Which remote to go with Hauppauge or Firefly?

[alm99]

I currently own the silver 45 button remote that comes with the Hauppauge 150 retail kit. I am looking to buy Beyond Media and noticed for $10 more I could get the Firefly remote bundled with it.

Is the firefly remote worth it to purchase to use with a HTPC vs the hauppauge remote? I could pickup Beyond Media alone for $20 after a mail in rebate.

[johnmacd]

Originally Posted by alm99

I could pickup Beyond Media alone for $20 after a mail in rebate.

I cant answer your question about which remote, but where are you getting BM for $20 after rebate?

[johnmacd]

OK I just found it at Outpost.
http://shop3.outpost.com/product/4424526

Thanks!

[garf12]

Yes the firefly remote is worth it I think. I had the happauge one at first and now have the firefly and its sooo much better. The number 1 thing that I like about it is its RF instead of IR, plus I think it just works better with beyond tv. Also works good with Windows Media Player or any of my other media players.

[Mamba]

RF is sooo much better than IR, IMO. Still get aggravated when I use ye olde Phillips DVD player remote on occasion, trying to hit the sweet-spot from 10' away...the Firefly got me spoiled quick. Tho' I've not needed to do so, you can also extend the FF range (simple wire mod to the remote found elsewhere here).

[StephaneM]

Well RF is good but IR is so practical when you want to use an universal remote and put in a drawer all other remotes.

The Hauppauge one is sufficient for most things. The only caveat is that you have to edit a .ini files to make mappings for each software you intend to use (but it is very easy and many people already have make this for you, you have to search to find it though).

In the other hand, the Firefly is fast and can be customised very precisely (but it lacks a profile editor, this time you'll have to play with xml files to customize it).
Also in my home with the DECT phone, WiFi, bluetooh, Microwave oven etc... the range was very short (I had to point the remote with funny angles to make it work => any RF remote would have behave that way).

So as soon as I decided to go with an Harmony universal remote, I used the Hauppauge and I'm happy.

Now I have heard that SS will soon make an IR version of the firefly, so you could wait a little.

If you don't want to use an universal remote or can find an universal remote that do RF, you can go with the actual Firefly.

Regards,
Stéphane.

[lunapark6]

I havent tried the Firefly but have never met a remote that satisfied all my needs, so I use a gyration mouse, it has a scroll wheel, is RF and can control the cursor by waving the mouse and clicking.

[StephaneM]

Originally Posted by lunapark6

I have never met a remote that satisfied all my needs, so I use a gyration mouse.

I guess it's a matter of taste. When you use only your PC as an HTPC mainly for TV / DVD / Music / Photos as I do, then the remote way is so much pleasant than using a mouse. And BTV / BM are really designed first for remote use and SnapStream have done a great job in this area.

I agree that you should have a wireless keyboard and pointing device for other usage of your PC. I personally use an old Silitek IR Keyboard with integrated pointing device (a little stick), but still prefer to use the remote with BM and BTV.

[Mamba]

Originally Posted by StephaneM

...the remote way is so much pleasant than using a mouse.

Agreed. There's also the WAF to consider.

[Mamba]

Relatedly since we're talking about IR...
Just saw this posted today over on Rampy's forum:

remote2key.sourceforge.net

If anyone trys it out do let us know your opinion.