Sewell InjectIR/MCE remote advice

[drmax]

It was pointed to me recently, this device, which I am going to purchase.
Sewell InjectIR, IR over HDMI for Remote Controls - SW-29660, $44.95. This is perfect because I am running a length of 40 hdmi cable. Now I need a recommendation for a remote for windows 7 media center control. My main goal, is to control movies to my bedroom, from my newly built htpc. I have been watching flicks on vlc player, so I need to take control of my pc, as if i were in front of it. So without the headache/worry over an RF type remote, what is it that I need to accomplish what I am after? Now that I'll be able to extend the IR signal, reliably...would this work?Amazon.com: Windows 7 Vista XP Media Center MCE PC Remote Control and Infrared Receiver for Home, Premium and Ultimate Edition: Electronics
I wanted to be able to have control over the pointer...
Thx for any advice. DM

 

[carwiz]

That sounds like it should work for your HTPC but keep in mind that the MCE remote won't work the TV. You'll still need the TV remote to turn it on/off. The remotes for HTPCs don't send the same IR signals used by other electronic devices. (For good reason) You'd have to bump up to a higher-end programmable remote to operate both.

Forgot to mention: If your TV automatically shuts off with lack of a signal (HDMI), that would work. Getting it to come on may be different though.

 

[drmax]

That sounds like it should work for your HTPC but keep in mind that the MCE remote won't work the TV. You'll still need the TV remote to turn it on/off. The remotes for HTPCs don't send the same IR signals used by other electronic devices. (For good reason) You'd have to bump up to a higher-end programmable remote to operate both.

Forgot to mention: If your TV automatically shuts off with lack of a signal (HDMI), that would work. Getting it to come on may be different though.

i'm unexperienced with this (or any) mce. how would i use this in conjunction of this sewell device, which has an immitter? could you explain this to me? basically want to make sure I'm not missing something and getting the right equiptment.
thank you and having 2 remotes is not an issue. i just want to be sure I can take "full" control of the pc. (not just media center)

 

[carwiz]

"Full" control is a matter of opinion but you should be able to control most mouse functions as well as system sound. Windows 7 has built in drivers for IR control. I have a different setup using an Antec Premire so I'm not sure how Windows handles the power on/off with just a USB interface of the MCE remote. My Premire actually interfaces with the power button on the PC so I can turn the PC on or off with the remote.

The Sewell device appears to use an IR receiver on one end to accept signals from your remote. This end would be at the TV side. There's an IR blaster on the other that will repeat the signal to a device. (It must use one or two of the unused HDMI pins for the signal.) In your case, that device would be the USB/IR interface of the MCE remote. The blaster output would need to be taped to the MCE remote receiver. Most will come with lousy/weak double sided tape. You might want to send a message to Sewell and make sure the IR signals are relayed as received. As I mentioned before, not all IR signals are the same for HTPCs and other electronic devices--They have a different modulation frequency. If the Sewell device doesn't duplicate the EXACT modulation of the codes, it won't work.

 

[drmax]

"Full" control is a matter of opinion but you should be able to control most mouse functions as well as system sound. Windows 7 has built in drivers for IR control. I have a different setup using an Antec Premire so I'm not sure how Windows handles the power on/off with just a USB interface of the MCE remote. My Premire actually interfaces with the power button on the PC so I can turn the PC on or off with the remote.

The Sewell device appears to use an IR receiver on one end to accept signals from your remote. This end would be at the TV side. There's an IR blaster on the other that will repeat the signal to a device. (It must use one or two of the unused HDMI pins for the signal.) In your case, that device would be the USB/IR interface of the MCE remote. The blaster output would need to be taped to the MCE remote receiver. Most will come with lousy/weak double sided tape. You might want to send a message to Sewell and make sure the IR signals are relayed as received. As I mentioned before, not all IR signals are the same for HTPCs and other electronic devices--They have a different modulation frequency. If the Sewell device doesn't duplicate the EXACT modulation of the codes, it won't work.

ok, good info as i didn't know any of this. save me some heart ache. i'll call them and tell them my intent. My PC will most likely be on 24/7, as it will also run magicjack. I'll let you know how it works out. If you can think of anything else, or a different MCE remote that you're familiar with (better) I'm all ears. I just didn't think I'd need much. When I mentioned "full" control, let me re-phrase...I don't understand windows 7 at all...1st time user. Unsure if my movies, which I normally play through VLC player, can still be controlled the same way I do know, or if I have to move these movies into this media center software, so they'll be taken control of. If I knew I had full control over this, I wouldn't be hesitant. Hence I'm trying to CMA prior to purchasing something that may not work. I hate sending stuff back. Thx dude...dm