Nifty idea to remote control your TV from your laptop

[drmiphesto]

Just thought I would post this for those people that want to use their laptop as a TV remote control. I did hours (and days) of research to find out what all I needed because there isn't a lot out there on this subject. Mine works flawlessly and I love it! And it is very simple and inexpensive to set up if you already have a dedicated computer.

You will need a main computer that is always on (or you could use the IR controller just plugged in to your laptop if you don't mind having a log cord sticking out with an IR transmitter sticking out ;-) - If you use ActiveHome pro you probably already have this anyway.

List of things you will need:

1. Dedicated computer
2. Powermid - you can get it here http://www.x10.com/automation/pm5900_s.html
3. IR transmitter. I used the USB UIRT available here http://www.usbuirt.com/ - there are others just make sure it is compatible with the software.
4. IRcommand2 software - located here http://www.wdpsoftware.com/
5. Remote computer software such as accessremotepc.com

All you need to do is set the IR dongle pointing towards your Powermid transmitter on the dedicated computer. Install the IRcommand2 software on your dedicated computer and set up your remote controls in the system. I then plugged in my powermid receiver in an area about 15 feet in front of my TV, satellite receiver, dvd player, and Audio receiver. I did not need the optional extender that you can buy for the powermid since I was lucky enough to have mine aimed directly at all of my components.

Once you get everything set up, just log in to your dedicated computer with your laptop and control away! I always have my laptop on and I always know where it is (I can't say the same for my remote controls with the kids and dogs in the house) - so now I never have a problem controlling everything!

I am also working now to have voice recognition with this so I don't even need my laptop! If anyone has any more ideas feel free to add them!

[HA Dave]

I am also working now to have voice recognition with this so I don't even need my laptop! If anyone has any more ideas feel free to add them!

Bill (of wgjohns.com) is releasing his BVC (Bill'sVoice Commander) with IR support any day now (I have already been beta testing it a little). I have been running BVC on a dedicated HA computer in the basement (24/7) for several months.

I even showed BVC in a YouTube video

[-Bill- (of wgjohns.com)]

I am also working now to have voice recognition with this so I don't even need my laptop! If anyone has any more ideas feel free to add them!

Bill (of wgjohns.com) is releasing his BVC (Bill'sVoice Commander) with IR support any day now (I have already been beta testing it a little). I have been running BVC on a dedicated HA computer in the basement (24/7) for several months.

Yes, and talk about a lucky coincidence, BVC only supports the USB-UIRT for IR control so far!   

[Walt2]

List of things you will need:

1. Dedicated computer
2. Powermid - you can get it here http://www.x10.com/automation/pm5900_s.html

3.  ActiveHome2 with a CM14A.   

[-Bill- (of wgjohns.com)]

drmiphesto,

Just in case you aren't already following the BVC thread, BVC with USB-UIRT infra-red support was released this morning!

See the notice here: BVC Release Notice

Happy automating!   

[drmiphesto]

drmiphesto,

Just in case you aren't already following the BVC thread, BVC with USB-UIRT infra-red support was released this morning!

See the notice here: BVC Release Notice

Happy automating!   

Fantastic! Just what I have been waiting for. Thanks for the update!

[drmiphesto]

List of things you will need:

1. Dedicated computer
2. Powermid - you can get it here http://www.x10.com/automation/pm5900_s.html

3.  ActiveHome2 with a CM14A.   

Nope you don't need these. Nothing runs through Activehome or the Cm14a. Thanks for the input though!