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Microsoft Media Center Remote Guide    
Created February 3, 2010
One thing you'll need to complete your Media Center PC setup is a compatible remote. Some PC tuners include a remote, but most only work with the included software, which is many cases is inferior to Microsoft Media Center. A Media Center remote will cost $15 and up depending on features. All Media Center remotes will have the following features: Special Media Center buttons:
Other more DVR like Buttons:
Some are learning remotes and will tuner on/off a TV or other devices and control volume of other devices such as a audio tuner. Others have the ability to be a remote mouse. Others have extended range. Others include IR blasters for changing channels on a set-top box (go HERE for instructions on how to set up Media Center Remote IR blasters). Included with all remotes is a IR receive that "receives" the transmitted commands from the remote. It plugs into a USB port on your PC. Windows (XP, Vista and Win 7) will automatically install the IR receiver drivers, no CD required. Remotes are normally good from 20 feet or so from the IR receiver. Below are some examples of the different remotes and their features. This is your basic Media Center remote with standard features only
This is basically a standard remote, but also has mouse capability
This remote has a mouse ball, but no other extra features
This a one of the few Media Center learning remotes but has no mouse capability
Need extra range? This remote work up to 60 feet, thru walls and door. Otherwise it's a stock Media Center Remote.
The remote has IR blasters for remote control of a set-top box, but no mouse or learning capability. For how to setup IR blasters, go HERE.
The low end Logitech Harmony 300 is a programmable remote that can control up to 4 devices (including Media Center of course). You will need a PC IR receiver for it to work with Media Center. Probably the best way to get a IR receiver is to buy a cheap Media Center remote, like the first one above, use the receiver part and save the remote itself as a backup.
The remote I use is the HP D4000, that was originally designed for HP’s line of Microsoft Media Center enabled TV’s. The D4000 is programmable for TV, audio systems, cable and satellite set-top boxes, and various other devices (like an XBOX 360), however it is primarily a Media Center remote. It is also back-lit. You do need access to two .pdf manuals for the programmable codes, the first is HERE. How to program the D4000 is on pages 54-47 and the TV codes are on pages 106-112. The other device codes are HERE starting on page 53. If you are using it for a Media Center computer, you’ll also need a remote receiver that plugs into a USB port. You can use this remote to control any Microsoft Media Center (XP, Vista, or Windows 7), along with the other devices. The best thing is it is under $20, but only while they last. HP has released the remaining D4000 remotes to various vendors and does not plan to make any more.
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