[mythtv-users] Remote controls on OS X (Mac Mini)

[Matt Wynne]

On 23 Mar 2012, at 15:59, Joe Nyland wrote:

> 
>  
> -----Original message-----
> From:	Matt Wynne <lists at mattwynne.fastmail.fm>
> Sent:	Fri 23-03-2012 13:47
> Subject:	[mythtv-users] Remote controls on OS X (Mac Mini)
> To:	Discussion about MythTV <mythtv-users at mythtv.org>; 
> I'm trying to set up a Mac Mini as a frontend. I have everything working
> bar the remote control, and I've rather hit the wall trying to
> understand how to do it. I have a Hauppague remote that came with my DVB
> card which worked wonderfully with the Ubuntu box (which is now the
> backend).
> 
> >From my research, it seems as though OS X doesn't really support any
> other remotes than the crappy Apple one, or a handful of others. I'd
> much rather use a nice remote like the Hauppague one. Is it going to be
> possible to use this remote with OS X, or am I going to need to rebuild
> the box with Ubuntu instead? From this tutorial[1] I get the impression
> that Ubuntu should be a viable option, but I'd prefer to sick with OS X
> if possible.
> 
> Can I make the remote work with OS X? If so, any pointers to tutorials /
> guides? I don't mind building from source as long as I know what
> incantations I need to spell out :)
> 
> Thanks in advance for any help,
> 
> Matt
> 
> [1]
> http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/Installing_MythTV_on_an_Intel_Mac_Mini_using_Ubuntu
>  
> Hi Matt,
>  
> I use MythFrontend on my Mac mini too.
>  
> I wasn't overly impressed with the Apple remote in MythFrontend when I first set it up, so I did some research into the alternatives.
>  
> I have ended up using Remote Buddy[1] with the Apple remote, which gives you the ability to completely customise what button does what on the remote, on a per application basis - i.e. separate layouts for MythTV, XBMC, etc.. I use the Apple remote as it does everything I need and it's only £15.00, but I'm sure you can use lots of other types of remotes with Remote Buddy[2] which may help you to configure the remote you already had working under Ubuntu. The downside is that it's not open source - it's still pretty inexpensive at 19.99€.
>  
> I know this doesn't directly address your question, but I hope it helps. If you do decide to go down this route, I can provide my key map for MythFrontend, if you want.
>  
> Joe
>  
>  
> [1] http://www.iospirit.com/products/remotebuddy/
> [2] http://www.iospirit.com/products/remotebuddy/hardware/
>  
> ** I am in no way affiliated with iOSpirit or the Remote Buddy product in anyway - just a user recommending it to others.

Thanks for the tips Joe. I think I'm resigned to changing my remote, but I need to provide something that feels like a TV remote for my wife to be happy!

I think I'm going to go for one of the Logitec Harmony remotes since they seem to work with Macs, though I still can't understand whether or not I need Remote Buddy as well. What a minefield!

Anybody recommend a particular one from the Logitec Harmony range? The simpler the better.

cheers,
Matt

--
Freelance programmer & coach
Author, http://pragprog.com/book/hwcuc/the-cucumber-book
Founder, http://www.relishapp.com/
Twitter, https://twitter.com/mattwynne


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