Remote setup question-new to HTPC

[njohnson1]

I'm setting up a home theater PC (to house all my movies and media) and then will hook up to my HDTV. I'm going to use xlobby to organize and view everything on the HDTV, but I'm confused as to what I need in order to make a remote work with my PC and xlobby so that when I'm watching a movie from my PC on the HDTV, I will have a remote to start, stop, pause etc., just like when using a DVD player or VCR player

Do I need a remote + USB IR reciever + xlobby + girder?

If so, can I just program a remote I have already or should I buy a special remote? Any recommendation on which USB IR reciever to buy that isn't expensive?


thank you!

[rembetis]

The easiest way to achieve what you want is to get a USB-UIRT. They are not exactly cheap($50-$55 plus shipping), but they are very powerful, actively developed, and Xlobby has built-in support for them. With it, you can use any universal remote that has a free device (you wouldn't want to use the same device as one already in use, as you'd be sending signals to two things at once) and basically teach the usb-uirt your remotes signals for play, pause, etc. and then create events within Xlobby that are triggered by those signals.

With the above setup, you can leave Girder out of the equation entirely. There are many who will tell you Girder is more robust, and less dependent on what application/window is in focus. While this is certainly true, the learning curve is steep, and the configuration significantly more complicated.

[rhinoman]

The xremote plugin for xlobby makes setting up a remote reasonably straightforward. It does use girder but does the hardwork for you, all you need to is learn the remote to the generated command. You can use and ir receiver suitable for girder but the usbuirt is recommened.

[Naylia]

I would phrase it more as XRemote can use girder...I am able to control all the third party apps I have with just XLobby and the XRemote plugin and a USB-Uirt...girder isn't necessarily necessary. You only need it if you need to do more complex interactions than XLobby offers.

So snag a USB-Uirt and your favorite/most comfortable IR remote. I know many people are fond of the Harmony line...(i know I am) they are a touch pricey but absolutely great. Sounds like you'll also need some dvd software. Most XLobby skins include all the events necessary to control both TheaterTek and ZoomPlayer and are usually configured out of the box for one or the other.

For instance with my skin XLobbyMC, it is configured for ZoomPlayer and drive D: as the dvd drive (both can be changed). Since XRemote is already set up and configured you just need to learn your IR commands via the USB-Uirt against the template of IR commands I include in the zip file.