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ipad as HTPC remote

post #1 of 20
4/14/11 at 7:14pm
Thread Starter 
Hi,

I have never been a fan of Apple. In fact, I had never bought myself an ianything. I did however go and buy a new ipad 2. It is a great device. I actually haven't used my laptop much since getting the ipad. If it could run and edit Powerpoint properly, I would probably abandon my laptop.

Anyhow, I haven't tried them out yet, but there are several apps that allow remote control of a PC. These seem like they would make the ideal HTPC remote. I currently use a Logitech mini keyboard. It is a fine product, but I have never been really happy with the results. Have any of you tried an ipad out to remotely access your PCs? This could be a great solution to those of you needing to control a HTPC delivering content to distant rooms. Let me know your thoughts.
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post #2 of 20
4/14/11 at 7:30pm
I'd be interested in some Android options as well!
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post #3 of 20
4/14/11 at 7:36pm
Take a look at my post.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...5#post20307075

It may help you see the use in android. I use XBMC as my front end which you can see in the post video link. The remote works quite well. And the best part its the official app and not a 3rd party so the support is there. I do believe it has some great android tablet support as well (larger screens) so the buttons aren't messed up on a screen that is >4"
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post #4 of 20
4/14/11 at 7:52pm
Do you use MM? If so, I highly recommend you to try MM for iPad Lite. It is a free version and it is up to 50 movies. Anything more than 50 movies, you need to buy the Pro version. I can't tell you how much I love the Pro version. Since I got the Pro version in my IP2, I don't use my USB keyboard anymore. There is a big remote and you can navigate MCE, play all the movies you want from just one "Play" button -> mount ISO, launch TMT5 and movie will begin playing in no time!
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post #5 of 20
4/15/11 at 6:07am
I continue to use and be happy with iRule on my iPad...
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post #6 of 20
4/15/11 at 6:25am
I love the XBMC remote on my evo and gtablet. Its a good looking interface and I don't need to remember the keyboard shortcuts for a lot of the functions like the info, menu etc.
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post #7 of 20
4/15/11 at 7:48am
I recently setup an old iPhone 3 as my HTPC remote. Using IntelliRemote as the controller software. Works fine. I no longer need line of sight remote action. Cool thing is - it's lighted in my dark movie room. The buttons are small on an iphone but i bet with an iPad, this shouldn't be a problem.
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post #8 of 20
4/15/11 at 8:04am
IRule for iPad is amazing!
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post #9 of 20
4/15/11 at 8:47am
iRule seems to allow customizable buttons and is iPhone 3 compatible - i'll give it a try!
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post #10 of 20
4/15/11 at 9:34am
What is the difference between iRule and intelliremote? I have been wanting to get an app for my iPhone 3G to operate my HTPC and windows media center.
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post #11 of 20
4/16/11 at 5:26am
You can use SageTV which is a software that transforms a PC into a PVR that can show video / music / photos / streaming sources / recorded TV etc via other PCs or their HD300 hardware extenders.

Once you have that setup, there are both Android and iOS (iPhone / iTouch / iPAD) third party user interfaces available.

This makes the iPAD a tremendous "remote control" of the primary uses of an HTPC. The iOS version display is specific to the iPAD's additional screen space compared to the iPhone / iTouch display. One app, for both devices.

Streaming to the iPhone / Android device is functional but a work in process.
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post #12 of 20
4/16/11 at 8:29am
I can see the benefits of two-way integration and being able to browse movies etc. while not interfering with what's on the TV/Projector, but how does it work for DVR use? Specifically, when I watch an DVR show I like to have a remote with a good layout for transport functions so I can quickly FF through commercials without looking at the remote. How does that work when using an IPAD, can you make the virtual buttons big enough that you don't need to look? If not, then it would almost seem like you would need an IPAD and a physical button remote.
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post #13 of 20
4/16/11 at 9:44am
Hi,
The iPAD is the remote.

There are transport buttons on the touch screen that mimic the OE infrared remote functions (and layout).

But, as you indicated, it's also a 2 way remote allowing you to see your movie / music / photo / recorded TV collection and to put choices into a playlist.

You can see the status of what is playing on each PC / extender as well.

Coverart and movie metadata is displayed to help you choose what to watch.

A simple TV Guide view to see what's currently on network broadcast (Cable / Satellite / Digital Over the air, etc) and whether to watch Now or record that episode or that series.

You can optionally use a very basic IR remote for Channel Up / Down and Volume Up / Down. Or, use the touchscreen...whatever works for you.
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post #14 of 20
4/16/11 at 3:19pm
I've used GMote, which worked pretty well for basic VLC control.
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post #15 of 20
4/21/11 at 1:54pm
im gonna give iRule a try this weekend - thanks!
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post #16 of 20
5/2/11 at 9:08am
I'm looking to buy a iPad or iPad2 for a remote as well, can the iPad show the screen of the HTPC as it's booting up?

I have several Linksys DMA 2100 media center extenders through out the house, and with a brand new Pioneer receiver with integrated iPad control, this sounds like the perfect way to go...
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post #17 of 20
7/1/12 at 3:51pm
there any new options for this ?
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post #18 of 20
7/2/12 at 8:05am
anyone use HippoRemote Pro ?
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post #19 of 20
7/2/12 at 9:32am
I use Touch Control because (1) it's significantly cheaper than some of the other option and (2) because it had built in mouse/keyboard support which suits a HTPC environment. Plus, it's extremely USB-UIRT friendly so I did not have to buy a Global Cache device. Check it out here : touch-ir.com.
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post #20 of 20
7/5/12 at 3:05pm
Using the latest version of J.River Media Center and their ipad app "my river" Works a treat.
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