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Remote Control Media Box
So I've have a dedicated media box in my TV room for years and really it's been totally grand. I use it to record/watch TV, movies, youtubes, podcasts, music and all the other things you'd expect a media center computer to do. When I first set it up a few years back I tried a few options for TV style remote controls but didn't like them as they didn't have enough flexibility. The ones I had were always tied to specific applications and I need something more along the lines of a WiiMote style control for a Windows XP desktop. A recent Digg article got me to thinking about this again so I wanted to get some advice on my ideas and a few of yours if I'm making this way more difficult then is needed.
Requirements:
- Must work in Windows XP Pro (though for the perfect solution, I may change OS on the box)
- Wireless connectivity from my couch (line of sight with computer and wireless router)
- Opens and uses media related applications
- Browses internet
- Solution < $400
Solutions Researched or Used:
1: Wireless remote controls. The ones I've used only work with the TiVo-like app I'm using. Makes the computer work like a TV but misses out on other applications and internet browsing required. Is there something someone else has used that's better?
2: Wireless Keyboard and Mouse: I hate batteries so I'd need a docking station. I haven't had luck with these as they're kind of big from my couch. The mouse is hard to use though a keyboard/trackball wireless combination with rechargeable batteries from a docking station would maybe work for me. Not too flashy though.
3: Laptop/Tablet PC: I've used laptops with RealVNC in the past and it's slick. Laptops are kind of big when lounging from the couch but it offers all of the functionality I'd need. Tablet PCs (12" or smaller) would work really slick I think but it's an expensive solution. I don't have a laptop either way but may be in the market for one shortly.
4: Ultra Moile PCs: Also on the expensive side but not as much as a tablet. Can I do something similar to a VNC solution with a cheaper PDA?
6: PSP / NDS: I've found some hacks that will allow for VNCing over wireless network from a PSP or NDS to your computer. This seems like a fun solution though it's going to take some work. I have an NDS but the PSP solution is better documented on the internet and you don't have to worry as much about compatibility issues with the flash cart you're using. The NDS documentation is mostly in French as well.
7: iPhone or iTouch: This is the link that started it all for me. The hack that I'd need (remote desktop) isn't fully functional yet, but it may be worth waiting for a good iTouch version.
Thoughts? Ideas? What do you use today? Which one would you use?
Requirements:
- Must work in Windows XP Pro (though for the perfect solution, I may change OS on the box)
- Wireless connectivity from my couch (line of sight with computer and wireless router)
- Opens and uses media related applications
- Browses internet
- Solution < $400
Solutions Researched or Used:
1: Wireless remote controls. The ones I've used only work with the TiVo-like app I'm using. Makes the computer work like a TV but misses out on other applications and internet browsing required. Is there something someone else has used that's better?
2: Wireless Keyboard and Mouse: I hate batteries so I'd need a docking station. I haven't had luck with these as they're kind of big from my couch. The mouse is hard to use though a keyboard/trackball wireless combination with rechargeable batteries from a docking station would maybe work for me. Not too flashy though.
3: Laptop/Tablet PC: I've used laptops with RealVNC in the past and it's slick. Laptops are kind of big when lounging from the couch but it offers all of the functionality I'd need. Tablet PCs (12" or smaller) would work really slick I think but it's an expensive solution. I don't have a laptop either way but may be in the market for one shortly.
4: Ultra Moile PCs: Also on the expensive side but not as much as a tablet. Can I do something similar to a VNC solution with a cheaper PDA?
6: PSP / NDS: I've found some hacks that will allow for VNCing over wireless network from a PSP or NDS to your computer. This seems like a fun solution though it's going to take some work. I have an NDS but the PSP solution is better documented on the internet and you don't have to worry as much about compatibility issues with the flash cart you're using. The NDS documentation is mostly in French as well.
7: iPhone or iTouch: This is the link that started it all for me. The hack that I'd need (remote desktop) isn't fully functional yet, but it may be worth waiting for a good iTouch version.
Thoughts? Ideas? What do you use today? Which one would you use?
Comments
Logitech Harmony?
I don't really care if the remote can stream files, only that it can open my files on another computer. My media box is a VNC server and I need something that will act as a remote client (preferably with a touch screen) to control the desktop of my networked PC.
I also know that if you run MythTV and you get an IR receiver for your PC, that you can control the PC using a remote. I assume that Windows Media Center can do something similar.