HTPC Remote for Linux

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skywlker32

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Apr 26, 2011
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I am looking to build an HTPC running OpenELEC. I want to plan it out as much as I can before I start buying parts. I will need to connect some sort of controller device, but a keyboard will likely be overboard for OpenELEC from what I am seeing. I would like to be able to run the system with a remote that also serves as my universal remote to turn on my TV (limited other functions used) and turn on/adjust volume on my surround sound.

Any suggestions from personal use?
 
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Rookie_MIB

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Hmm. Depends on a lot of things. First up, just as a quick note, ANY computer that you're running will need a keyboard/trackpad of some type for certain things. That being said, I was rather surprised when my TV remote actually worked out of the box with my TV/HTPC combo.

My setup:

TV: Vizio 42" LED Razor
Computer: Raspberry Pi 2 running OpenELEC.
Keyboard: 2.4ghz mini keyboard/trackpad (one of those little $10.00 rechargeable units).

Apparently, the Pi 2 and the Vizio 42" both support HDMI-CEC, so if your TV that you're hooking it to also supports HDMI-CEC, and the computer supports it as well, then your regular remote, in TV mode, might possibly control it as well. That being said, the little $10.00 keyboard/trackpad does the job just fine as well.

BTW, if you haven't already built the computer, I'm REALLY going to suggest the Raspberry PI 2 for running OpenELEC. It's an amazingly good setup, and it's cheap. Just a quick note, get the Pi-2, NOT the regular Pi. The Pi-2 is a quad core ARM, much more powerful and capable, and draws a few watts at most, and is completely silent. A full setup, including keyboard?

R-Pi 2 kit: Includes case, power plug, Raspberry PI and SD card - $60.00
Keyboard: $10.00
OpenELEC: free.

This is the keyboard I have: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA6FY2F98033&cm_re=rii_mini-_-9SIA6FY2F98033-_-Product
 
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skywlker32

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While I have heard good things about R-Pi 2, I wanted to future-proof myself a little bit here and don't feel like it is the best option for me.

While I will consider that controller, it doesn't have any ability to control a TV from what I can tell.
 
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Rookie_MIB

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That is correct, it doesn't. But my point is a little more direct - perhaps you won't need one considering you can possibly control OpenELEC from what I can see from your TV remote. Make sure the video card supports HDMI-CEC and will pass through those commands. If it doesn't, then you could get this:

https://www.pulse-eight.com/p/104/usb-hdmi-cec-adapter

And it's supported by OpenELEC.

When it comes to running a HTPC though (I've had one for -years-) it always seems to be that you wind up needing a keyboard/mouse. I guess you could find a universal remote which has a hidden trackpad/keyboard under a flip-cover, but those tend to be a bit unwieldy.
 
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