Infrared Module Connector? Remote Control?

[888888]

I have two questions:

1. My motherboard has an "Infrared Module Connector" on it. The motherboard did not actually come with an infrared module, or a wire for it, and definitely without any kind of software to use it. I REALLY need to get a remote to work with my PC because it is now my home-entertainment center and I was hoping this would be my answer. But I can't even find an "Infrared Module" on sale anywhere. What is the point of this thing? Is this one of those deals where they only use it in Asia?

2. If this infrared module turns out to be a dead end, what is the best and cheapest way for me to be able to use a remote control with my PC for things like WinDVD and maybe even Winamp. My KWorld TV Tuner remote only works with KWorld's TV software.

Thanks!

[Silvas]

Check out the ATI Remote Wonder. It will work with Windows and you can download plugin's for many different programs.

[glockjs]

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=80-100-401&depa=0

[888888]

Thanks guys. I actually did a search on NewEgg before posting for "remote control" and found the ATI one. Honestly, I was hoping for something cheaper.

I'd also like to use a universal learning remote from Zenith or Philips if possible.

[glockjs]

cheaper?

well i think they make IR adapter's through usb. if thats the route i think your lookin more for the software than hardware. regular cheapy uni remotes should work as long as the software lets u program into it. i dunno about compatibilty though. i do know the ATI remote works with the software your looking for it to work with...

[888888]

Where can I find these USB to IR adapters and their software?

[glockjs]

am i just the google whore today or what

interesting site that i came across

http://www.irgear.com/

[Craig Tucker]

I have just built a PC for someone with one of these in.
http://www.cclonline.com/product-info.asp?product_id=1797&category_id=247&manufacturer_id=0
From the short play I had with it , it seemed very good and I will probrably get one myself and ditch my AIW. This thing will even power on and shut down the PC from the remote control. You can also set it to power up for scheduled recordings and shut the PC down when the recording has finished. FM tuner as well.

[glockjs]

http://www.irassistant.com/dotcom/v_current/


was on this list


http://home-automation.org/Hardware/Remote_Controls/

[888888]

am i just the google whore today or what

interesting site that i came across

http://www.irgear.com/

Thanks for the link.

It takes skills to be a Google whore and apparently I don't have them cause I couldn't find any of that stuff on Google.

[888888]

Pretty interesting stuff especially this one:



However, these things tend to cost about as much as the ATI remote. I think that is what I will probably go for unless I can figure out how to use the built-in IR connector on my motherboard.

Does anyone have experience with the ATI remote?

[glockjs]

i mis read gah, i thought u didnt have any way to connect to your mobo. well google here i come

[glockjs]

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000192RTC/qid=1100657284/sr=8-1/ref=pd_...onics&n=507846

[Craig Tucker]

Did you see the link I posted ?

[glockjs]

Did you see the link I posted ?

i think he saw it, but 888888888888888 is too cheap (points at 888888 and laughs)

the 5 pin adapters seem to be more expensive than usb

http://www.expansys-usa.com/product.asp?code=106296

im at work so i can't ebay it. try "irda adapter" or "irda connector" or "irda usb" "usb infrared"

[rallynavvie]

Other than the MS remote for MCE I'd consider looking into one of the nVidia Personal Cinema video cards. Silly thing is you can buy an OEM copy of MCE 2005 and the MS remote for less than what those Personal Cinema video cards sell for, and then all you'd need is a TV tuner and you're set. In fact for the price of the eVGA 5700 cinema version you could afford a good TV tuner on top of the OS and remote and still be about the same.

What do you want your IrDA remote to control exactly? If you're looking for a real HTPC you should look into the above or at MythTV for Linux.

[888888]

Thanks for everybody's help. I am either gonna get one of those modules to connect to my motherboard or the ATI remote.

Considering that the ATI remote costs not too much more than the module and you get a remote, I am probably gonna go with the ATI option.

Thanks again.