Customer Reviews

SnapStream Firefly PC Remote

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I purchased this Firefly remote a month ago to work with my PC-PVR (I have got a Hauppauge PVR-250 card and BeyondTV 3). As my computer and TV set are in different rooms, I thought it would be convenient to have an RF remote control so that I can still control video recording/playback while sitting in front of my TV. RF signals can usually travel a longer distance, and most importantly, they can penetrate walls.

However, my first installation with the Firefly remote was not a totally success. It functioned well, but I have only measured a 6-foot of workable distance - with full battery power, and no blocking objects or interference sources nearby. I thought either I had a defective item, or the product was not as good as they said.

I contacted Snapstream for support, and they suggested to try a different USB port or use a powered USB hub for plugging receiver. My computer has 6 USB ports - 4 in back and 2 in front, all built on the motherboard. I was using a front USB for the measurement. After I switched to an USB port in back, everything becomes perfect. I have learned that even all being built on the same motherboard, USB ports can be different, which may provide different power levels for external devices.

Now my Firefly works great for my application, which is about 13 feet of transmission distance and with a wall (and some blocking objects as well) inbetween. Firefly remote can even perform the job of a mouse. Although it may not be as fast and convenient as a real mouse, it comes in handy for quick-and-easy controls. For the convenience the Firefly remote brings, I give it 5 stars!

I've had this PC remove for 1 year and I have used it everyday that I am home and I have not yet changed the remote batteries. My PC has suddenly become more entertaining and useful. With this remote, the time I spend sitting in front of the monitor is reduced.

In my 860 sq ft APT, the farthest point away from my pc is about 50 ft. The remote has always worked from anywhere in the APT thru 2 walls. I was surprised to get this much range. I have not yet found a spot from which it doesn't work. To get the best range BE SURE to position the USB RF receiver near the computer as directed.

With my PC, I'm always playing music. I also play digital video files that were either taken with my camera or were rented digitally from the Internet. I have a good graphics card with S-Video TV out. I got a 50 ft S-Video/Out cable; this connects my PC and TV which are in different rooms.

With this remote, I now can play (and control) my entire digital music collection on my home stereo (which is connected to the TV) without being at my PC or be in the same room as my PC. Also, with this remote, any video that can be played on my PC, (online streaming or local) I can watch and control it (pause, rewind, slow motion, next, FWD) on my TV.

My PC/TV has effectively become a powerful media center--Media center PC not needed.

There is so much more... with the remote, I use the mouse from far away (lying in bed or on the couch); there a numerous ways to get creative with this.

I wish the remote was lighted. Still, the keys are arranged for "touch typing" so to speak. Another negative, I've noticed that Windows Media Player sometimes crashes when video is launched from within the software that comes with the remote.

I wanted to convert my pc into a media center pc. After adding a tv tuner card, extra hard drive and a bigger monitor, the last piece I needed was a remote. My initial plan was to use Girder (a program that allows extensive remote programming) but after I used the beyond media program with the remote, I found it served most of my needs and was very convenient. Being somewhat lazy, I haven't messed with Girder yet, though I know it allows more control. The remote itself works great. I have had zero problems with the hardware and the fact that it is RF and not IR means that I can lay it anywhere near me, pointing any direction and still fast forward the DVD to my heart's content. There are a few small quirks but they aren't even worth mentioning. Overall I am very satisfied with my purchase of this product. Easy to use and fit the bill exactly for my wants.

I use this remote to control the Snapstream Beyond TV 3 application (great PVR software for live tv and recording TV shows) and the included Beyond Media Basic software (very similar to a Windows Media Center interface for viewing photos, playing music, etc). The remote works great, the button layout is very intuitive and the RF type- recevier and transmitter provides excellent range (I have tested at 40 feet through walls and it worked perfectly). On top of the that, the Snapstream website has an excellent support forum. Highly recommended!

Responds instantly, RF technology works very well.

Had no problem installing driver and then removing Firefly program from my startup in order to use 3rd party program Girder for better control.

Remote is pretty decent for this type of price category too...

That Streamzap IR product, in comparison, was junk.

A definite worthwhile buy.
Not only does it have all the buttons you might need, but it also is RF (wireless, doesn't use 'line-of-sight' infrared). As far as the range goes, I've only tested it from the end of my room(~10ft), but I'm sure it can go farther and will suffice for any media center pc application.
I didn't use the main application that came with it. (way too restrictive) Instead I installed the drivers and used a program that came on the side called Girder. Incredibly powerful, it allows scripts to be assigned to any key to control literally any part of any application. I set the 'x' button to turn off my computer if held down for more than 5 seconds, the 'music' button opens winamp, 'video' opens VLC, all the play buttons and stuff automatically switch to work with whatever application I'm currently using. I would definitely recommend using this alongside.

I have only owned the product for a month, and I have seen no problems. Recommended for anyone who wants a little control over their computer from a good distance.

Got the remote, setting it up was non-standard, as I was customizing it for Sling Player which the remote was not "factory-tuned" to handle with the software that it came with. Had to use 3rd party software to make it compatible. Once the software was setup, the configuring was a breeze, I can actually map each button to what I want to use for.

One thing they can improve is making the buttons better, right now it feels 'cheap'. Another thing is if they can change the shape of the remote slightly, because now you can't tell which side is front and which side is back just by using your hands.

I have purchased both the Firefly and the Firefly mini. If you are using the remote stand alone remote than it doesnt get any better. It is light and well layed out. This remote is also RF, so does not depend on line of site. No more pointing your remote directly at the receiver to get the channel to change. You can even change channels from another room. (I know you would almost never do this, but it's cool). If you are looking for a remote to work with your Beyond TV and want to program it into your existing IR all-in-one remote than this is NOT the one you want. Get the Firefly Mini as it is IR (requires line of site) and you can program it into your learing remote.

Someone also mentioned no tech support. This is NOT true. He would be correct with the statement "no phone support", but they have a forum with all sorts of great help along with e-mail support that is good, but can be slow at times. Getting a problem fixed is a process of sending many e-mails back and forth until the problem is fixed. Good thing is they never seem to give up. I have not had any issues with this remote, but have used BTV for a long long time.

This remote works really well and it's easy to create your own profiles for whatever application you use, or to customize it however you want. There is a good user community that is doing a lot of cool things with the Firefly. Set up is simple and the range is good. It "just works."

The only suggestion is that the buttons are not backlit so it's hard to use in the dark. Adding to that problem is that the remote is pretty much symmetrical so you can be holding it upside down and not really realize it. If it weren't for that I'd give it five stars, and if they came out with a version that had backlit buttons I wouldn't hesitate to upgrade.

I have used a few remotes with my PVR system but none as quite as nice as this one. Most of the PC remotes I have used are either too large, clumsy or tiny and get lost easy.

This remote fits well in your hand, weighs enough to feel comfortable and has a very nice layout. The large firefly button takes a bit to get used to. I have hit this button a lot by accident bringing to life an unwanted application. Once you get used to the large button being there you can avoid it. If you could change the function of this button to something useful like the application of your choice.. or perhaps the TV guide in SnapStream's Beyond TV product.

On the plus side -
Responsive
long battery life
built rugged
Great fit for your hand
small and compact without losing any functionality

On the negative side -
The big firefly button does not allow you to change its function to anything useful.