Remote control IR emitters...what are they?

[ridergroov1]

Alright so I got the manual for the microsoft remote and it says I need to connect the IR emitters to the receiver if I am using a set top box for my cable. I still dont' understand how they interact with the remote though. Anybody?

[edDV]

They usually connect via USB and convert your remote commands to IR that the set top box can understand.

They do more. If you want to program a scheduled record sequence, the computer controls the set top box through the IR adapter.

Think of it this way. You control the computer through the remote and the computer controls the set top box through the IR adapter.

[BJ_M]

if you dont like all those IR eyes and thin cables exposed to view (they are ugly) - most of the time you can just use a IR blaster which can hit most anything in the same room or even the same rack

[ridergroov1]

I really appreciate the replies, but I have no clue what you are saying. Thanks.

[edDV]

Then ask again.

[Mr. Dweezel]

ridergroov1

A quick search turned up this. You can probably find better articles
but this might help...

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_10_3/feature-article-remote-control-system-8-2003.html

[edDV]

First you need to buy a media center pc

Then read the setup instructions
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/using/setup/settop.mspx

If you have questions or need help, Microsoft won't help you. They want you to ask the organization that built your computer.

If that organization is you, this will get you started.
http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/system/platform/mediacenter/MCPCdeploy.mspx

[mike909]

The official MCE remote comes with an IR-Reciever and Blaster. You don't need to hook up emitters, if the small black box is with in line-of-sight range to your components, because it will blast the IR out the front (same general area it recieves from). If your components (stereo, cable box etc) are located in different area from where you place the remote's IR Reciever, than you will have to plug an emitter (can be bought at radio shack <5$) into the 1/8" jack on the back of the reciver and place the other end of it in front of your component(s). If this doesn't make sense to you, ask more questions. I know when I built my HTPC, the remote controll issue was by far the hardest thing to figure out.