What do you use to control your HTPC - is the Microsoft remote worth getting?

Snow-Munki · 22 May 2006 at 12:51

Hi,

upgrading my HTPC box as a previous thread a few days ago. Was wondering should I also purchase the MCE remote and then eventually the MCE wireless keyboard.

At the moment i have normal standard wired mouse and keyboard just sat next to the tv. And have an ATI remote which does kinda do the job, and also has mouse control so can do things outside of MCE.

Also use it to download so have VNC installed and access it via my main computer.

What about you guys ?

Matt · 22 May 2006 at 13:04

If you have MCE, you need the remote. It really is that simple

Baddass · 22 May 2006 at 18:28

not seen the MCE remote, but the ATI one (which i have too) does a good job i find.....i might end up getting another one for my HTPC when it#s set up

Matt · 22 May 2006 at 18:51

Baddass said:
not seen the MCE remote, but the ATI one (which i have too) does a good job i find.....i might end up getting another one for my HTPC when it#s set up

The MCE remote is obviously best with MCE

It really does make things so much easier, and it's not that expensive really.

bmh.01 · 22 May 2006 at 18:56

I've got a self build mce pc and I got the remote off ebay for about £25 a year ago ish, absolute godsend, you can't use media centre properly without it.

Baddass · 22 May 2006 at 19:09

Matt said:
The MCE remote is obviously best with MCE It really does make things so much easier, and it's not that expensive really.

dont worry, i did realise that

David230 · 22 May 2006 at 22:28

I use the MCE remote with MCE2005 but I think something like the logitech harmony can be rigged to work with media center IF, you would prefer a different style remote. Going for about £40 on ebay at the moment for the one with the nice blue display.

Whoop · 23 May 2006 at 15:36

The MCE remote is fantastic but eats batteries, whats the MCE keyboard? :confused:

Whoop

Euro_Hunter · 23 May 2006 at 21:00

Whoop said:
whats the MCE keyboard?

http://www.microsoft.com/uk/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/productdetails.aspx?pid=038

I have one of these and it is very very good IMO.

Snow-Munki · 23 May 2006 at 22:05

Euro_Hunter said:
http://www.microsoft.com/uk/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/productdetails.aspx?pid=038

I have one of these and it is very very good IMO.

but the mouse is utter rubbish right ?

Euro_Hunter · 23 May 2006 at 22:27

Snow-Munki said:
but the mouse is utter rubbish right ?

TBH I have not tried the built in mouse, but I expect it isn't great I usually can't get on with them.

I use an Infa Red mouse as well, one of these:
http://www.microsoft.com/uk/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/productdetails.aspx?pid=050

zealot · 24 May 2006 at 01:29

Snow-Munki said:
but the mouse is utter rubbish right ?

Very shoddy piece of design it's either fast or to slow for moving the cursor. lucky i have the gyration mouse for this.

kidloco · 24 May 2006 at 10:50

search the bay for HP media centre remote controls.

got mine for 99p off there. its fantastic, works with the 360 too. great layout, loads of usefull shortcut buttons.

blairw · 24 May 2006 at 13:17

I have one of these HP remotes aswell.. what do you use for a reciever may i ask?

Mr Latte · 24 May 2006 at 23:30

Matt said:
The MCE remote is obviously best with MCE It really does make things so much easier, and it's not that expensive really.

The MCE remote also works fine with itunes, theatretek and many other apps folks. Some functions may be limited but the basic controls all seem to work a treat

I dont even bother with MCE now using my favourite apps instead with combination of wireless keys/mouse and remote.