Mini-ITX board infra-red functionality question

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phptek

55 posts

Master Geek

ID Verified

#75001 11-Jan-2011 16:02

Hi,

Much like everyone else on here, I'm building myself (another) Mini-ITX based HTPC.

I'd like to be able to use a remote control with it (XBMC Live) but basically need help identifying which mobo's have the correct functionality.

e.g. Some Intel boards advertise "CIR headers". Other Intel boards advertise "CIR in, CIR out", others don't mention it at all, but still see people using them in their HTPC builds.

So any advice would be helpful.

FWIW, here is where I'm going with it and its use - basically the functionality of an NMT:

* Primarily used in the lounge to pull movies off server over home-network onto FUll HD LCD TV via HDMI
* Some internet use, likely U-Tube and other online, on-demand services I've not had time to explore yet
* No transcoding, next to no storage save for an SSD hosting XBMC Live
* Mini-ITX mobo: Gigabit LAN, HDMI out, infra-red capability, LGA1156 socket, 2Gb DDR2/3, Low power
* Core i3-530 (on-board HD Graphics AFAIK)
* Not fussed on 46 million USB ports, SATA storage etc

Thanks a lot
Russ

bigbob

38 posts

Geek

Trusted

#426185 11-Jan-2011 16:24

I have built a few media centers over the last 5 years and each time I have looked at the built in opiton for the motherboard I could not find reliable info, so share your frustration.

What I have done each time is to buy a remote kit that included the remote itself and a USB IR receiver. Some of them have included a cable long enough to place somewhere to receive the best signal and one I use is a short receiver that plugs into a front usb port and is no bigger than a usb memory stick. I have used both of the ones below at the trademe links.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Computers/Components/Video-cards/Other/auction-345598832.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photography/TVs/Remotes/auction-345583965.htm

Now there are still issues with the kits as they use a range of 'protocols' the above ones use the RC6 protocol which is what Windows Media Center uses. There are some (non RC6) kits that claim to give good control over common windows functions straight out of the box. I replace the original remote with a Logitech remote with the above RC6 receiver and then program the remote with the relevant Microsoft code that can be found on the Logitech software.

Anyway, not sure if this helps your exact situation, happy to answer any other specifics.

Rob

PANiCnz

990 posts

Ultimate Geek

#426245 11-Jan-2011 18:51

A MCE remote will work out of the box with one of XBMCFreak's XBMCLive discs, making life a lot easier than having to muck around with LIRC (doable but a pain). There are plenty of MCE remotes floating around on TradeMe and you should be able to get one for less than $40.

phptek

55 posts

Master Geek

ID Verified

#428679 19-Jan-2011 08:24

Thanks a lot to you both for your replies and your advice.

I bought the Aim Windows 7 Media Center IR from TM for $34.00, I pick it up tonight and take delivery of the kit I ordered to build the box this week.

After much research and taking account my budget (The general idea was to see if I could build a halfway decent HTPC instead of buying a Popcorn Hour A210 or similar - s'more fun...)

* Intel DG45FC Mobo (X4500HD graphics, HDMI, Gig LAN, CIR etc)
* Intel Pentium Core 2 Duo E5400 2.7Ghz CPU (Couldb't afford LGA1156 kit)
* 4Gb DDR2-800/PC6400 RAM
* Pre-loved laptop Mini SATA DVD+RW optical drive
* Pre-loved 220W Shuttle PC PSU
* Re-purposed (not-working) Technics HiFi stack-system Stereo Tuner as case (With its own awesome built-in case fan originally used to cool the amplifier)
* Total: NZD$450.18 (Inc GST and postage)

Thanks again,
Russ