BTV link (remote) control options?

[bald]

Was thinking of putting a BTV link client in the bedroom. What is everyone using to control their clients? I use a OFA-8910 and the Hauppauge IR receiver on the box with the tuners, but that isn't an option on the clients for obvious reasons. Wondering what options there are besides $50 for a firefly (which still wouldnt turn the tv on/adjust volume).

bald

[jmaver]

I use a streamzap for both of my BTV Link clients that are on a tv. One is emulated in my Pronto remote, and the other I use directly. I also bought a weemote dvr and set it to emulate the streamzap as well, so my young daughter has an easy way to work it. However, you still need another remote to turn on/shut off the tv. That still amazes me.

[bob01]

I use a MCE 2005 remote with my links.

pros:

- inexpensive
(my 3yr old killed my pronto - no more "nice" remotes until she gets older)

- has learning buttons for TV power on/off and volume controls, makes for a nice single remote solution for the simple case (a TV + HTPC)

- it has great range, plus the layout is very good and has a nice feel to it for a cheap remote


cons:
- I use mine with WinXP - unfortunately the drivers needed are shipped only with XP MCE. They will install fine and work on XP if you can find them. I've got a copy of MCE that I'd planned to try one day so that wasn't too hard. It would be nice if MS made the drivers freely available with it's other OS's, but don't hold you breath.

soln:
You'll have to get drivers somewhere

- some of the keys don't map to the BTV UI, especially BM (green button, info. etc.) - it's pretty close for BTV but not BM.

soln:
I've written something which takes care of this, providing proper key mappings and resolving a couple issues I've seen when using this remote w/ BTV/BM. Any dummy can now use one of my link systems with this remote and 0 help

Hope this helps
- Rob