Do I Need a Remote? - Page 3

And it has a high WAF for crotch use.

LOL. Claims something is absurd and then proceed to make absurd claims.

WTF are you talking about? I guess I don't know about the function of a remote that makes text more readable on a large screen, or how a remote makes typing up a large Word document easier. Try to stick to the topic of using an HTPC and whether a remote is necessary to do so. Again, absurd after making claims of others being absurd.

This is true, I shouldn't be so negative. I'll try this out the next time my friends come over, and let everyone know how it went. Should be a novel ergonomic experience at least.

And you're free to continue doing so, but the discussion is whether a remote is needed. I'm glad I don't have one hooked up--I actually own several.

But my mouse can do all thin things you mention except control my entire system. Although it may take more than an idiot to use it--I'm not sure about that.

The point is that you can't do the same thing on a computer screen that you can on a TV. They have completely different ergonomics. This is why HTPC interfaces were invented to begin with. This is why we have something called a "10 foot interface". And if you solely use a 10 foot interface, a remote is better than a mouse for a myriad of reasons.

WAF approved for many reasons!

Let's limit it to doing things you'd do on an HTPC.

Browsing through the Netflix website using Chrome is pretty much the same experience on an HTPC as it is on a desktop PC. If it isn't, you don't have your HTPC set up right, or you have a lousy TV.

Oh wait, it's not the same because you can't do that very well using a remote!

Netflix basically sucks so who cares if you can control it with anything..

Just an example, but I and the 27 million Netflix streaming customers will take that as an admission that a mouse is better.

27 million minions don't all use a PC for netflix do they? They use the remote with their SmartTV or Blu-ray Player to control it.

That's precisely Lockdown's point. Of course it's easier to use a mouse in a browser. But I can't imagine anyone actually running Netflix from a browser on an HTPC. So I'd argue that isn't something someone would do on an HTPC. If a certain task isn't remote-friendly, obviously you won't be using a remote for it. You'll find an app that IS remote friendly or suck it up and use a mouse. In my case, the mouse option is always my last resort on an HTPC.

It's pretty sad that Netflix has better picture and sound than my cable provider.

once fiber networks are installed and offer giga speeds broadcasting cable will be obsolete.

I run Netflix from a browser because I like searching using the keyboard. I also don't find the distance from the screen to be a problem -- however, I sit 13' from a 92" screen in the theater. However, in another room I sit about 9' from a 42" TV and that is a little hard on the eyes unless you scale the desktop up.

The bottom line is that people use their HTPCs differently, I think we all need to calm down and accept that. This is like raging about Chevy vs. Ford -- they're pretty much the same thing.

I don't see that happening and not anytime soon if it does. That's a huge outlay to put in gig fiber everywhere. Streaming is not the end all. There still is plenty of need for Live content. It is funny because everything was live when TV started and being live is it's saving grace.

Not at all.