Question about Launching MediaPortal (1 Viewer)

[mickgreen58]

First, I just want to say that MediaPortal is a great product.

I have set up my HTPC and the last issue I have is my remote. I bought a SIIG MCE Remote and I chose "Microsoft MCE" in the MediaPortal Configuration Remote Options. A lot of the buttons work but Play/Pause/Stop etc etc do not work. I have tried LMRemote and that didn't fix the issue. I downloaded HIP but I didn't really understand that application. Also, I read on here where someone said to choose "General HID". Now, this made the Play/Pause/Stop etc etc buttons work, however I have no way of starting MediaPortal with this Remote. Once I close MediaPortal with the Remote, I cannot get any of the buttons to set focus on any of the desktop icons where I can scroll to MediaPortal.

At this point, I am thinking about getting another remote that will absolutely work.

However, I just wanted to find out if there was something I can use to remap this remote and some tutorials on how to do that. I have seen Intelliremote and Gird but those are not free.

Right now, with General HID, my main issue now is how to launch MediaPortal using this remote.


OS = Windows 7
Remote = SIIG VISTA MCE Remote

 

[KDP]

Launch HIP

Right click the HIP task tray icon and select configure

Click Add Value

Now point your remote at your IR receiver and press a button


It should tell you what recognized command it is receiving. You can modify the actual function in the key mapping inside Media Portal's configuration.




I have a cheap sub $10 remote from Amazon that has a couple of buttons that send the Ctrl + Alt + letter command and just assigned that to the shortcut key property of the Media Portal link. Works great.

 

[mickgreen58]

Thanks for the reply.

First, I tried a workaround. I just simply plugged in a Mouse, so it could be used to select the MediaPortal icon on the Desktop and then my remote would take it from there.

However, it seems like when the Mouse is used, it knocks my USB signal for the Remote off. I have no idea why it does that.

Okay, I will re-install HIP and do as you say.

Do I need to change back to MCE or keep it at General HID?

For some reason my SIIG USB Receiver keeps getting knocked off, so I cannot do a HIP test. When I plug my iPhone into the same USB slot, the iPhone is recognzied, so I don't think the USB port is messed up.

I'm thinking about ordering this, what do you guys think about this remote?
Amazon.com: Microsoft Remote Control and Receiver for Media Center PC with Windows (A9O-00007): Electronics

However, I am afraid that the mouse will knock this USB receiver off as well.

Oh well, been working on this since Saturday non-stop, I give up for tonight.

 

[KDP]

You want to keep it as general hid since its not a true 100% MCE remote. I wouldn't sink anymore cash into another remote until you give it a little playtime with your current one. You may find that you can accomplish all that your looking for with it.

 

[mickgreen58]

KDP, normally I would keep trying but in this case, it appears that the remote itself is faulty as no matter which USB port I plug it into, it is not being recognized by Windows. Whenever it does, it gets knocked off or Windows says there was an error installing it, so it will have to be returned.

I am going to try to get my hands on a Genuine Microsoft MCE Remote.

Does anyone have any other Remote recommedations?

 

[Paranoid Delusion]

Depends in which country you live, but found this for the uk.

Microsoft MCE Remote Control USB IR Receiver Win7 Vista on eBay (end time 09-Nov-10 07:57:17 GMT)

Good clone

 

[mickgreen58]

Depends in which country you live, but found this for the uk.

Microsoft MCE Remote Control USB IR Receiver Win7 Vista on eBay (end time 09-Nov-10 07:57:17 GMT)

Good clone

PD, I was just on Ebay/Amazon looking through remotes. I was trying to find a Remote/Receiver that was actually made by Microsoft to kind of ensure it will work.

I live in the United States (Texas).

Looks like the link below is the equivalent of what you found:

Microsoft MCE Remote Control USB IR Receiver Win7 Vista - eBay (item 220626196153 end time Nov-18-10 21:24:40 PST)

How sure are you that this remote which is a MCE clone would work? I will buy it, I just want to make sure that it is a remote that is known in the community to work with MP.

Also, do you know what a "pcs IR emitter wire" is? The specs says it comes with one of those.

 

[Paranoid Delusion]

Its a Microsoft RC6 clone, so uses the ehome irreceiver driver built into windows, you need the coloured telext buttons (european), because they add functions like red goes to fullscreen video whatever screen\menu you are in, blue scrolls through zoom modes, etc, all very handy shortcuts.

Regards

 

[mickgreen58]

I ordered the remote today off of Ebay. Hopefully it will come this weekend.

 

[mickgreen58]

My remotes came in the mail this week and they work great. The only configuration I had to do was map the Windows Button to MediaPortal using LM Remote.

Thanks for the help and advice.