I've just put together my first HTPC and am currently trying to get everything to not only work, but to work smoothly.
I'm running MediaPortal on MCE 2005 SP2 in an Antec Fusion V2. When it came to the remote I thought it'd be great if I could re-use my Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote and for that purpose downloaded and installed IR Server Suite.
Unfortunately, things haven't been working so well. Not at all, actually. I keep getting "Command Not Defined" on the display whenever I press a button on the remote and trying Learn in Translator doesn't work either. Extensive googling hasn't helped either.
Being new to this, I'm probably missing something here.
My main question is: Is it possible to use the Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote with IR Server Suite? Or rather, with MediaPortal?
If so, how would one go about? Is there something you need to install in addition to what was installed with the IR Server Suite installation? I have installed the drivers for the Antec Fusion, which are supposed to make the IR receiver at least MCE remote compatible. Do I need anything else? (I, perhaps naively, thought that you could just click a button in front of the IR receiver and have IR Server Suite record the specific signal and then assign it to a command. Basically, that IR was IR and that was it.)
If it's not possible to use the 360 remote, what's a good remote? The MCE remote? I've read that it can cause conflicts with the Xbox 360, anyone with experience?
Finally, are there any better alternatives? Does anyone have a good remote to recommend for use with MediaPortal (and perhaps even Media Center if I should decide to go that route)?
I apologize if last part is too off topic, but being completely stuck is very frustrating so I'd really appreciate any help/advice you can give. Thanks.
Well I don't know about your problems with the server suite working but for a remote recommendation I would have to go with a logitech harmony. It controls everything but the kitchen sink. I know its a bit on the steep side as far as price but trust me, it will be the best $100 bucks you will ever spend on a electronic. I personally have 2 Logitech 550s (one for the living room and one for the bedroom) and the girlfriend LOVES it. If you have multiple things hooked up to your tv and receiver you cant go wrong. Everything can change with one button press. For example you can press "Watch TV" and your cable box will turn on, tv turn on, receiver turn on and all go to the correct input. For the bad reviews you read about it the people are either computer illiterate or cant follow directions.
With the IR Server suite you can have the remote launch just about anything and complete just about any task. For example I have a macro for Call of Duty 4. The Macro loads ultramon, changes primary screen, loads up my controller mapping and launches the game. On the remote the lcd screen reads "Play Call Of Duty 4" - very cool stuff!
btw I also use the remote to control my 360 and use the mce blaster that came with the mce remote to control the pc - no issues what so ever.
Now if only my Harmony could go to work for me I would be set!