HP 5187-4593 - anyone using it to control Windows (not just WMC)?

[blg56]

I've just bought an HP 5187-4593 USB IR Receiver for an HTPC I'm setting up. It came with no manual and I cannot find one online. Presumably, when I get WMC working on the HTPC, it will "just respond to the remote". The question I have is - has anyone used the IR receiver to control Windows 7? I'd like to use IR to control basic Windows functions as I don't plan to have a keyboard/mouse in my theater (just in the closet for setup and diagnosis).

Thanks

 

[carwiz]

I have a Veris Premier front panel that I use on my system. I use the remote to turn on the PC since the cabinet isn't real close to the desk. It came with a programmable remote and most all the functions to control the PC. I also use a wireless keyboard and mouse so the remote doesn't get a lot of use but it's there.

 

[blg56]

Thanks - a couple of questions.
1 - what version of Windows (Home, Professional)? and do you need WMC to control the PC with IR
2 - What (if any) SW other than Windows do you use to allow IR control

 

[carwiz]

It's the same system as in "My System Specs". I use the IR system to control WMC and the PC, not the other way around. The Veris uses software from Soundgraph called i-MON and drivers. The software scans the PC and automatically sets up the controls for whatever media software you have on the PC that is compatible with it. As I recall, there's 10-12 besides WMC.

For the Veris to control power-on, it's wired in series with the case power-on/off switch as well as a constant 3.3v power cable piggy backed from the motherboard power connector. There's also an internal USB cable that goes to a MB USB header. The USB connection handles all the communications between the IR receiver and the PC. The software and drivers handle the Veris display screen as well as decoding the remote signals and acting on them.