Apple remote

Apple remote


There are two versions of the Apple remote, the first generation white one with 6 buttons, and the second generation silver one with 7 buttons. These remotes have sometimes come with Mac computers and Apple TV units, but can also be purchased separately. The white version is no longer made, but can be found on eBay. Both versions have identical functions and be used interchangeably. Currently the "Play" button on the silver version functions the same as the middle "select" button (with some exceptions; for instance "Play" on a folder in files-view plays all files in the folder). The remotes can also be paired to a specific device to prevent one remote from controlling two devices at once (or vice versa).

Using the Apple remote on other computers

 * Using the Apple remote in XBMC using Windows/Bootcamp: http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?tid=73947&pid=539934#pid539934


 * Using the Apple remote in XBMC using Linux: http://teknogeekz.com/blog/?p=422


 * Adding an Apple IR remote receiver to a computer: http://teknogeekz.com/blog/?p=376


 * Flirc can also be used to adapt the Apple Remote for just about anything that accepts navigation via a USB keyboard.

Mac OS X and Apple TV 1 controls
Global:
 * Plus - Up
 * Minus - Down
 * Previous / Rewind - Left
 * Next / Forward - Right
 * Play / Pause - Select
 * Menu - Previous Menu
 * Hold Play - Full Screen
 * Hold Menu - Contextual menu

Home:
 * Menu - Favourites
 * Hold Menu - Shutdown Menu

Browsing videos/Library:
 * Hold Up/Down - Scroll list
 * Hold Play - Movie Information
 * Hold Menu - Contextual menu

Full Screen Video:
 * Left - Step back
 * Right - Step forward
 * Up - Volume Up
 * Down - Volume Down
 * Hold Left/Right - RW/FF
 * Menu - Stop
 * Hold Play - OSD

Music Playlist:
 * Hold Left - Move Item Up
 * Hold Right - Move Item Down
 * Hold Menu - Delete Item
 * Hold Pay - Visualisation

Screen/GUI Calibration:
 * Play - Next Calibration

Apple Remote Button Translations (for use in keymap.xml):


 * 1 Up
 * 2 Down
 * 3 Left
 * 4 Right
 * 5 Play
 * 6 Menu
 * 7 Hold Play
 * 8 Hold Menu
 * 9 Hold Left
 * 10 Hold Right
 * 11 Hold Left
 * 12 Hold Right

Buttons IDs only available on ATV (>2.3) through "Learned Remote" feature


 * 70 Play
 * 71 Pause
 * 72 Stop
 * 73 SkipPrevious
 * 74 SkipNext
 * 75 Rewind
 * 76 Forward
 * 77 Return
 * 78 Enter

Extract from keymap.xml:

For details make sure to check the keymapping file in GIT

Apple TV 2 controls

 * See also: Alternative joystick.AppleRemote.xml for ATV2

(Arch)Linux
This is how to install the Apple Remote (A1294) on a Macbook under Archlinux. The IR driver is called macmini if using a different IR device find out the driver name and replace macmini. You will need to run the irrecord step below and won't be able to use the config I posted.

Install lirc using your packagemanager:

pacman -S lirc

edit /etc/conf.d/lircd.conf NOTE: the DEVICE name can differ.

create /etc/lirc/lircd.conf

If you don't have an Apple Remote A1294 (look under the battery for the model number) you must create a file with

sudo irrecord -d /dev/usb/hiddev1 -H macmini /etc/lirc/lircd.conf

OR take a look in /usr/share/lirc/remotes/apple/ OR http://lirc.sourceforge.net/remotes/apple/ if someone else already has.

start the lirc service sudo /etc/rc.d/lircd start

You can use the irw command to test if you have done everything right up until now. It will display button presses of the remote.

Now to xbmc:

Create ~/.xbmc/userdata/Lircmap.xml