Remote Control for HTPC

john_doe.

Hi i have been looking into XBMC and setting up a HTPC with an old laptop i have. Even though its a nice interface i see it lacks support for skygo, rte player etc. (i couldnt get the addons to work for me)

What i am thinking is to install XBMC for my video files but i still think i need access to the native os to browse to rte player, use sky go etc.

what i was wondering is anyone have recommendations on a good remote, to not only browse XBMC but also browse Windows XP. I found one like this:

http://www.loftek.us/product_view.asp?Categoryid=43&id=166

Anyone have any alternatives, as i say its to be used for XBMC but also to control the OS so i can browse to rte player site, sky go etc (maybe just create shortcuts to the sites on desktop that can then be launched).

I would also be interested to know what others do to access skygo,rte when using xbmc or what they use when they need the full functionality the native os provides to browse digital content.

Thanks

multimate

john_doe. wrote: »

Hi i have been looking into XBMC and setting up a HTPC with an old laptop i have. Even though its a nice interface i see it lacks support for skygo, rte player etc. (i couldnt get the addons to work for me)

What i am thinking is to install XBMC for my video files but i still think i need access to the native os to browse to rte player, use sky go etc.

what i was wondering is anyone have recommendations on a good remote, to not only browse XBMC but also browse Windows XP. I found one like this:

http://www.loftek.us/product_view.asp?Categoryid=43&id=166

Anyone have any alternatives, as i say its to be used for XBMC but also to control the OS so i can browse to rte player site, sky go etc (maybe just create shortcuts to the sites on desktop that can then be launched).

I would also be interested to know what others do to access skygo,rte when using xbmc or what they use when they need the full functionality the native os provides to browse digital content.

Thanks

loftek isnt a brilliant brand. wb a logitech harmony? or another logitech. they have some good deals on atm

Chrizfitz

john_doe. wrote: »

Hi i have been looking into XBMC and setting up a HTPC with an old laptop i have. Even though its a nice interface i see it lacks support for skygo, rte player etc. (i couldnt get the addons to work for me)

What i am thinking is to install XBMC for my video files but i still think i need access to the native os to browse to rte player, use sky go etc.

what i was wondering is anyone have recommendations on a good remote, to not only browse XBMC but also browse Windows XP. I found one like this:

http://www.loftek.us/product_view.asp?Categoryid=43&id=166

Anyone have any alternatives, as i say its to be used for XBMC but also to control the OS so i can browse to rte player site, sky go etc (maybe just create shortcuts to the sites on desktop that can then be launched).

I would also be interested to know what others do to access skygo,rte when using xbmc or what they use when they need the full functionality the native os provides to browse digital content.

Thanks

Dunno if you have one already but I use my wireless xbox 360 controller. I use a program called xpadder and set it up the way I like it. I originally had xbmc on a modded xbox so I was used to the layout. I use the left stick for the mouse and left click and the right stick for right click. once you dont need to type anything your away and if you do you have to you can use the onscreen keyboard of VNC in.

Carter P Fly

We have a fancy Remote but its used to turn the TV and HTPC on and off, thats it. Everything else is done via a small keyboard with trackpad!!

Also a tuned windows 7 can run very well on a older laptop and if you replace explorer.exe with ehshell and kylo browser within media center you can do everything on your checklist.

fox65

Why spend any money. If you have a smart phone, ( i know it is on android, not sure about ios) you can use xbmc remote

http://wiki.xbmc.org/index.php?title=Android_remotes

For general windows control. logmein.com have a free app (ios and android) and a free account where you can use it to remote connect to your desktop. shows you the desktop, allows you to send commands.

quick and free work around

multimate

fox65 wrote: »

Why spend any money. If you have a smart phone, ( i know it is on android, not sure about ios) you can use xbmc remote

http://wiki.xbmc.org/index.php?title=Android_remotes

For general windows control. logmein.com have a free app (ios and android) and a free account where you can use it to remote connect to your desktop. shows you the desktop, allows you to send commands.

quick and free work around

you can get it on ios aswell. he probably wants a dedicated remote though.

vibe666

multimate wrote: »

loftek isnt a brilliant brand. wb a logitech harmony? or another logitech. they have some good deals on atm

not sure where you're getting that from.

they might not be as well known as logitech, but there is nothing wrong with their products imho, speaking as a customer.

i've had the original Rii keyboard and it's brilliant for the price of it for what it is. the wireless range could be a little better, but i have a mate with the v2 of the Rii and he's got no problems with range so i imagine that was fixed.

anyway, for use in a living room environment with a windows based htpc (and xbmc) it's perfect. you get access to a full keyboard when you need it (except for missing F9-F12) and trackpad, as well as a laser pointer to annoy the cats.

if you are in any doubt about the above, i typed this post on my htpc with my Rii sitting in front of the TV.

slowlydownwards

vibe666 wrote: »

not sure where you're getting that from.

they might not be as well known as logitech, but there is nothing wrong with their products imho, speaking as a customer.

i've had the original Rii keyboard and it's brilliant for the price of it for what it is. the wireless range could be a little better, but i have a mate with the v2 of the Rii and he's got no problems with range so i imagine that was fixed.

anyway, for use in a living room environment with a windows based htpc (and xbmc) it's perfect. you get access to a full keyboard when you need it (except for missing F9-F12) and trackpad, as well as a laser pointer to annoy the cats.

if you are in any doubt about the above, i typed this post on my htpc with my Rii sitting in front of the TV.

Well summed up.

Another few positive points:
- Backlit on demand (backlight can be turned off when not needed to preserve battery);

- Rechargeable battery which can last up to few weeks;

- Works well in linux too;

- On V2 F9-F12 can be accessed by pressing Fn + 1-4;

- Very sturdy construction, as I have dropped mine onto hard floor several times;

superneat

Linky
I'm on my second VRC-1100.

So good i bought it twice, you'll get them on fleabay for around 10-15 euro.
Works out of the box, sturdy build, every button has a use in xbmc and you can custom map them to do whatever you want with a little editing. Couldn't ask for better really, especially considering the price.
Doesn't have a keyboard but tabs and shortcuts mostly negate that need. :cool:

Access

superneat wrote: »

Linky
I'm on my second VRC-1100.

So good i bought it twice, you'll get them on fleabay for around 10-15 euro.
Works out of the box, sturdy build, every button has a use in xbmc and you can custom map them to do whatever you want with a little editing. Couldn't ask for better really, especially considering the price.
Doesn't have a keyboard but tabs and shortcuts mostly negate that need. :cool:

+1

Very good remote.... happy with mine so far.

PogMoThoin

superneat wrote: »

Linky
I'm on my second VRC-1100.

So good i bought it twice, you'll get them on fleabay for around 10-15 euro.
Works out of the box, sturdy build, every button has a use in xbmc and you can custom map them to do whatever you want with a little editing. Couldn't ask for better really, especially considering the price.
Doesn't have a keyboard but tabs and shortcuts mostly negate that need. :cool:

It's what I'm using also, very good cheap remote