2009 at 10:01

Oh right, hmm tempted by that.

Exibit · 12 Feb 2009 at 11:10

Sorry for the delay in the reply, was away with work

The 1st product listed is using a USb reciever and it sits in a rechagre dock in power save mode, when you pick it up it powers up

Control
Easy control of PC-based entertainment: Take command of your PC-based media with intuitive wave-and-click control—an easier and more natural way to enjoy your favorite media.
Gesture controls: Control playback and volume with hand motions. Adjust volume by waving to the right or left; skip tracks with a flip of the wrist.

Greenlizard0 · 13 Feb 2009 at 00:42

That logitech thing does look smart - are you able to use it with Winamp and VLC media player at all?

Exibit · 13 Feb 2009 at 08:59

Not tried it with winamp or vlc though I would think it should work ok,

Exibit · 13 Feb 2009 at 09:01

just checked and yes it does work with winamp

Music:

Apple® iTunes®
Windows® Media Player
RealPlayer™
Rhapsody
Winamp
Video/DVD:
Intervideo® WinDVD
Windows® Media Player

Photos:

ACDSee®
Adobe® Photoshop® Album
Windows® Photo Gallery
Windows® Picture Viewer
Web browser:
Internet Explorer®
Mozilla Firefox®
Netscape®
Opera

Freespace™ motion sensing: In the air, use MX Air™ to browse and play your favorite media. The sensor transforms hand motions into natural, responsive cursor controls. Adjust volume by waving to the right or left; skip tracks with a flip of the wrist.

Greenlizard0 · 18 Feb 2009 at 09:14

I'm getting tempted by this - is there any chance you could check it works with VLC at all? Like would you be able to control normal functions (even if used just like a mouse)? Say like skip forward or back a file in a playlist?

errata · 18 Feb 2009 at 10:37

I suspect intuitive gestures are not wife/girlfriend friendly if thats a factor

Greenlizard0 · 19 Feb 2009 at 06:59

Hmm, if I do get an MX air - I suppose another important question would be can I use two mice with one pc? :confused: