turning computer into media center - Canadian TV, Computing and Home Theatre Forums

hookup11 · 2009-04-05, 03:17 PM

I have a computer with a hd graphic card and a harmony h659 remote. I just want to be able to change songs in my windows media playlist with my harmony remote. How do i do this ?

recneps77 · 2009-04-05, 03:58 PM

You will need a USB IR-receiver and software so that your computer can receive the harmony's signals and translate that into computer commands.
I don't have any recommendations at the moment, never dealt with this kind of setup (most people just get an MCE remote, which includes the required hardware/software if applicable)

hookup11 · 2009-04-05, 06:11 PM

what do i have to buy to make my xp desktop computer a media center, i have a surround sound card and a graphics card separate. Do i just purchase a program and the remote?

recneps77 · 2009-04-05, 06:14 PM

It's probably easiest/cheapest to just get an MCE remote package.
Just search at any electronics/computer retailer for "MCE remote" and you should get lots of hits.
IR remotes are line of sight only, where as RF remotes give you more flexibility as they can go through objects (often more expensive, though)

Wayne · 2009-04-05, 07:53 PM

It all depends on how you define Media Center. Most would also include a TV tuner in the mix so that you can also have TV on your PC. You can buy a TV tuner bundled with the MCE remote, and sometimes it is on sale for less than $50. If your PC is running Vista HP (or better) or XP MCE then you have the software that you need.

If you want to learn more about Media Center PCs, or Home Theatre PCs (HTPCs) check out my story posted in this thread.

KingBuzzo · 2009-04-05, 11:27 PM

what version of Windoze do you have - you may have Media Center capability already...

if not, you still have a few options...

hookup11 · 2009-04-07, 09:22 AM

i just have windows xp which i don't think has the media center on it.

2009-04-05, 03:17 PM	#1
hookup11 Rookie Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 23	turning computer into media center I have a computer with a hd graphic card and a harmony h659 remote. I just want to be able to change songs in my windows media playlist with my harmony remote. How do i do this ?

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2009-04-05, 03:58 PM	#2
recneps77 Veteran Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Whitby Posts: 2,815	You will need a USB IR-receiver and software so that your computer can receive the harmony's signals and translate that into computer commands. I don't have any recommendations at the moment, never dealt with this kind of setup (most people just get an MCE remote, which includes the required hardware/software if applicable)

2009-04-05, 06:11 PM	#3
hookup11 Rookie Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 23	what do i have to buy to make my xp desktop computer a media center, i have a surround sound card and a graphics card separate. Do i just purchase a program and the remote?

2009-04-05, 06:14 PM	#4
recneps77 Veteran Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Whitby Posts: 2,815	It's probably easiest/cheapest to just get an MCE remote package. Just search at any electronics/computer retailer for "MCE remote" and you should get lots of hits. IR remotes are line of sight only, where as RF remotes give you more flexibility as they can go through objects (often more expensive, though)

2009-04-05, 07:53 PM	#5
Wayne Veteran Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Scarboro Posts: 5,568	It all depends on how you define Media Center. Most would also include a TV tuner in the mix so that you can also have TV on your PC. You can buy a TV tuner bundled with the MCE remote, and sometimes it is on sale for less than $50. If your PC is running Vista HP (or better) or XP MCE then you have the software that you need. If you want to learn more about Media Center PCs, or Home Theatre PCs (HTPCs) check out my story posted in this thread.

2009-04-05, 11:27 PM	#6
KingBuzzo Join Date: May 2007 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba Posts: 273	what version of Windoze do you have - you may have Media Center capability already... if not, you still have a few options...

2009-04-07, 09:22 AM	#7
hookup11 Rookie Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 23	i just have windows xp which i don't think has the media center on it.