Arch Linux

beyecixramd

Member

Registered: 2009-07-23

Posts: 22

10 foot user interface remote options for Linux

Hi people!

I already posted a topic asking how could i share my music, videos, etc, from my Arch PC to my Arch HTPC.

Now I'd like to hear suggestions about remotes, pros and cons, I've already considered these options:

1 - Buy an IR receiver and a standard remote will do the job (I already got a multifunction remote (which can control up to three devices and I only got a single device), but I'm afraid nowadays there aren't many USB receivers compatible with Linux and most importantly, they must be cheap, a PCI card is not an option since my PC has a half-sized case)

2 - Get a bluetooth USB adapter and control it using my cellphone (probably not very adequate, and it would quickly drain the cellphone's battery)

3 - Get a USB bluetooth adapter, build a Wii USB sensor bar, and buy a WiiMote (more expensive than other options)

I think the better suited option here is the first one, if only someone could recommend me a good IR receiver for Linux, I'd be very thankful)

Anyone has got more ideas? Or suggestions for reducing costs or improving usability about my options?

Thanks everyone!

ngoonee

Forum Fellow

From: Between Thailand and Singapore

Registered: 2009-03-17

Posts: 7,356

Re: 10 foot user interface remote options for Linux

Options 1 sounds the best. You could also just get one of those logitech wireless mice and rebind some of its extra buttons.

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GogglesGuy

Member

From: Rocket City

Registered: 2005-03-29

Posts: 610

Website

Re: 10 foot user interface remote options for Linux

I have one of these:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … -_-Product

Which works fine with Linux.

Now I also don't use the remote a lot, since I'm running just a regular desktop on my htpc and control the pc through a keyboard with embedded trackpad:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6823111038

(they have both wired and wireless versions of these. I got the wired one with an usb extension cable)

(As a matter of fact, I'm posting this from my htpc )

Last edited by GogglesGuy (2010-11-28 17:45:14)

toad

Member

From: if only I knew

Registered: 2008-12-22

Posts: 1,775

Website

Re: 10 foot user interface remote options for Linux

Thanks for the info, GogglesGuy. Unfortunately that particular model is available only in the USA

What does lsusb say? Maybe I can find one that way...

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never trust a toad...
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GogglesGuy

Member

From: Rocket City

Registered: 2005-03-29

Posts: 610

Website

Re: 10 foot user interface remote options for Linux

Thanks for the info, GogglesGuy. Unfortunately that particular model is available only in the USA

What does lsusb say? Maybe I can find one that way...

Not sure how useful it is..

Bus 005 Device 002: ID 1784:0008 TopSeed Technology Corp. eHome Infrared Transceiver

Another option is to move the USA... that's what I did...

Eratosthenes

Member

Registered: 2009-11-02

Posts: 19

Re: 10 foot user interface remote options for Linux

I use one of these:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6823218010

with mythtv (on fedora). I actually use it more than the IR remote.

R00KIE

Forum Fellow

From: Between a computer and a chair

Registered: 2008-09-14

Posts: 4,734

Re: 10 foot user interface remote options for Linux

Instead of buying a usb ir receiver you can also buy a usb to serial converter and make your own ir receiver, that's more work and I don't know how well it will work but I guess it's easier to find a usb to serial adapter that works on linux than a direct usb ir receiver.

I have a home made serial ir receiver and a usb to serial converter, the converter works just fine on linux but I've never tried to use both (never used the ir receiver much).

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R00KIE
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