Customer Reviews

Windows 7 Vista XP Media Center MCE PC Remote Control and Infrared Receiver for Home, Premium and Ultimate Edition

5 star:		(141)
4 star:		(72)
3 star:		(15)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(15)

 

 

So I bought this remote with the intent of only using it's IR receiver and programming my Harmony one to control Windows 7 Media Center 64 bit. I found out, however, that the remote isn't in logitech's remote database, and also doesn't seem to use the generic microsoft codes that most remotes use. I therefore had to manually "teach" the harmony my remote's codes in RAW format. The problem with this is that this method caused significant lag and delay that I couldn't fix with inter-device and inter-key delays/repeats in Logitech's manual setup. After an afternoon on the phone with logitech level 2 support, I was finally able to remove the lag/delay and get my remote functioning properly. If one is planning on using this remote and included IR receiver together as intended, I would definitely recommend it. It works very well with WMC, and I haven't found anything wrong with it. It is quick and responsive, and all commands work properly. I'm mainly writing this review for others who were contemplating this purchase for the IR receiver to be used with their Harmony/universal remote. The lag/delay issue can be overcome, but it's going to take a call to logitech level 2 support to correct. For those who are buying this with the intent on using the remote and supplied IR receiver with WMC, I would whole-heartedly recommend it.

This remote connects easily and works well for Windows Media Center. However, I bought this for use with XBMC only to discover that this is not truly a "remote"; It simulates keyboard presses instead, which means that an advanced remote config program such as EventGhost cannot be used as it does not identify almost all of the buttons on the remote. This is dissapointing because It cannot be remapped to work for a custom program (ie controlling winamp, itunes, XBMC, etc). If you are buying this for purely Windows Media Center, than go for it. It's a great deal. If you want something more out of your remote, then look elsewhere.

Bought this to replace my aging ATI Remote Wonder. Needed something that would work on XP MCE 2005 and Vista, as I have to keep a version of XP on my computer for work. I have triple booted XP MCE 2005/Vista Home Prem/Win7(RC) on my machine and this baby works with all of them. No installation disc needed. Also Works with PowerDVD 7 & 8. Mouse control is a little slow but I don't use it much. Works from anywhere in my room, even if it's not pointed at the IR receiver! Buying a second (and maybe a third for backup) for my HTPC. Best price of all the MCE remotes too!

First, I want to point out that this remote is a bargain remote, not a top of the line one.

I intended to only use this remote with Windows Media Center (works great with Windows 7 Media Center), but realize that most of the buttons work with XBMC. Everything I have tried with the remote seems to work great, but haven't had a chance to fully play with the advanced features of XBMC. However, if you are looking for just a cheap remote to control it, this should work great.

For the people wondering what the model number is (for Harmony remotes), on the back it says: VRC-1100 (And if you Google the model number, you will find it is an Ortek VRC-1100).

Anyone that is having problems getting this to work with their Harmony remotes, open up the Logitech software and click Add Device. Select Computer>Media Center. Find ORTek listed and then type in VRC-1100. Update the remote and your Logitech remote should work when you get to the testing phase. There is absolutely no reason to learn IR from this remote (unless I'm missing one of the advanced features).


Now on to the cons.

The mouse feature is gimmicky at best. It is very slow and the accuracy isn't stellar. But then again, this is not a wireless mouse, it is a remote.

The IR sensor is a bit gimmicky as well and there isn't an easy way to make it stay still. I'm thinking about attaching some velcro to the bottom of it so my cats won't play with it.

Using with a Logitech Harmony One and W7/WMC and works great. The exact device setup is in the Harmony One under "ORtek" model number "VRC-1100". Note that no where in the documentation or packaging for this unit is the manufacturer name provided.

I bought this remote for my HTPC setup. Most of my media comes from online streaming like Hulu so a mouse was the most important component. I tried "Wireless USB PC Remote Control Mouse for PC" by HDE found in Amazon.com but the mouse didn't cut it.

Obviously I love the mouse. I agree with the everyone for the fact that the mouse's sensitivity is a little weak. When you first start, it's a little hard, but as you press, the mouse moves faster. This is a little annoying, but by adjusting the sensitivity and week's usage, you get used to it and you will be able to handle the mouse like a pro. The left and right mouse keys are in great location and work well too. The best part is the mouse moves in all directions like a circular wheel, which makes moving VERY easy.

The distance is pretty good. I have about 15 ft of distance between my couch and the receiver, and it works great. It does not however work through items. So my coffee table obstructs it, but it's something you get used to. The receiver has a little light on it that blinks everytime you press on it. I moved my received down, essentially out of sight, and it still works well with no hiccups.

The buttons feel good and everything works perfectly. My only complaint is the fact that it is non programmable. Almost 60% of the remote is useless to me. I barely use any of the buttons, and barely any of them work with my media program of choice, Boxee. I really wish you could program the buttons to do something else, but oh well, nothing's perfect. For the price, I guess you can't complain.

Installation was a breeze. Windows 7 does everything for you so no problems there.

I've noticed some people complaining that the sleep button doesn't wake up the PC, I think that's stupid. The button works like a program. It triggers the sleep mode, you can't expect it to wake up the PC. My PC is in a fancy case so the On/Off button is very easily reachable.

What I also like about the remote is that it looks good. Friends are amazed to see my funky setup and like the sleek, stylish remote.

All in all, this is a recommended remote.

I bought this in hopes of using it with XBMC installed through Ubuntu with minimal involvement. After installing lirc, the remote worked great with XBMC much to my surprise. This required no editing of cfg files, etc. A few of the buttons did not work correctly but the vast majority did so the remote fulfilled what I expected. With a little more tinkering, I am sure I could get the rest of the buttons to work. My only gripe with the remote is that the sensor can be finicky if you aren't pointing directly at it, but this is a disadvantage of any IR remote. In short, a decent remote considering it's an off brand.

I've been using this remote for a few weeks and honestly no complaints. For the money, you can't beat this thing. I'm running it on Vista Premium 64bit w/ no issues. I started using it this week with Hulu Desktop Beta and haven't found any issues there either. Highly recommend for the price. Also, I received this remote in 2 days w/ standard shipping.

I bought this remote to control my Aspire REVO htpc, and I was very disappointed. Other reviewers have already stated that this remote actually mimics keyboard presses and does not actually send out codes that XBMC/LIRC can handle -- I should have listened to their warnings. I was able to get up, down, left, right, and select to work, but none of the other buttons functioned properly. I sent this back and spent a few more dollars on a Noah company remote, and EVERY single button functions correctly (not to mention the quality is much better!).

This item is as good as the reviewers say - I was impressed with the ease of installation (took less than a minute on my Acer Revo Win 7 model), and the hot buttons worked well with Media Center. I just installed the unit today, so I'm still working through it; but, my initial thoughts are very positive. The price was something that also appealed to me - no reason to spend more when this baby has so many features! Speaking of features, I'm really excited about using the mouse which is installed in the middle of the remote, along with left-and right-click buttons. Overall, this was a good buy and would recommend it with the configuration mentioned.

UPDATE: 10/25/2010
Since my initial review, I have come to appreciate this unit even more. I just built a HTPC with Windows 7 64-bit, and was not happy with the Hauppauge remote for the dual tuner 1850. In desperation, I decided to move the remote from my Acer downstairs to this unit and I can tell you that is clearly the best remote I've ever used. It plugged into a non-generic build of WMC7 with no problems. I also like it because it's much simpler for my wife to use than the Harmonys. I could see her and others getting frustrated at the size of the Harmony and the functions you have to perform to switch between remotes. The mouse and left/right click buttons are excellent, and the hot buttons really simplify the Media Center experience. Nearly all the buttons you will need (minus TV power and input selection) are included, and the mouse is a terrific edition. Once you get used to it, you can perform very simple functions like moving and selecting links.

I am so happy with the unit that I just bought another one for the Acer! I cannot think of a better remote than this one - for the price, there is simply no comparision!!