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+---- Thread: [WINDOWS] HOW-TO use a Logitech Harmony Remote with XBMC (/showthread.php?tid=77519)
- bodhi - 2011-09-11 14:54
babca Wrote:1. elitegamer360's (great) Registry config, Win7 & XBMC
2. Logitech Harmony 650
2. HP Media Center IR Infrared USB Receiver OVU400103/00
from luoluohun (ebay) bought 2 months ago
3. 'MCE Remote' device in Harmony setup
4. tweaked delays (100ms, 100ms) and decreased the setting in Device > Troubleshoot > HTPC responds too many times or only occasionally
After step 4, the remote is usable, but there is still annoying IR queuing when scrolling in menus (=multiple presses send too slowly after each other).
What has to be done to improve performance? I haven't found any further advice than "don't use EventGhost" etc.
Thanks to all who will try to help
Using the Harmony on Win 7 for XBMC, you don't really need to do any thing fancy. Just use MCE Keyboard and MCE SE devices as described in this thread (don't use MCE Remote). No lag, no IR queuing!
The correct names for these 2 devices are MCE Keyboard and Windows Media Center SE.
If you ever run into a snag then think about Event Ghost or Registry Config.
That's how I've set it up and never have lag or queuing problem (probably for more than a year, don't recall when I installed XBMC the first time). I've never adjusted the inter key delay, either.
That's my recommendation. Some time we try to do much, and end up making it worse. The Registry Config is a great tool, but we don't need to go that far using Harmony remotes for XBMC.
- HiSoC8Y - 2011-09-11 17:06
Thanks for the guide.
I managed to get my Dell RC6 work with my Harmony 900.
However, when I press power on the remote, Windows Media Center starts, not XBMC.
How to resolve this?
- Gingerbread Man - 2011-09-11 18:40
bodhi Wrote:All you'll have to do is to set the power saving settings on your PC (WIn 7 or XP). Choose the Sleep option when the Power button is pressed. And when you press the All Off button on the Harmony remote, it will try to turn off the HTPC, and thus putting the PC to sleep. And also should check the power saving setting inside XBMC (Shutdown Function should be set to Quit).
All power settings are set to sleep.
- Gingerbread Man - 2011-09-11 18:48
jhsrennie Wrote:That sounds as if it is sending alt-F4. You can check by grabbing the ShowKey applet from http://xbmcmce.sourceforge.net/. Run Showkey and press the button on the remote and ShowKey will report what, if any, keypresses are being sent.
Have a look at http://wiki.xbmc.org/index.php?title=Using_a_Microsoft_remote_control_in_Windows and see if your receiver is using the eHome driver. If so you'll be able to reconfigure the button actions. If not, you're probably stuck. If you do want to get a new receiver look for a Microsoft or HP receiver on eBay. Actually Amazon often have these receivers as well.
JR
Right, a quick look in the device manager looks like my infra-red receiver isn't running eHome. I'm guessing you cant make a receiver run like this, it either does or doesn't!?
Secondly, I've installed ShowKey and it seems to say Alt F4 as you guessed.
So new receiver needed!?
Would any of these do -
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Windows-Control-Infrared-Receiver-Ultimate/dp/B003ZV3J72/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1315759746&sr=8-1
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/microsoft-media-centre-remote-and-receiver-/300598415676?pt=UK_Collectables_InputDevices_RL&hash=item45fd0fd13c
- babca - 2011-09-11 20:53
bodhi Wrote:The correct names for these 2 devices are MCE Keyboard and Windows Media Center SE.
That's how I've set it up and never have lag or queuing problem (probably for more than a year, don't recall when I installed XBMC the first time). I've never adjusted the inter key delay, either.
Thanks for your advice, but it's completely the same, "queuing" is still there.
There is an icon in the bottom right corner on the remote's display indicating active transmit of IR command. When I press 15 times for example 'arrow down' button, the icon stays on for at least 2 seconds. Does your remote behave like this?
Thanks
- bodhi - 2011-09-11 22:24
babca Wrote:Thanks for your advice, but it's completely the same, "queuing" is still there.
There is an icon in the bottom right corner on the remote's display indicating active transmit of IR command. When I press 15 times for example 'arrow down' button, the icon stays on for at least 2 seconds. Does your remote behave like this?
Thanks
For every day usage, I use Harmony 360, so the indicator is the back light on the Activity button. And the light flashes immediately each time one of the arrow buttons is pressed, and XBMC reacts immediately. If I press and hold down an arrow button, e.g. the right button, on the main menu, it cycles very quickly and the XBMC main menu also advances to the right just as quick (horizontal menu). When the button is released, the XBMC main menu stops advancing immediately.
I think the lag, or queuing, is a problem seems to be specific on Harmony 650 and Harmony One. I don't recall seeing people reporting this about other models.
BTW, I'm using the Philips-OVU4003/00 receiver. This RC6 receiver is the OEM for various brands, such as Dell.
- jhsrennie - 2011-09-12 09:31
Gingerbread Man Wrote:Would any of these do -
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Windows-Control-Infrared-Receiver-Ultimate/dp/B003ZV3J72/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1315759746&sr=8-1
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/microsoft-media-centre-remote-and-receiver-/300598415676?pt=UK_Collectables_InputDevices_RL&hash=item45fd0fd13c
The VRC-1100 is a competant remote but has some limitations and isn't configurable. The Microsoft remote is a much better bet, though be prepared to pay a lot for it as they seem to be in demand these days.
JR
- Gingerbread Man - 2011-09-12 20:23
jhsrennie Wrote:The VRC-1100 is a competent remote but has some limitations and isn't configurable. The Microsoft remote is a much better bet, though be prepared to pay a lot for it as they seem to be in demand these days.
JR
Just after a good receiver to go with my Harmony really. Remote can be crap!
- Calcvictim - 2011-09-12 21:10
HiSoC8Y Wrote:Thanks for the guide.
I managed to get my Dell RC6 work with my Harmony 900.
However, when I press power on the remote, Windows Media Center starts, not XBMC.
How to resolve this?
1)What devices are added to the harmony, is it MCE Keyboard and Media Center SE...or is it something else
2)Under activity find the computer and press "customize button".....what is the power button mapped to?
For the people who have a big lag with the 650, describe your setup. I have a 650 and set the delays to zero(using the HP receiver)and have no noticeable delay compared to the keyboard. I am not running even ghost and most of my buttons are mapped to Media Center SE besides the "back" button, that one is mapped to MCE Keyboard "ESC"
- jhsrennie - 2011-09-13 09:54
Gingerbread Man Wrote:Just after a good receiver to go with my Harmony really. Remote can be crap!
The receiver is the key bit of the remote, since that's what the OS sees. All the handset does is send an infra red signal. The limitations of the VRC-1100 lie in the receiver not the handset.
Having said that, I'm currently using a VRC-1100 receiver with my Harmony 300.
JR