Cheap IR remote for HTPC

Posted by: Shonky

Cheap IR remote for HTPC - 26/08/2004 07:37

I'm looking for a decent remote for my MythTV box. The RadioShack 15-2116 looks reasonable for the price once I sort out a JP1 cable for it.

However I can't find anywhere that ships outside the US the stocks it. Actually only RS stock it and they don't don't ship outside the US/Canada. RS here in Australia (Tandy actually) don't stock it and are now owned by another electronics chain.

So, are there any recommendations for remote controls that would be good for HT use (mainly MythTV right now)? Don't want to spend a lot of money (US$31.99 is good for the 15-2116) and the 15-2116 looks good (once you use the JP1 stuff since it's learning memory is otherwise quite limited)

OR

If the 15-2116 sounds right for what I want, would some kind soul be willing to buy one in the US for me and ship it over?

Thanks
Posted by: Dignan

Re: Cheap IR remote for HTPC - 26/08/2004 12:39

You could use any IR remote you like with this. I used to use one before I got my ATI Remote Wonder (which I recommend highly). An irman with Girder will let you use any IR remote you have lying around, or you could go buy a universal remote at your local electronics store, and use the built in codes. You could use the different devices on the remote to control multiple areas of the MythTV box.

But yeah, I recommend the Remote Wonder. I think there's a version with IR in addition to RF. Regardless, I recommend Girder, though many people here dislike it. I've used it for everything from myHTPC to Winamp to Windows Media Player to mplayer to controlling my X10 devices and making them turn on and off at sunrise and sunset.
Posted by: drakino

Re: Cheap IR remote for HTPC - 26/08/2004 16:21

To hijack the thread a bit, anyone have experience with the Logitech Harmony remotes? It's the first HTPC friendly all-in-one remote I have seen, possibly allowing me to just push TV, and have the ATI TV program start, the ReplayTV come on, and the Sony receiver power on and switch to the ReplayTV input. The ATI Remote Wonder is nice, but is only good for controlling the computer and adding another remote to the mix.
Posted by: Shonky

Re: Cheap IR remote for HTPC - 26/08/2004 20:10

Should have explained a bit more. I already have a home brew receiver (a UIR which I think is the same as a IRman).

And I already have remotes, but I just don't have one with enough buttons to do everything I want.

I've had a look at universal remotes in the local shops and their range is ... well ... limited.
Posted by: Shonky

Re: Cheap IR remote for HTPC - 26/08/2004 20:13

Ouch US$250 for the Logitech Harmony? That's a lot of dollars for a remote control.
Posted by: hybrid8

Re: Cheap IR remote for HTPC - 26/08/2004 22:02

I have one (Harmony 688). It's pretty good.

Tom, if you hve any questions about it, IM me. BTW, the best resource (anywhere) for remote info is RemoteCentral.com. The Harmony is easily better than the Home Theater Master MX-800 in case you stumbled upon that one too.

Bruno
Posted by: Dylan

Re: Cheap IR remote for HTPC - 27/08/2004 13:17

www.bluedo.com will ship internationally.
Posted by: Shonky

Re: Cheap IR remote for HTPC - 27/08/2004 21:49

Quote:
www.bluedo.com will ship internationally.


Yeah found them but thanks anyway. Except they want >US$40 for international shipping on a $40 remote control.