Customer Reviews

PC Remote Control - Plug and Play Microsoft Windows Vista Media Control

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I did not try software, since this was for my linux box, so I cannot comment on the compatibility that the previous reviewer had with the software. However, The remote uses basic IR codes that any third-party remote key remapping software should be able to handle even if the software included does not work. I used Lirc on linux to set it up to work with XBMC media center software under ubuntu. The remote does seem to have some issue with not sending a gap signal after each keypress, so the automatic button assignment feature in LIRC did not work for this remote, which is why I took off one star, But I was able to run LIRC in debug mode, start the remote test client that comes with LIRC, and press each of the buttons to find the proper codes, and set it up manually in the config file. after wich the remote works like a charm.
The only other negative I had with it is that aside for the volume control buttons, holding down the buttons does not repeat, which could be a minor annoyance with the directional buttons to navigate alot of files in the media center software.

Works in Windows Vista if you have Windows Media Center included without installing the PowerCinema4. PowerCinema installed on Vista in XP compatibility mode but would lock-up my computer.

In Windows XP PowerCinema would also lock-up my computer. This may be a problem with my computer as PowerDVD6 would also hang my computer, but not PowerDVD5. Without Windows Media Center only the power, volume, green arrows and number buttons of the remote will work.

I was able to get satisfactory function from the remote without Windows Media Center using Remote Selector 2.2 software (free). The remote is picked up by windows as a keyboard and Remote Selector allows you to assign multi-media functions to keyboards. I used numbers to simulate the play, pause, fast forward etc. buttons. The remote up, down, left, right buttons were also assignable.

This was supposed to be a new product, not used. The USB adapter was definitely used. It has scratches and the round label on the cord winder was missing (see picture). My AVG antivirus would not let me install the controlling software that came on the CD. It reported a bunch of trojans. I did not even want to install the Power Cinema. God knows what codecs it install and how it will modify mys system. I'd rather search for a program that would let me reprogram the buttons actions so I could use it for all applications on my computer, not just a multimedia player. I know this product is cheap, but even so, its quality is disappointing.

So i have the remote hookd up and all i wanted was simple media center control nothing fancy just basic like play,pause and volume control. Instead what i have is random workings. I push mute and it fast forwards. i push pause and it skips track. So either i have a lemon or this is a horrible item. but it was cheap so i guess i got what i paid for. Id steer clear everyone.

Product wasn't described right. They said it was made for windows vista and it really was made for windows xp. When i tried to install the software i received an error message saying only compatible with windows XP. So i called the place and they said that they had got the controller to work that all i needed to do was keep trying to install the software then it would eventually work or i could send it back for a 80% refund and also i would have to pay for shipping and handle to send it back. If they new that it was made for windows XP then they should of put windows XP compatible and vista compatible if you want to keep haveing to install the software.

There is no ir cable to switch the channels on the cable box. Everything else works perfect.

I got this little kit because I wanted a USB infrared receiver to use with a Linux Media Center (Kubuntu Ibex, Elisa Media Center, Leadtek TV Tuner card, KDETV). Most of the available stand alone USB IR receivers cost $40 or more and include an emitter or a jack for an external emitter, which I didn't need.

Obviously, I have no use for the software, so I can't comment on that. I hadn't planned to use the remote control that came in the kit either. It was my intention to install lirc, map the outputs of an old NAD CD Player remote to the config file, and upload them into a Pronto remote.

I plugged the unit in to make sure it wasn't DOA, pressed a button on the little remote to see if I got a confirmation blink and was happy find that the unit worked right out of the box with a Elisa and with KDETV. What that means is that the standard media center IR codes are pre-programmed into the remote (you would think that was always the case, but it's not) and the receiver doesn't require any drivers on Linux.

That also means that users of other operating systems should be able to control the Media Center software of their choice with no problem.

For $10, this is a great deal on a USB IR input device. Plus, the little remote fits in your pocket.

PC Remote Control does not work with Windows 7 Media Center. Some of the functions work but most do not.

This product works great with supplied software but the supplied software is not that impressive to me. I wanted this for use with windows media player on XP. It does not work with it. I downloaded some free software that was hard to find and ended up with vol up, down, next song, previous song, pause, play, stop. So this product is working for me after many downloads to find something that would work. So if you are going to use software then fine but don't buy this for WMP.

Product works as described but there can be no customization, the cord for the receiver is extremely short which makes it hard to position suitably. Also, the accompanying CD is filled with nothing but viruses.