SnapStream Firefly Remote and Boxee

[poetxpress]

I just got my Firefly remote working with Boxee thanks to EventGhost which is truly excellent software. A plus is that EventGhost takes the place of the bloatware that comes with the Firefly remote (BeyondMedia, etc).

Step 1. Hook up your SnapStream Firefly remote and install the drivers (but not the beyondmedia, etc).

Step 2. Install EventGhost (www.eventghost.org)

Step 3. Download the attached xml file and open it with EventGhost

And it should just work. It is quite nice to have use of all of the control buttons instead of just up, down, left, right and select.

[agentlame]

best remote in the world... thanks for the tip on getting it running in windows!

[Digerati]

Awesome!!! I will test this tonight; I had configured my Firefly remote using IntelliRemote but not all of the buttons worked even after I modified the XBMC .xml profile. Thanks a bunch :)

[Neilyboy]

Very awesome! I will try this out tonight Thanks again.

Neil

[caseypicker]

Where's the cheapest place to find the SnapStream Firefly remote? A lot of the major online retailers don't seem to carry it...

[agentlame]

Where's the cheapest place to find the SnapStream Firefly remote? A lot of the major online retailers don't seem to carry it...

i got an oem-whitebox one on ebay for ~$25USD.

[khirsah]

I snagged the remote back in the day when I picked up beyondtv.. however its been so long since i used it, i can find the USB receiver, but not the stinkin remote! ooooh woe is me

[anomaly07]

There is no need for Event Ghost to use Boxee with this remote.

Just copy/paste this code into a file called Boxee.xml and save it in this path "C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\SnapStream\Firefly\Profiles" on XP. It's a little different on Vista. I believe the path is "C:\ProgramData\SnapStream\Firefly\Profiles", not exactly sure. Then you can edit GLOBAL.xml to launch Boxee with the "Firefly" button. This is the code for the "Firefly" button.

<Actions Button="Firefly" Description="Boxee">
<LaunchAction ActivationState="Down" Program="C:\Program Files\Boxee\BOXEE.exe" Arguments="-fs -p" />
<PlaySoundAction ActivationState="Down" Sound="Select" />
</Actions>

Just make sure you don't have 2 entries for the "Firefly" button.

Here is the Boxee.xml code.

<Profile Type="SnapStream.Firefly.Core.Profile" Name="BOXEE" ShowOSD="false">
<Identifier WindowText="BOXEE" FileName="" />
<Actions Button="Right" Description="Right">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="{right}" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Left" Description="Left">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="{left}" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Down" Description="Down">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="{down}" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Up" Description="Up">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="{up}" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="OK" Description="Select">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="{enter}" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="VolumeDown" Description="Volume Down">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="{subtract}" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="VolumeUp" Description="Volume Up">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="{add}" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="ChannelDown" Description="Channel Down">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="{pgdn}" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="ChannelUp" Description="Channel Up">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="{pgup}" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Exit" Description="Exit Player">
<KeyAction Keys="{alt}{f4}" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Maximize" Description="Full Screen">
<KeyAction ActivationState="Down" Keys="{tab}" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Rewind" Description="Rewind">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="R" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="FastForward" Description="Fast Forward">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="F" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Stop" Description="Stop">
<KeyAction ActivationState="Down" Keys="X" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Play" Description="Play/Pause">
<KeyAction ActivationState="Down" Keys="P" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Pause" Description="Play/Pause">
<KeyAction ActivationState="Down" Keys=" " />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Number0" Description="0">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="0" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Number1" Description="1">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="1" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Number2" Description="2">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="2" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Number3" Description="3">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="3" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Number4" Description="4">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="4" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Number5" Description="5">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="5" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Number6" Description="6">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="6" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Number7" Description="7">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="7" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Number8" Description="8">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="8" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Number9" Description="9">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="9" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="ChannelEnter" Description="Queue">
<KeyAction Keys="Q" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Menu" Description="Menu">
<KeyAction Keys="M" ActivationState="DownRepeat"/>
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Exit" Description="Exit">
<KeyAction Keys="{esc}" ActivationState="DownRepeat"/>
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Options" Description="Context Menu">
<KeyAction Keys="CONTEXTMENU" ActivationState="DownRepeat"/>
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Info" Description="Info">
<KeyAction Keys="I" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="SkipBack" Description="Previous Track">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="," />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="SkipForward" Description="Next Track">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="." />
</Actions>
</Profile>

[tgggd86]

best remote in the world... thanks for the tip on getting it running in windows!


I don't see what makes this so great. Why not use a standard MC remote or harmony remote?

[agentlame]

I don't see what makes this so great. Why not use a standard MC remote or harmony remote?

it's rf, not ir... unlike the mce; it has many more buttons than the mce.

also, it has a better lay-out than most mce remotes.

as for the harmony, it's a learning remote, not a native pc remote. it's it's waaaaaaaay over priced. and for all that price it's a crappy ir remote.

[tgggd86]

Well I can get the harmony one for a little over 100 bucks and I have no need for rf since all my components can be turned on even when pointing my remote at the ceiling. Is there a delay on this remote? Because the harmony remotes that are rf but have an infared satelite transmitter have like a 1 to 1/2 second delay which is unacceptable.

[agentlame]

Well I can get the harmony one for a little over 100 bucks and I have no need for rf since all my components can be turned on even when pointing my remote at the ceiling. Is there a delay on this remote? Because the harmony remotes that are rf but have an infared satelite transmitter have like a 1 to 1/2 second delay which is unacceptable.

no delay... but the remote is not a universal remote... it is only a computer remote.

as for ir-vs-rf: ir is a silly technology that should have been done away with years ago. line-of-sight? really? in 2008?

it doesn't matter where your components are, ir is 1970's tech.

[tgggd86]

it doesn't matter where your components are, ir is 1970's tech.

HAHA I'll note that :) bluetooth was supposed to be it's replacement but I think we all know how terrible of a technology that is...

[caseypicker]

There is no need for Event Ghost to use Boxee with this remote.

Just copy/paste this code into a file called Boxee.xml and save it in this path "C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\SnapStream\Firefly\Profiles" on XP. It's a little different on Vista. I believe the path is "C:\ProgramData\SnapStream\Firefly\Profiles", not exactly sure. Then you can edit GLOBAL.xml to launch Boxee with the "Firefly" button. This is the code for the "Firefly" button.

<Actions Button="Firefly" Description="Boxee">
<LaunchAction ActivationState="Down" Program="C:\Program Files\Boxee\BOXEE.exe" Arguments="-fs -p" />
<PlaySoundAction ActivationState="Down" Sound="Select" />
</Actions>

Just make sure you don't have 2 entries for the "Firefly" button.

Here is the Boxee.xml code.

<Profile Type="SnapStream.Firefly.Core.Profile" Name="BOXEE" ShowOSD="false">
<Identifier WindowText="BOXEE" FileName="" />
<Actions Button="Right" Description="Right">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="{right}" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Left" Description="Left">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="{left}" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Down" Description="Down">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="{down}" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Up" Description="Up">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="{up}" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="OK" Description="Select">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="{enter}" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="VolumeDown" Description="Volume Down">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="{subtract}" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="VolumeUp" Description="Volume Up">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="{add}" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="ChannelDown" Description="Channel Down">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="{pgdn}" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="ChannelUp" Description="Channel Up">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="{pgup}" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Exit" Description="Exit Player">
<KeyAction Keys="{alt}{f4}" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Maximize" Description="Full Screen">
<KeyAction ActivationState="Down" Keys="{tab}" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Rewind" Description="Rewind">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="R" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="FastForward" Description="Fast Forward">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="F" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Stop" Description="Stop">
<KeyAction ActivationState="Down" Keys="X" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Play" Description="Play/Pause">
<KeyAction ActivationState="Down" Keys="P" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Pause" Description="Play/Pause">
<KeyAction ActivationState="Down" Keys=" " />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Number0" Description="0">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="0" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Number1" Description="1">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="1" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Number2" Description="2">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="2" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Number3" Description="3">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="3" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Number4" Description="4">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="4" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Number5" Description="5">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="5" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Number6" Description="6">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="6" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Number7" Description="7">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="7" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Number8" Description="8">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="8" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Number9" Description="9">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="9" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="ChannelEnter" Description="Queue">
<KeyAction Keys="Q" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Menu" Description="Menu">
<KeyAction Keys="M" ActivationState="DownRepeat"/>
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Exit" Description="Exit">
<KeyAction Keys="{esc}" ActivationState="DownRepeat"/>
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Options" Description="Context Menu">
<KeyAction Keys="CONTEXTMENU" ActivationState="DownRepeat"/>
</Actions>
<Actions Button="Info" Description="Info">
<KeyAction Keys="I" />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="SkipBack" Description="Previous Track">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="," />
</Actions>
<Actions Button="SkipForward" Description="Next Track">
<KeyAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Keys="." />
</Actions>
</Profile>

Awesome! Thanks for the tip! I'll try this out as soon as my remote arrives. I bought it on eBay for $24! So excited...

[caseypicker]

This works like a charm on my XP MCE 2005 box! I didn't need to use EventGhost at all. One weird issue is happening with Hulu content: when I press the Pause button, Boxee says that the video is paused, but it continues to play. Not sure it's related to the remote at all, but thought I'd mention it. Thanks!

[agentlame]

This works like a charm on my XP MCE 2005 box! I didn't need to use EventGhost at all. One weird issue is happening with Hulu content: when I press the Pause button, Boxee says that the video is paused, but it continues to play. Not sure it's related to the remote at all, but thought I'd mention it. Thanks!

this is a bug in the current version of boxee.

[caseypicker]

this is a bug in the current version of boxee.

Great to know. Thanks so much! Is there any timeline for the next Alpha Update release?

[vogelap]

Here is the Boxee.xml code.
<snip>

Thanks! VERY useful!

[poetxpress]

Even if not using it to interface w boxee, eventghost allows me to customize the control of the pc in mouse mode. I recently set it up so that I can open the windows menu, launch firefox, etc. Now if I can just figure out how to get it to control x10 lighting, I'll have a one remote solution.

[ogre5290]

Are you sure this is the correct Global.xml syntax for launching boxee? Each time I press the Firefly button, Boxee launches another running copy. If I press it 4 times in a row, Boxee is running 4 times. Is there a way to only launch it if it is not already running? That is to say, is there a way to just bring it to the forground?

Thanks!

[nirvdrum]

Thanks anomaly07.

The profile works great. I didn't need to mess around with EventGhost at all. Boxee is now actually usable for me. Without Firefly support, I basically had to VNC into the box, which as you can imagine was quite cumbersome.

[ri0tnerrrrrd]

Thanks this was very useful info. Finally got around to setting up my firefly for boxee and it seems to be mostly functional.

My only major annoyance is when watching DVDs (isos) pressing the menu key on the remote doesn't bring up the DVD menu. It seems like it is mapped to the "M" key, but in the keyboard shortcut info in the FAQ there isn't even a mention of a keyboard shortcut for dvd-menu. Is this action even mapped? It seems to me like it would be very useful.

Also it's a little odd that the skip forward/back buttons don't skip to the next DVD chapter, but I actually like the finer controls of this approach...so no real complaint there.

[Jonah11]

There is no need for Event Ghost to use Boxee with this remote.

Just copy/paste this code into a file called Boxee.xml and save it in this path "C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\SnapStream\Firefly\Profiles" on XP. It's a little different on Vista. I believe the path is "C:\ProgramData\SnapStream\Firefly\Profiles", not exactly sure. Then you can edit GLOBAL.xml to launch Boxee with the "Firefly" button. This is the code for the "Firefly" button.

I am trying to get this to work with my firefly mini, but the path "C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\SnapStream\" does not exist.

So far, I plugged in my IR receiver and it was autodected and the drivers are installed. I can control boxee using the arrow keys on the remote and the ok button. However, play/pause/exit/menu/etc do not work. I don't see any software installed anywhere where I could place the xml file.... anyone know what's going on?

EDIT: Do I need to install BeyondTV even if I don't plan to use it?

[shalamigri]

Just copy/paste this code into a file called Boxee.xml and save it in this path "C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\SnapStream\Firefly\Profiles" on XP. It's a little different on Vista. I believe the path is "C:\ProgramData\SnapStream\Firefly\Profiles", not exactly sure. Then you can edit GLOBAL.xml to launch Boxee with the "Firefly" button

Thanks for the help, but I'm a little lost. Where in the heck is this Global.xml file? You were very specific about where to put to the Boxee.xml file <For Windows XP save this xml file to: “C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\SnapStream\Firefly\Profiles">

You then stated that we need to edit the Global.xml file, but you didn't include a path to it. I can't find it on my system. I've used the search feature and still can't find it.

I'm really just trying to map one button. For some reason, the exit(back) button on my remote works fine in Beyond Media, Beyond TV and Hulu Desktop. It does nothing in Boxee though. I really just need to map that one button and I can get by without having to get up and hit the escape on my keyboard when I need to navigate back in Boxees menus.

Thanks in advance.

[wildmonky]

is this compatible with boxee beta 0.9.21? Cos i'm having some issues with all buttons being mapped properly.

[MorphiusFaydal]

If you edit the boxee.xml and remove all the ActivationState="Down" options, those keys will start working... And both Play and Pause need to say Keys="P"

As for the rest... Still working on those.

Oh, and capitalize "False" in the first line... So it reads ShowOSD="False". It was showing the OSD when it was in lower case.

But as far as updating the rest of the keys... Still working on that.