Customer Reviews

Thermaltake A2331 MediaLAB with Remote Control (Black)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This device is just as described- a perfect way to add remote control capability to any Windows PC. With the latest software updates, there are a lot of features - probably about twice as many - as described with the product.

Installation is easy for anyone who has ever looked at an open computer case, and should even be fairly easy for anyone who can follow directions - plug it in to the ATX power slot on the motherboard, the power switch on the motherboard, and any USB port (or the on-motherboard USB headers, if you have some free) and you're done. 3 minutes.

If you're into computer programming, or just a hobbyist, you can use their API to control the LCD screen and make it do all sorts of things. I had mine telling me the temperature of my CPU and the fan speeds in under an hour. Lots of fun.

It IS expensive, and might not be worth it for everyone, but it was for me and I have no qualms with it at all.

I really like the scrolling text and graphic equalizer functions. I can even turn the computer on and off with the remote. The remote can also act somewhat like a mouse/keyboard. Only complaint I have is the software that acts somewhat like Windows Media Center....it's not bad, but can be somewhat of a challenge to navigate through.

It works fine, install is pretty easy. The biggest problem is that the IR field seems rather narrow, so if you aren't pointed right at it and close to straight on, the signal may not get seen. I installed this in a Thermaltake case, which has a built-in window. I think if you use the supplied bracked in a 5.25" slot instead you would probably not have as much of a field issue on the IR.

Software is good once you update it.

Installation was easy. The latest software still has some bugs. The remote control works 50% of a time. FF or REV could freeze the system when watching DVD. Soundgraph (the actual manufacturer) does update the software from time to time. Using the remote to replace the mouse and keyboard (which was my plan) is almost impossible.

I bought this case and VFD remote setup a few months ago. I wish Amazon had made it so easy back then. The VFD works perfectly, although I am not sure how usefull some of the information is. This is a very cool add-on and works as advertised. You can even turn the computer on and off thru the remote.