MCE Replacement Driver [Obsolete]

[Darth Androi]

Originally Posted by and-81

jbsmathers:
2. 64-bit Windows XP/2003 users are still waiting for a 64-bit replacement driver because they don't have a "default" driver. I can't believe no-one has taken the replacement driver source code and made it work...

I thought we're working with a 64-bit version of the replacement driver and my only problem is that my remote's protocol is a weird variation?

[and-81]

Darth Androi:

Is your windows 64-bit, or just your CPU?

Your remote certainly is using a different protocol, and I'm still trying to decode it, but I didn't think you had a 64-bit OS?

[Darth Androi]

My whole system is 64bit.

[and-81]

Did you download the replacement driver from these forums? because it hasn't worked for others with 64-bit systems...

That's a good sign though ...

Cheers,

[jbsmathers]

Aaron,

Thanks for the quick and detailed replies to my questions.

I downloaded IR Server Suite and it was able to use my MCE receiver to detect button pushes on my logitech harmony remote "out of the box". So I was very pleased.

I also found the Translator design intuitive, and fairly quickly had my computer launching non-microsoft Media Center applications and scripts in response to button pushes on my remote, -which I found very cool as this was my goal.

As often happens, however, my particular goals may be in contradiction to the goals of this software.

I wanted to keep using Microsoft Media Center (that comes with Vista), but I wanted to be able to launch iTunes from my remote, -instead of the MS Media Center's "My Music" app.

So in IR Receiver Suite I did not disable Media Center Services.

What (I think) I am experiencing, is this. I got the translator set up to run iTunes from a remote button push OK

My remote still seems to work as it used to with all the MS Media Center compnent applications.

But it appears that after I launch MS Media Center, this causes IR Server Suite's Translator to become "disconnected", afterward it can no longer detect the remote button pushes which I had set it up to take actions on.

So I was wondering -is the Translator expected to keep working if you are still use Microsoft Media Center? If so, what I am I missing? How to you keep IR-Server Suite still working after MS Media Center has been in use?

If this is not possible, I still think the program is pretty cool.


Thanks Again, Jay

[Darth Androi]

Yes, actually. I'm using this one: MEDIAPORTAL - free MediaCenter HTPC Software - MCE Remote Replacement Driver

The Server2003_AMD x64 driver loads (be careful, the vista x64 driver has the same arch/device codes, but will fail to start the device after you tell windows to load it, or so I found)

EDIT: I haven't actually gotten any remotes to be recognized by MP/Girder (3.3/4.0) or the IR server (can't configure the IR server MCE plugin on x64, the tool throws null pointer exceptions). However, for several remotes your debug programs produce consistant results. One problem at a time, I figure.

[and-81]

jbsmathers:

MCE is taking over the remote, which is stopping the input service from working. You will need to disable the MCE remote service if you want to use IR Server Suite with MCE. This will of course stop MCE from working with the remote, but if you create a mapping in Translator for MCE you should still be able to control it ok.

Darth Androi:

Interesting ... I'm sure that we can get IR Server Suite working for you then, but I'm having a lot of trouble with the ir protocol your remote uses ...

Cheers,

[gorman]

Just one question: obsolete or not, what, if any, would be the advantage to switch from the replacement driver back to the standard driver after modifying the keys in the registry, for somebody with XP SP2 and HIP?

[and-81]

gorman:

With XP SP2 and HIP you will probably not see any advantage.

The default driver usually handles suspend/resume better, but if it ain't broke don't fix it.

The advantages of the registry modification over the replacement driver are:

1. You don't need to install the replacement driver, which doesn't work for everybody.
2. The default driver handles suspend/resume better.
3. The default driver works with the HID access method, so it works with a wider range of software.
4. The remote keyboard still works like normal.
5. You're making a change to the registry which can be un-done very easily (just reinstall the device to reverse the change).

But there is probably no compelling reason to switch back from the replacement driver (as long as the replacement driver is doing what you want).

Cheers,

[stprules1]

Win xp media center, I am stuck. I downloaded the mce replacement drivers and it installed my "ehome infared tranceiver" but my remote or keyboard (both microsoft products) wont work. No comm with ir receiver. Now maybe I have a driver installed but it may not be the right one. Because there are several that I can install.