XP MCE Remote with XBMC for Win?

[yazoo]

Will XP MCE Remote work with XBMC for Win? I prefer this to Microsofts MCE.

[anyo]

I don't think that its been ported over yet from the linux build (which does work I know)... I know you could use girder or something like that for now to map the remote buttons to keyboard presses for the corresponding controls.

[phunqe]

Try HIP http://www.byremote.com.au/HIP/

[kricker]

...or try EventGhost (http://www.eventghost.org/wiki/EventGhost:About).

[anyo]

Try HIP http://www.byremote.com.au/HIP/

I'm trying out HIP... so far pretty good, but the up/down/left/right doesn't work when I assign it to the corresponding arrow buttons on the keyboard... any trick you know of special for that?

[anyo]

I'm trying out HIP... so far pretty good, but the up/down/left/right doesn't work when I assign it to the corresponding arrow buttons on the keyboard... any trick you know of special for that?

oh btw i'm not using the mce remote.. i'm just using my universal remote and a usb-uirt to receieve the signals if that makes a difference

[Hitcher]

oh btw i'm not using the mce remote.. i'm just using my universal remote and a usb-uirt to receieve the signals if that makes a difference

I have the same set up but couldn't figure out how the hell you assign keys to remote button presses. Could you help me out please?

And as to your problem - have you tried 'SHIFT+4', 'SHIFT+8', etc?

[ezechiel1917]

I'm using Harmony 555 (setup as device HauppaugeWinTV-PVR-350 in Logitech Harmony software) with WinLIRC (Hauppauge_350.cf) and scripted AutoHotKey. Works like charm!

AutoHotKey script looks like this:

Play:
ifWinActive, XBMC
{
send {p}
}
else
{
WinActivate
}
return

[anyo]

I have the same set up but couldn't figure out how the hell you assign keys to remote button presses. Could you help me out please?

And as to your problem - have you tried 'SHIFT+4', 'SHIFT+8', etc?

I ended up using eventghost... worked great for me...

But if you are trying to use HIP, all you do is pick xbmc as one of the programs you want to control. then add "values" at the bottom of the screen. Give it some description and key name that makes sense to you. Then for "primary command" just put in the letter p for things like play, and etc for each respective button. But for other buttons like enter, tab, direction (which in particular I had problems with) you just enter in that box things like {tab} {enter} {up} {right} etc

hope that helps

[mfsav2]

Can you post here your configuration files?
it would help a lot!

Mf

[kricker]

Are you looking for an Evenghost config or Hip?

[mrz]

Hi Kricker!

I have the same chassi as you, with iMon VFD+IR. There was no remote included and before I run and buy me an MCE do you know if the IR receiver and drivers supports other remotes. I have tested with a few of the once I have to see if HIP or EventGhost receive anything, but they don't. To me it looks as if the driver filter any non MCE commands but I can't be sure until I have tested with a MCE remote.

Thanks in advance,

MrZ

[paco]

I also have the same case (Antec Fusion v2). The built-in drivers ignore some of the 'Standard' buttons on an MCE remote (Blue, Red, etc...). Until the driver manufacturer (Soundgraph) updates their crappy driver, you're stuck using the basic MCE buttons. My workaround was to configure the iMon software and add XBMC as an app. Then, I manually added each button I needed. Since I still need MCE for my TV recording, I didn't make XBMC the default. You can however make the built-in iMon launch XBMC instead of MCE. Whenever XBMC is in focus, the XBMC mappings take effect. When MCE is in focus, the MCE mappings take priority.

Good Luck!

[kricker]

I don't have V2 of the fusion. I have V1, sans IR. You're easiest path is definitely what paco suggested. There are some hacked drivers posted on the Sage forums (http://forums.sagetv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26053&highlight=imon) though that may allow more flexibility. I can't remember exactly what they did.

[mace]

has anyone got displayremotecodes working under windows?

[mrz]

paco & kricker!

Looks like both options (iMon, Sage fix) are only to enhance the support of MCE remote. I guess the conclusion is nothing than MCE through these drivers. Really strange approach. I could understand it if Antec shipped a remote with the chassi, but as they don't why limitit to MCE. Well, private time has also value so I guess I'll get one tomorrow. Thanks for your tips anyway.
One good thing though I have a DLL that can send info to the VFD and I can drive it from Python. With that I will program a script that can display XBMC info on it so 50% of the iMon gets functional. paco's idea and a new remote covers the rest.

[kricker]

paco & kricker!

Looks like both options (iMon, Sage fix) are only to enhance the support of MCE remote. I guess the conclusion is nothing than MCE through these drivers. Really strange approach. I could understand it if Antec shipped a remote with the chassi, but as they don't why limitit to MCE. Well, private time has also value so I guess I'll get one tomorrow. Thanks for your tips anyway.
One good thing though I have a DLL that can send info to the VFD and I can drive it from Python. With that I will program a script that can display XBMC info on it so 50% of the iMon gets functional. paco's idea and a new remote covers the rest.
Nice at least a working VFD for XBMC would be cool.

[Dudeman]

I'm using Harmony 555 (setup as device HauppaugeWinTV-PVR-350 in Logitech Harmony software) with WinLIRC (Hauppauge_350.cf) and scripted AutoHotKey. Works like charm!

AutoHotKey script looks like this:

I'm also using a Harmony 550 remote, with EventGhost. I first tried using Hip, but it had some strange problems, like not being able to use the directional pad keys, but EventGhost works well.

I still need to figure out the exclusive folder/action feature, as I would like to be able to have certian keys do different things depending on which program you're in.

I aslo tried maged to program an exit script which exits, then terminates XBMC if it's hung up ( which it does do occasionally). I don't want to have to reach for a keyboard.

BTW, I'm currently running a AOpen Mini-Duo MP-965DR w/2.2Ghz Core2 T500 & 2GB RAM. The Intel graphics (GMA X3100) hold it's own when playing HD content.

If anyone is interested in the EventGhost configuration for the Harmony 550, I an post it, just let me know.

I also modified the keymap.xml inside the XBMC/Uset Data folder, so the remote behaves like the real Xbox remote (Left/right keys are small jump and up/down are large jump.

Now if I only could make VOB subs work, I'd be a happy man.

[kricker]

I still need to figure out the exclusive folder/action feature, as I would like to be able to have certian keys do different things depending on which program you're in.To do this, make sure Eventghost log is not set to log only assigned and active events. There is a checkbox at the bottom of the log for that. Then create a macro which enables an exclusive folder in evenghost. Choose the folder that contans the controls you want from the Context folder (or make a new one). Then launch the app you want to control. The Evenghost log should show something like Task.Created.xxxx and Task.Activated.xxx. Drag those two events over to the macro and place them above the enable exclusive: xxxx event. That's it.

[jonte511]

I'm using the latest build for windows. Works like a charm! (well almost... =)

Also I'm using a MCE remote together with EventGhost. Also working very well.

However I'm a bit confused about what keyboard mappings to use. The only reference I have found is to the OSx-version.
http://dn-0.com/xbmc-trac/wiki/FrequentlyAskedQuestions

All of these keys dont seem to match. Does anyone have an updated list for windows?

[jonte511]

This is what the page says, by the way... Can anybody help me with all the correct mappings?

What are the keys, how do I use this thing?

You can enable the mouse through the settings, but typically it's better to use the keyboard. The default keys are as follows :

<arrow keys> - navigate
<page up and down> - scroll up and down
<enter> - select
<esc> - previous menu
<backspace> - go up back (or up) a directory
<space> - pause
<period> - Skip Next
<comma> - Skip Previous
<tab> - Minimize Video
<backslash> - Full Screen Toggle
<printscreen> = Screen Shot
<minus> - Volume Down
<plus> - Volume Up
<0 - 9> - 0 through 9

p - Play
f - Fast Forward
c - Context menu
r - Rewind
x - Stop
m - Player controls
s - Shutdown menu
i - Info
q - Queue
z - Change aspect ratio

[dapex]

Sorry to butt in here but i found this forum by the referring link in the post. I am the author of Intelliremote which allows you to control any windows application with your MCE, Creative Soundblaster, X10, or USB-UIRT remote.
You can do just about anything you can think of with a HTPC remote and Intelliremote and it has the concept of profiles so you can have one profile for ITunes and one for XBMC. So Intelliremote will notice when you switch applications and adjust the profile accordingly so you can have different remote functions depending on the application you are using. You can easily map your MCE Remote to all the functions in XBMC.

Feel free to check it out if you want to get the most out of your HTPC Remote and XBMC.

http://www.intelliremote.com

downloaded intelliremote, it really isnt obvious form the home page that it is a restricted version you download or that it is on a time trial.... great software but seems to be a very underhand way of distrubuting it

[dapex]

Melloware, sorry if i soundn't harsh... was maybe a bit off in my tone of writing..... to be honest I like many people clicked the link, went to the download button and downloaded it, I say the paypal button but presumed it was to donate if we liked it.... Have to say I do like the software, but for my daughters pc (she is 7) and I wanted it mainly so we can use her MCE remote to control Itunes, the price is a bit to high...

I htink the software is great and probably worth every penny if used on the main family media PC but seeing as I cant get XBMC working then I will have to stick with xbox for now:)

[jonte511]

What would your app give me that EventGhost does not?

[dapex]

I downloaded intelliremote and having tried it I now own the full version and for me I loved the simplicity, I installed it, opened Itunes and intellieremote detected it and my MCE remote controlled it.... No hassle and it works

[jonte511]

Sounds like a nice app! Might just try it. And as you say, EventGhost is a bit to complicated to use smoothly.

However EventGhost works fine for the moment. All I'm having trouble with is the correct key mappings for XBMC, but noone here seem to know the correct ones... =/

[topfs2]

If your searching for the keyboard shourtcuts for XBMC they can be found in Keymap.xml (https://xbmc.svn.sourceforge.net/svnroot/xbmc/branches/linuxport/XBMC/userdata/Keymap.xml) in your UserData folder for XBMC

/Topfs2

[boba23]

Hi folks,

I got my HTPC hardware put together and got winxp installed to test my tvout functions first ... later switching to linux or even keeping win+lin on the box, who knows.
I got a Antec Black Fusion 430 and a Speed Link MCE Remote. Now I am trying to get the remote to work. I hope I have the cabling right in the Antec case, but the Remote doesn't do ANYTHING. Shouldn't it at least be able to power down winxp or something with the remote? Or do I need some additional software for it to work? How can I test if the remote is working at all?

Thanks for any help

boba

[dpassent]

I got the same case - Antec Fusion black 430. The Imon IR receiver only works with MCE remote with the Antec's drivers.

DP

[dpassent]

[where's the damn edit button? :)]

I just noticed you got MCE remote. Got to www.soundgraph.com, and install their software for the LCD display and remote. Then you can add xbmc.exe as a profile to the software and map different buttons with different keypresses.

DP

[boba23]

I got the same case - Antec Fusion black 430. The Imon IR receiver only works with MCE remote with the Antec's drivers.

DP

Sorry for those noob questions, but I am totally new to the htpc/remote world ;-)
What do you mean with "works with MCE remote" ? The SpeedLink remote is supposed to be MCE compatible? So you are saying it's not and won't work? Or do you mean it'll only work with MS MCE installed instead of WinXP Pro, that I have right now?

thanks

boba

[boba23]

[where's the damn edit button? :)]

I just noticed you got MCE remote. Got to www.soundgraph.com, and install their software for the LCD display and remote. Then you can add xbmc.exe as a profile to the software and map different buttons with different keypresses.

DP

thanks bro, will give that software a try ...

boba

[offline_thk]

Hi! I have the same case Fusion 430 v2 and the same Remote Harmony 550, and would love if you could post your config files. have you changed something in Keymap.xml to?

I'm also using a Harmony 550 remote, with EventGhost. I first tried using Hip, but it had some strange problems, like not being able to use the directional pad keys, but EventGhost works well.

I still need to figure out the exclusive folder/action feature, as I would like to be able to have certian keys do different things depending on which program you're in.

I aslo tried maged to program an exit script which exits, then terminates XBMC if it's hung up ( which it does do occasionally). I don't want to have to reach for a keyboard.

BTW, I'm currently running a AOpen Mini-Duo MP-965DR w/2.2Ghz Core2 T500 & 2GB RAM. The Intel graphics (GMA X3100) hold it's own when playing HD content.

If anyone is interested in the EventGhost configuration for the Harmony 550, I an post it, just let me know.

I also modified the keymap.xml inside the XBMC/Uset Data folder, so the remote behaves like the real Xbox remote (Left/right keys are small jump and up/down are large jump.

Now if I only could make VOB subs work, I'd be a happy man.

[kinison]

Didnt see my remote spoken about, so here goes. I have dual Dvico Fusion RT5 cards, using their default remote. Dont care about live tv watching or recording in XBMC, but I sure would like to use the remote. Works fine in Windows enviornment, I can move around, launch apps, surf web, etc.

Doesnt work at all in XBMC.

or should I just pony up 20$ and get a certified WMCE Remote? (I never used it much with my Fusion anyway).

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16880121001

[Hitcher]

Try Event Ghost.

[kinison]

Yeah I tried it (that and Intelleremote), I have no idea how to get it to work with XBMC when it works flawlessly for WMCE. The remote I have isnt serial or usb. it plugs into the back of the HDTV capture card with a dim/headphone jack connection.

[karra]

XP MCE Remote ?

No one who portatupp so that it works in full.

It would be super smooth.

[topfs2]

I've posted a super basic first try at turning EventGhost into an EventClient for XBMC here (http://www.eventghost.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=894&p=5384#p5384)

If anyone wants to create an eventclient of the MCE Remote i'd suggest look into the MCE python plugin for EventGhost as the code could probably be very much reused

[BreEil]

having the same problem as anyo when using hip, the up/down/left/right
buttons do not work. I am using my compro t300 remote with compro2hip
installed. been messing around with eventghost and a few others but none
of them recognize my remote :(

[idioteque]

use the IR Server Suite and disable system keys

[alexodwyer]

use the IR Server Suite and disable system keys

I agree, i used this app to set it up and it works pretty well. Although the button assignments are a little daft. But that's easily changed.

[BreEil]

can anyone help with my problem?
when using hip, the up/down/left/right
buttons do not work.
I am using my compro t300 remote
with compro2hip installed.

[BreEil]

Been doing some reading and I think its because xbmc is not an active window.
Which basically means its windowless, really dont know where to take it from there :(

[Andreas129]

Anyone got a xmbc.xml for Intelliremote to share please?

[Andreas129]

I was told XBMC is not a windows application that can be controlled by Intelliremote. I have never used XBMC but I was under the impression it was just an application that actually ran under windows. Is this true or not?

XBMC for Windows
http://xbmc.org/download/

Of course it works for windows, you need to bind the keys and make a profile.

[idioteque]

for an other way to use MCE remote under windows XP with XBMC, for free:

http://xbmc.org/forum/showthread.php?t=36936

[idioteque]

Tested with only this remote

http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/acatalog/5498.jpg

[toiva]

having the same problem as anyo when using hip, the up/down/left/right
buttons do not work.

anyone got reason/solution for this? i'm using mce remote&reciever and xbmc beta 1 :confused2:
other keys work fine, and i've gone through every possible hip setting which might cause this, but no avail :mad:

[toiva]

anyone got reason/solution for this? i'm using mce remote&reciever and xbmc beta 1 :confused2:
other keys work fine, and i've gone through every possible hip setting which might cause this, but no avail :mad:
and no, i'm not going to switch to irss or eventghost, there must be a way go get this working

[Th3R00st3r]

I just mapped the XBMC keys to the keyboard for general control.
Mappings


PC -> Start XBMC Full Screen
Esc -> Green Start Button (to get back to main menu)
Up -> Up Button
Down -> Down Button
Left -> Left Button
Right -> Right Button
Select -> OK Button
Back -> Back Button
Play -> Play Button
Rewind -> Rew Button
FF -> Fed Button
Skip Fwd -> Skip Button
Skip Back ->Replay Button
Vol Up -> Vol Up Button
Vol Down -> Vol Down Button
Vol Mute -> Mute Button
Page Up -> Ch\Page Up Button
Page Down -> Ch\Page Down Button
Toggle Full Screen Video -> DVD Menu Button (only thing left I could use)


Here is the xml for it. Copy it and save it to a file like MCERemote_XBMC_EventGhost.xml. Then open it in Event Ghost. If you need to add more, you can use any of the existing ones as a template.


<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?>
- <EventGhost Name="Configuration Tree" Expanded="True" Version="907" Guid="{EE5718F8-A60C-40CC-9FF1-030EA57723AE}" Time="1228354797.23">
- <Autostart Name="Autostart">
<Action Enabled="False">EventGhost.EnableExclusive(XmlIdLink(213))</Action>
<Plugin File="MceRemote" Identifier="MceRemote">gAIpLg==</Plugin>
</Autostart>
- <Folder Name="XBMC" id="213" Expanded="True">
- <Macro Name="Up">
<Event Name="MceRemote.Up" />
<Action>Window.SendKeys(u'{Up}')</Action>
<Action>EventGhost.AutoRepeat(0.59999999999999998, 0.29999999999999999, 0.01, 3.0)</Action>
</Macro>
- <Macro Name="Down">
<Event Name="MceRemote.Down" />
<Action>Window.SendKeys(u'{Down}')</Action>
<Action>EventGhost.AutoRepeat(0.59999999999999998, 0.29999999999999999, 0.01, 3.0)</Action>
</Macro>
- <Macro Name="Right">
<Event Name="MceRemote.Right" />
<Action>Window.SendKeys(u'{Right}')</Action>
<Action>EventGhost.AutoRepeat(0.59999999999999998, 0.29999999999999999, 0.01, 3.0)</Action>
</Macro>
- <Macro Name="Left">
<Event Name="MceRemote.Left" />
<Action>Window.SendKeys(u'{Left}')</Action>
</Macro>
- <Macro Name="Ok -> Enter Key">
<Event Name="MceRemote.Ok" />
<Action>Window.SendKeys(u'{Enter}', False)</Action>
</Macro>
- <Macro Name="Home -> Escape Key">
<Event Name="MceRemote.Start" />
<Action>Window.SendKeys(u'{Esc}')</Action>
</Macro>
<Macro Name="Power -> Alt+F4" />
- <Macro Name="Forward -> F">
<Event Name="MceRemote.Forward" />
<Action>Window.SendKeys(u'F', False)</Action>
<Action>EventGhost.AutoRepeat(0.59999999999999998, 0.29999999999999999, 0.01, 3.0)</Action>
</Macro>
- <Macro Name="Rewind -> R">
<Event Name="MceRemote.Rewind" />
<Action>Window.SendKeys(u'R', False)</Action>
<Action>EventGhost.AutoRepeat(0.59999999999999998, 0.29999999999999999, 0.01, 3.0)</Action>
</Macro>
- <Macro Name="ChannelUp -> Page Up">
<Event Name="ChannelUp" />
<Action>Window.SendKeys(u'{PageUp}', False)</Action>
</Macro>
- <Macro Name="ChannelDown -> Page Down">
<Event Name="ChannelDown" />
<Action>Window.SendKeys(u'{PageDown}', False)</Action>
</Macro>
- <Macro Name="Rename -> Start Menu">
<Event Name="Rename" />
<Action>Window.SendKeys(u'{Win}')</Action>
</Macro>
- <Macro Name="Play -> Space">
<Event Name="MceRemote.Pause" />
<Event Name="MceRemote.Play" />
<Action>Window.SendKeys(u'{Space}')</Action>
</Macro>
- <Macro Name="Start Program: XBMC.exe">
<Event Name="MceRemote.Power" />
<Action>System.Execute(u'C:\\Program Files\\XBMC\\XBMC.exe', u'-fs -p', 2, False, 2, u'')</Action>
</Macro>
- <Macro Name="Back -> Backspace">
<Event Name="Backspace" />
<Event Name="MceRemote.Back" />
<Action>Window.SendKeys(u'{Backspace}', False)</Action>
</Macro>
- <Macro Name="Skip Forward -> .">
<Event Name="MceRemote.Skip" />
<Action>Window.SendKeys(u'.', False)</Action>
<Action>EventGhost.AutoRepeat(0.59999999999999998, 0.29999999999999999, 0.01, 3.0)</Action>
</Macro>
- <Macro Name="Skip Replay -> ,">
<Event Name="MceRemote.Replay" />
<Action>Window.SendKeys(u',', False)</Action>
<Action>EventGhost.AutoRepeat(0.59999999999999998, 0.29999999999999999, 0.01, 3.0)</Action>
</Macro>
- <Macro Name="Decrease Volume">
<Event Name="MceRemote.1813" />
<Action>Window.SendKeys(u'-')</Action>
<Action>EventGhost.AutoRepeat(0.59999999999999998, 0.29999999999999999, 0.01, 3.0)</Action>
</Macro>
- <Macro Name="Increase Volume">
<Event Name="MceRemote.1812" />
<Action>Window.SendKeys(u'+')</Action>
<Action>EventGhost.AutoRepeat(0.59999999999999998, 0.29999999999999999, 0.01, 3.0)</Action>
</Macro>
- <Macro Name="Mute Sound Card">
<Event Name="Mute" />
<Action>System.ToggleMute()</Action>
</Macro>
- <Macro Name="Info">
<Event Name="MceRemote.Details" />
<Action>Window.SendKeys(u'i', False)</Action>
</Macro>
- <Macro Name="Toggle Full Screen Video {Tabulator}">
<Event Name="MceRemote.DVD_Menu" />
<Action>Window.SendKeys(u'{Tabulator}', False)</Action>
</Macro>
</Folder>
</EventGhost>