Standard tv remote?

[se99jmk]

Hello

bit of a long shot this one.. I currently use a MacBook Pro connected by HDMI and audio cable to a Samsung HDTV. (Older 2009 model so audio isn't carried over HDMI unfortunately).

I use the standard tv remote to control audio. Is there any way I can use the standard remote's other functions to do things like play / pause / stop etc.?

My vague understanding is that HDMI signals are bidirectional, so very theoretically the signals are passed back to the laptop (the tv remote works with a Samsung DVD player hidden in the cupboard, so play / pause / stop signals can be received by the tv and used with other devices)

I'm guessing I would need to install something on the Mac to enable receiving signals from the remote.. Can anyone suggest anything, or if something like this is even possible?

(Currently using Boxee app on iOS + tv remote for volume, would prefer just tv remote! Easier for GF to use :-) )

[dadein]

Why not use the Apple Remote (http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC377LL/A)?

[se99jmk]

Well, could do yes.. but for two reasons:

1) That won't control the volume of the TV
2) I'm trying to avoid spending at the moment if possible ;-p (Saving up for a Drobo S)

Besides which, that would still mean using two remotes - Ideally I'd like to consolidate to one (without having to buy the Uber harmony remote).

So, would it be theoretically possible to control Boxee using the existing TV RF remote, or is my thinking flawed somewhere? (I don't know a lot about RF remotes / HDMI etc, so as I said, it's a long shot... )

Jamie

[dadein]

Having a Windows / Linux background (I have used Eventghost (http://www.eventghost.org/), LM Remote Keymap (http://www.lmgestion.net/@en-us/4/22/60/article.asp), LIRC (http://www.lirc.org/), etc for remote setups) with NO Mac experience, I may not be the one to help out. However, I have heard of people using Remote Buddy (http://www.iospirit.com/products/remotebuddy/) to get more flexibility in configuring remote for Apple Mac computers.

[se99jmk]

Having a Windows / Linux background (I have used Eventghost (http://www.eventghost.org/), LM Remote Keymap (http://www.lmgestion.net/@en-us/4/22/60/article.asp), LIRC (http://www.lirc.org/), etc for remote setups) with NO Mac experience, I may not be the one to help out. However, I have heard of people using Remote Buddy (http://www.iospirit.com/products/remotebuddy/) to get more flexibility in configuring remote for Apple Mac computers.

Hmmm.. So the theory of using the IR Receiver in the TV, tv remote, and having the signals passed down the HDMI line may not be crazy after all ;-p

Still, I'm having trouble seeing any articles talking about taking the signal from the TV through RF, down the HDMI cable to a computer (Mac / Windows or Linux). Any pointers to get started?

[dadein]

Hmmm.. So the theory of using the IR Receiver in the TV, tv remote, and having the signals passed down the HDMI line may not be crazy after all ;-p Still, I'm having trouble seeing any articles talking about taking the signal from the TV through RF, down the HDMI cable to a computer (Mac / Windows or Linux). Any pointers to get started?
No, that idea is not going to work for Boxee and it is not what I was trying to say. It might work for your matched set Samsung TV and DVD player, but that's about it.

What I was offering was first, get an Apple Remote and control the volume of Boxee with it OR second, offer an idea of how you might be able to use Remote Buddy (http://www.iospirit.com/products/remotebuddy/) to get more flexibility in configuring a remote that would do what you are trying to do.

[se99jmk]

Ah - ok gotcha.. Ok looks like I'll need to stick with the iPhone as a remote for now ;-p

I am curious though, it makes sense that if the signals can be used for a DVD player received through the TV, then that same signal could control other devices.. (Although presumably Samsung has locked it down tight..)

The particular system for Samsung is Anynet+ (http://www.samsung.com/us/article/use-one-remote-to-control-your-entire-entertainment-system-with-anynet-), though of course other Manufacturers have their own way of tying together all their branded devices.

Soo.. In theory the HTPC just needs to 'look' like a branded DVD player..

[dadein]

Now ya tell me you have a iPhone(who doesn't... ME!). :( ;)

The Boxee iPhone Remote is a great solution for you, volume and all.

The Samsung Anynet+ (AKA - HDMI CEC) is a nice solution, however, AFAIK, it is not implemented in the Boxee Box OR the Boxee software, YET? ...although it would be a nice feature.

You might want to take a look at the Feature Requests (http://forums.boxee.tv/forumdisplay.php?f=12) forum to see if it is mentioned. And if not, you should post a suggestion for this feature to see if there is interest.

[se99jmk]

Yup! iPhone is indeed teh best ;-)

I guess for me though there are currently four disadvantages:
1) end up using two remotes (volume on tv remote, controls on iPhone)
2) No backgrounding, so limited ability to use phone for other functions (Hippo Remote is better, and is supposed to auto-pause when a call comes in, but prefer Boxee App!)
3) GF can't control Boxee if I'm out (only one iPhone in this couple..)
4) It may be just me, but I don't find it easy to go for the pause button quickly when needed (I can hit the pause button on the tv remote without looking :-) )

Quick bit 'o research this evening and it looks like the new Mac Mini 'may' support HDMI CEC, but I don't think the Macbook Pro does..

---------------

Will indeed add it to feature requests if not already in there. Anyone else have a pointer to enabling HDMI CEC on Windows / Linux / OS X?

[offersking]

The remote is largely based on the interface of the first generation iPod Shuffle and has only six buttons.