UPDATE 8/11
Still works great. Every PC I have plugged it Into works great! So far it works on Windows Vista/7/8/8.1, Linux (worked on all modern distros I tested. Ubuntu and Debian based distros load drivers automatically just like Windows), and Android. The receiver works fine placed below or above the TV or monitor. You can also use a bit of tape to sick it wherever you want, its super lightweight. Whereas some IR remotes cause interference with all my TV and audio equipment, this remote has never turned on a device it wasn't supposed to.
I use an old pair of RadioShack IR wireless headphones, and this remote doesn't even interfere with that! In short, its still cheap, but reliable.
Before you buy...
This is a keyboard/mouse input device stuffed into a DVD style remote. NOT AN ACTUAL MEDIA CENTER REMOTE!
It emulates keystrokes commonly used in Windows for media playback functions. For example, the navigation buttons on the remote (up, down, left, right, and ok in the middle) actually send corresponding keystrokes to the computer (up arrow, down arrow, left arrow, right arrow, and enter/return respectively.) This is a simple work around that allows them to make a cheap HTPC/Media Center remote. However, if you are going to be using a specific application, make sure it supports the same basic shortcuts as Windows Media Center/Player, Power DVD, XBMC, etc.
What comes inside...
x1 PC IR remote control (x2 AAA not included)
x1 USB IR receiver
Instruction booklet
Why I bought it...
First and foremost, price. It's cheap and it looked like exactly what I needed to control my HTPC (Win7 laptop running XBMC "Frodo" build). Secondly, I have a Hopper with Sling from DISH Network. Now you obviously can't use the actual remote with a satellite receiver, but the Hopper's remote has a "learning" IR port which allows you to program your satellite remote directly from the devices own remote. Even though I am really only using the IR receiver, I will still review the PC remote and it's functions.
The review.....
When I opened my box from Amazon, I was surprised to see this remote actually comes packaged in its own box. I've bought a lot of Chinese made electronics that don't even offer you a box, but this one actually looks like something you might find in a store. The box even lists the compatibility specs, and lists all the keys of the device on the back. Play/Pause (as far as I can tell they are the same button) Windows key, shift, right and left click to name a few.
When I opened up the products box, I was a little disappointed at the length of the USB IR reciever's cable. I would call it between two and a half to three feet, I suppose it's longer than a standard iPod charging cable, but investing in a USB extension cable might be wise if you have any bit of distance between your HTPC and the spot you're going to place the receiver.
The remote takes 2 AAA batteries that are not included so that's another thing to plan ahead for.
Once the batteries were loaded, I plugged the receivers USB cable into my computer, and Windows 7 automatically downloaded the drivers. After a minute or so of downloading, I was zooming around my desktop from the comfort of my couch!
The remote has a circular button labeled mouse that moves the mouse up down left and right in an Etch-a-Sketch type movement. I imagine much like an Etch-a-Sketch, it takes some skill to make diagonals and loops, but it allows for accurate movement with acceleration. It's sort of like using a Playstation D-Pad to move a cursor, not great but it works.
The left click and right click buttons work great, and are spaced so that you won't bump one when hitting the other. Below that are the media controls. Which work just fine. Play/pause button works just like pressing the space bar while using a media player or web video service like YouTube or Netlix. I've only tried the fast forward function on XBMC...And it worked, but apparently I hammered on fast forward too hard, or activated some other hotkey because navigating menus after that was impossible due to the speed.
I can't speak for many of the special function hotkeys, buy the web browser button opens your default browser. And the full screen button puts XBMC and Firefox into full screen modes flawlessly.
I haven't tested any modes of text entry, I imagine it would be easiest to enable the touch screen on-screen keyboard toolbar in Windows
The good....
- similar design and build quality to standard DVD player remotes
- works out of the box with Win7 and standard media players default hotkeys
- allows for couch control (tested and working at 10ft.)
- mouse and limited keyboard function in one palm sized remote
- smart remotes with "IR learning" function can be programmed from this remote
- has several buttons for PC tasks such as Power functions
The bad....
- setting up the colored hotkeys seems like a pain judging by the manual and other reviews
- the USB receiver's cable is a bit short considering some peoples set ups may need a longer cable
- if you have a program using non standard hotkeys, you will have to use third party software to reprogram the remotes functions
- the mouse movement is very digital, the four cardinal directions seem to be the only directions you can go, one at a time
When to buy...
- If you are setting up your first HTPC
- if you need a plug and play solution for XBMC, PowerDVD, Windows Media Center, or a simple full screen web browser
- if you need more than a presenter but less than a full blown media remote or fly-mouse
When not to buy....
- if your application requires an actual Windows Media Center Remote
- if you need large print key
- if you are just looking for a receiver. THIS RECIVER WILL (PROBABLY) NOT WORK WITH ANY OTHER MEDIA CENTER REMOTE! AND THIS REMOTE WILL NOT WORK WITH ANY OTHER RECIVER (PROBABLY)
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Reviews with images
Works great
I just received it and tested it out and it seems to work great. Not 100% of the buttons do what the icon seems to imply but that could be due to various acceptable reasons. Very satisfied and it is so cheap I am going to order a second as a back up.Although the product spec does not mention Windows 7, this remote seems to work fine for me on my windows 7 pc ... although MAYBE (???) that is why a few of the buttons do not work as expected?
