Archive:List of MCE remote controls

This is a (probably futile) attempt to keep up with the vast range of MCE remotes out there, and give some indication of how well they work with XBMC.

This article assumes you are using build 26407 or later of XBMC. Earlier builds don't have the support for MCE remotes built in.

Microsoft Media Center Remote Control

Original and best! I don't know if Microsoft still sell them, but there are usually lots available on eBay. They tend to be a bit expensive but they are well made and highly configurable.

This remote will work out of the box with XBMC Live, though with a standard Linux install you'll need to install and configure Lirc. To get it to work on Windows you need to configure it to simulate keypresses. See Using a Microsoft remote control in Windows for details.

Hauppauge Media Center Remote Control Kit

Compatible with the Microsoft remote, and the .reg files used to reconfigure the MS remote will also work with the Hauppauge.

Speedlink SL-6399

Cheap and cheerful remote. It simulates the MS Media Center keypresses and will work out of the box on Windows, Linux and probably OSX.

Unbranded MCE remote

I don't know who makes this remote. There is no manufacturers name on it. It's cheap and feels a bit flimsy, but it works well enough. It simulates the MS Media Center keypresses and will work out of the box on Windows, Linux and probably OSX. It also simulates a mouse, and this works pretty well though it's no match fopr a proper mouse or trackpad.