This remote seems to work well for the basic MCE functionality, but it has some issues that hamper its usability (for me.)
First, the "learning" feature that's been mentioned elsewhere. The MS remote for MCE has the ability to "learn" to turn your TV on/off, and to adjust the volume on your stereo (or TV.) This remote mentions such a feature in the manual ("if available"), but the version sold here doesn't actually have this feature. Having to juggle three remotes gets cumbersome, especially when the "standard" MCE remote doesn't have this problem.
Second is response time. As implied in my previous paragraph, I also have an MS MCE remote. The MS remote/receiver is quite responsive. With this remote you have to hold down each button longer for it to "register" as a button-click with the receiver. At first I thought it was an issue with the remote itself, but I later realized it's an issue with the receiver. (The receiver that came with this remote will work with the MS remote, but it still has a "sluggish" response time. No such issue if I go back to the MS receiver.) If you're used to clicking through menus (or commercials) quickly, this gets aggravating because it doesn't register some of your clicks.
Finally, this remote is extremely lightweight. It has no heft to it. This might actually be a good thing if it weren't for the learning issue, but since I'm not actually using the remote for its intended purpose, this means I can't even use it as a paperweight on my coffee table. Noah Company MediaGate GP-IR02BK Windows Vista Home Premium and Windows Vista Ultimate MCE Remote Control, 2 Channel IR (Black)
So I bought this entirely for use with XBMC. I plugged the receiver into my Revo running XBMC Live, put batteries in the remote, and it worked instantly and without any configuration.
I plan to program my Harmony to control this, so wasn't too worried about the remote itself, but it's an above-average-quality one, with a sensible layout and well-labeled buttons.
I don't know about the remote that comes with the package, because I am using a Harmony 720 with it. I have really good angle able to just point in general direction of IR receiver and it picks it up! Works with Windows Media Center and Also was able to get it running in Linux with some tweaking.
So many times you buy a product online and it doesn't quite measure up. Not this one--from the box to the style of the remote, to its working features--this is one great remote, and a statement like that is hard to get from me. I'm using it to drive a media center PC for my main HD TV.
If you understand this is a remote for only using Windows Media Center (WMC), you will not be disappointed. Some of the things this remote will do (most with one button push)
1. put the PC to sleep/ wake it up
2. Select the main menu when watching a DVD
3. Change channels on your TV tuner attached to the PC.
4. Start recording a TV program from the TV guide.
5. Zoom in on the screen for DVD's that don't fill the screen. (four choices)
6. One button WMC startup.
7. easy guide navigation (up, down, left, and right)
8. One button push to watch TV from outside WMC.
Things that keep it from perfect:
The directions mention a "learning" capability (to use the volume on the TV vs. the computer, for example), but this model didn't have that.
It requires a separate infrared receiver (provided) that plugs in to a USB port. About 2X2 in.
And did I say, this is one the nicest looking remotes? Stylish--it looks first class.
The directions say it's for Vista--I'm using it with Vista Ultimate.
I recommend this highly!
This remote works flawlessly for anyone looking for a solution to control XBMC or any Linux program that uses LIRC. After using a similarly branded "MCE" remote, I was expecting to have to tweak settings in order to get this remote to work just how I wanted. I was completely surprised when I plugged it in, and EVERY single button functioned correctly. Thank you, Noah, for sticking to standards, and not putting out cheap pieces of plastic that barely function.
I've been using media center since XP's version debuted and using a regular home theater PC before it. I've had various flavors of Media Center remotes through the years, which ends up being a fortunate thing since the IR receiver on this unit is problematic, as evidenced by one of the other users getting double inputs on everything.
Since I already had an IR receiver from my other media center remote, I just pulled this remote out of the box, put the batteries in, and was off and running. Worked fine, every input worked perfectly. But the older IR receivers from the standard media center systems are larger and more obtrusive than the smaller profile unit that came with this, so I went ahead and disconnected my old one, and plugged this one in. Still let the IR blaster signals through fine, could change channels, but the green button no longer worked apparently, nor did the zoom feature. Every button input, as noted in another review, was doubled. So I pulled the receiver off that came with this, put the original back, and it worked like a champ again. That cost it one star.
The other star was lost due to the inability to learn anythign else. My searches turned up two versions of this remote, one with a "lower" number and this one, so I assumed this was the one that could learn things like the TV power so I could only use the one remote. Not true. No learning on this model, and no backlighting on the keys. Since this is a new layout for the keys, I would've appreciated backlighting until I learn where things are by feel. So those two cost it another star.
On the plus side, it's the only remote I've seen that has some of the media center specific features like Zoom. And, unlike the newer one that came with Media Center kits the last few years, this one still has direct buttons for radio, music, pictures, and videos, things that disappeared on the new iterations of remotes a few years ago. So that brought one of the stars back that I removed from the pitfalls.
Most used buttons are well placed and individual enough that inadvertant pressings are nonexistent. The transport controls are easy to find and all the buttons have good tactile response. You KNOW when you've pressed them.
Overall a great remote for such a cheap price. Unfortunately the lack of learning means it will only be in use here until I get a new remote, whenever the new remotes with windows sideshow functionality are more than just vaporware. - Remote Control - Windows Vista - Pc Remote - Media Center'
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