Windows 7 Vista XP Media Center MCE PC Remote Control and Infrared Receiver

• Infrared wireless freedom up to 10 meters
• One remote to contol all of your digital media
• Friendly Media Center Menu (The Microsoft Media Centre Edition on-screen menus are specially for Remote Control interaction)
• Play Music Right from your remote control (Control your DVD/VCD/MP3/Audio media functions directly and easily from your remote control)
• Mouse Function: Control your cursor without a mouse

So I bought this remote with the intent of only using it's IR receiver and programming my Harmony one to control Windows 7 Media Center 64 bit. I found out, however, that the remote isn't in logitech's remote database, and also doesn't seem to use the generic microsoft codes that most remotes use. I therefore had to manually "teach" the harmony my remote's codes in RAW format. The problem with this is that this method caused significant lag and delay that I couldn't fix with inter-device and inter-key delays/repeats in Logitech's manual setup. After an afternoon on the phone with logitech level 2 support, I was finally able to remove the lag/delay and get my remote functioning properly. If one is planning on using this remote and included IR receiver together as intended, I would definitely recommend it. It works very well with WMC, and I haven't found anything wrong with it. It is quick and responsive, and all commands work properly. I'm mainly writing this review for others who were contemplating this purchase for the IR receiver to be used with their Harmony/universal remote. The lag/delay issue can be overcome, but it's going to take a call to logitech level 2 support to correct. For those who are buying this with the intent on using the remote and supplied IR receiver with WMC, I would whole-heartedly recommend it.

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This remote connects easily and works well for Windows Media Center. However, I bought this for use with XBMC only to discover that this is not truly a "remote"; It simulates keyboard presses instead, which means that an advanced remote config program such as EventGhost cannot be used as it does not identify almost all of the buttons on the remote. This is dissapointing because It cannot be remapped to work for a custom program (ie controlling winamp, itunes, XBMC, etc). If you are buying this for purely Windows Media Center, than go for it. It's a great deal. If you want something more out of your remote, then look elsewhere.

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First, I want to point out that this remote is a bargain remote, not a top of the line one.

I intended to only use this remote with Windows Media Center (works great with Windows 7 Media Center), but realize that most of the buttons work with XBMC. Everything I have tried with the remote seems to work great, but haven't had a chance to fully play with the advanced features of XBMC. However, if you are looking for just a cheap remote to control it, this should work great.

For the people wondering what the model number is (for Harmony remotes), on the back it says: VRC-1100 (And if you Google the model number, you will find it is an Ortek VRC-1100).

Anyone that is having problems getting this to work with their Harmony remotes, open up the Logitech software and click Add Device. Select Computer>Media Center. Find ORTek listed and then type in VRC-1100. Update the remote and your Logitech remote should work when you get to the testing phase. There is absolutely no reason to learn IR from this remote (unless I'm missing one of the advanced features).

Now on to the cons.

The mouse feature is gimmicky at best. It is very slow and the accuracy isn't stellar. But then again, this is not a wireless mouse, it is a remote.

The IR sensor is a bit gimmicky as well and there isn't an easy way to make it stay still. I'm thinking about attaching some velcro to the bottom of it so my cats won't play with it.

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Bought this to replace my aging ATI Remote Wonder. Needed something that would work on XP MCE 2005 and Vista, as I have to keep a version of XP on my computer for work. I have triple booted XP MCE 2005/Vista Home Prem/Win7(RC) on my machine and this baby works with all of them. No installation disc needed. Also Works with PowerDVD 7 & 8. Mouse control is a little slow but I don't use it much. Works from anywhere in my room, even if it's not pointed at the IR receiver! Buying a second (and maybe a third for backup) for my HTPC. Best price of all the MCE remotes too!

This item is as good as the reviewers say I was impressed with the ease of installation (took less than a minute on my Acer Revo Win 7 model), and the hot buttons worked well with Media Center. I just installed the unit today, so I'm still working through it; but, my initial thoughts are very positive. The price was something that also appealed to me no reason to spend more when this baby has so many features! Speaking of features, I'm really excited about using the mouse which is installed in the middle of the remote, along with left-and right-click buttons. Overall, this was a good buy and would recommend it with the configuration mentioned.

UPDATE: 10/25/2010

Since my initial review, I have come to appreciate this unit even more. I just built a HTPC with Windows 7 64-bit, and was not happy with the Hauppauge remote for the dual tuner 1850. In desperation, I decided to move the remote from my Acer downstairs to this unit and I can tell you that is clearly the best remote I've ever used. It plugged into a non-generic build of WMC7 with no problems. I also like it because it's much simpler for my wife to use than the Harmonys. I could see her and others getting frustrated at the size of the Harmony and the functions you have to perform to switch between remotes. The mouse and left/right click buttons are excellent, and the hot buttons really simplify the Media Center experience. Nearly all the buttons you will need (minus TV power and input selection) are included, and the mouse is a terrific edition. Once you get used to it, you can perform very simple functions like moving and selecting links.

I am so happy with the unit that I just bought another one for the Acer! I cannot think of a better remote than this one for the price, there is simply no comparision!!