Archive:Install Ubuntu and XBMC on Asus EeeBox PC EB1501 and Archive:List of MCE remote controls: Difference between pages

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= Asus EeeBox PC EB1501 - Ubuntu & xbmc =
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 is a tut on a couple of howtos but its dedicated to installing a miminal Ubuntu 9.10 and xbmc on the Asus EeeBox PC EB1501.  
This article assumes you are using build 26407 or later of XBMC. Earlier builds don't have the support for MCE remotes built in.


[[Image:EB1501.png]] [[Image:And.png‎]] [[Image:Ubuntu_logo.png‎]] [[Image:And.png‎]] [[Image:Xbmc.png]]
If you are adding a review please try to be as detailed as possible about the remote. For example:
<ul>
  <li>What operating systems and versions of XBMC have you tested on</li>
  <li>Does the remote send keystrokes or is it MS compatible?</li>
  <li>If it's MS compatible have you tested reconfiguring it using the registry and did this work?</li>
</ul>


Things that where considered when buying a HTPC that led me to the Asus EeeBox PC EB1501:
* NVIDIA® ION™ platform and Slot-load ODD.
* Silent
* Small
* HDMI
* Optical Output


== credits ==
Most of this is already documented but this is now specific to EB1501 & Ubuntu 9.10


Thanks to the following people:
== Microsoft Media Center Remote Control ==
*succo  (xbmc.org)
*soundcheck (ubuntuforums.org)
*everyone (xbmc.org - wiki)


== Install Ubuntu & xbmc ==
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.  
Get the most recent 9.10 image from here. Various posts  recommend the 32-bit version.
*The ISO can either be burned to CD (seems like a waste for 10 MB); alternatively, use UNetbootin to make a bootable USB drive from ISO.  


After starting the computer with either the CD or the USB drive, select "Install" at boot prompt, then when prompted provide info about your location, language, keyboard layout, time zone. Disk partitioning will be basic, the full disk will be deleted and used.  
[[Image:microsoftlearningremote.jpg]]


When prompted to create an account, use xbmc and anything you want to for a password.
There are 3 versions of this remote:


During the installation select "Basic Ubuntu server" as the only option, or optionally "OpenSSH server" if you want to have (secure) remote connections facilities.
- Microsoft (Microsoft Logo at bottom of remote and on receiver)


=== Initial system configuration ===
[[Image:mcelearningsmalla.jpg]] (Microsoft)
run the following commands:  
xbmc:$ sudo apt-get install python-software-properties -y
xbmc:$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:team-xbmc
xbmc:$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:nvidia-vdpau/ppa
Import the TeamXBMC key:
xbmc:$ sudo apt-key adv --recv-keys --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com 91E7EE5E 318C7509
Now run and update:
xbmc:$ sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade


=== Install XBMC ===
- Microsoft with Teletext (Microsoft Logo at bottom of remote and on receiver) plus Red,Green,Yellow,Blue and a 'teletext' button.
The core XBMC application and its related dependencies can be installed by typing:
xbmc:$ sudo apt-get install xbmc xinit x11-xserver-utils -y
This will take a considerable amount of time since lots of packages are due to be installed.


To install XBMC SVN Repo Installer and Launcher do the following:
[[Image:mceteletextsmall.jpg]] (Microsoft with Teletext)
xbmc:$ sudo apt-get install unzip -y
xbmc:$ cd /home/xbmc/.xbmc/plugins/programs
xbmc:$ wget http://xbmc-addons.googlecode.com/svn/packages/plugins/programs/SVN_Repo_Installer.zip
xbmc:$ wget http://xbmc-launcher.googlecode.com/files/Launcher1.04.zip
xbmc:$ unzip -o SVN_Repo_Installer.zip
xbmc:$ unzip -o Launcher1.04.zip
xbmc:$ rm SVN_Repo_Installer.zip
xbmc:$ rm Launcher1.04.zip
xbmc:$ chown -R xbmc:xbmc "SVN Repo Installer"
xbmc:$ chown -R xbmc:xbmc Launcher


=== Install NVIDIA restricted drivers - NVIDIA-VDPAU repository  ===
- Dell (No Logos on remote or receiver and no TV standby or volume learning ability)
There are a lot of howtos and so on on this, I simply just use the NVIDIA-VDPAU repository:
This will list all the available drivers:
xbmc:$ apt-cache search nvidia | grep ^nvidia
Looking at the listed versions from the command above enter the following command substituting 195 if you desire if there is a newer version:
xbmc:$ sudo apt-get install nvidia-glx-195 nvidia-settings mesa-utils libvdpau1 libvdpau-dev vdpauinfo pkg-config -y


=== Generate an xorg.conf file ===
[[Image:remote-microsoft.jpg]] (Dell - No Learning)
You need a proper xorg.conf file; you can generate a new one automatically by using:
xbmc:$ sudo nvidia-xconfig -s --no-logo --force-generate --output-xconfig=/etc/X11/xorg.conf


You will need to add the following to xorg.conf to get a smother feel:
All these variants of the MS 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 key-presses. See [[Using a Microsoft remote control in Windows]] for details.
xbmc:$ sudo vi /etc/X11/xorg.conf


Then add the following to the Device Section:
{| border="1"
Option "HWCursor" "False"        # Blinking Cursor Fix
|-
Option "DynamicTwinView" "false" # Enable 1080p 24Hz
! remote
! wake on USB?
! multi-device control?
! volume learning?
! universal-remote code available?
! IR transmit?
! linux/osx/windows?
|-
| Microsoft
| ?
| N*
| Y
| ?
| ?
| all
|-
| MS w/ Teletext
| ?
| N*
| Y
| ?
| ?
| all
|-
| Dell
| ?
| N
| N
| ?
| ?
| all
|}


To Disable Composite for better H264 acceleration at the bottom of xorg.conf add the following:
== Hauppauge Media Center Remote Control Kit ==
Section "Extensions"
          Option        "Composite" "Disable" # Disable Composite for better H264 acceleration
EndSection


Load the NVIDIA kernel module
[[Image:remote-hauppauge.jpg]]
The NVIDIA module can now either be loaded:  
xbmc:$ sudo modprobe nvidia
Or you can reboot and it will be automatically loaded:
xbmc:$ sudo reboot


=== Install XBMC-live and Test XBMC ===
Compatible with the Microsoft remote, and the .reg files used to reconfigure the MS remote will also work with the Hauppauge.
You do not need a window manager to run XBMC. In fact, your system will be much more lightweight without one. Instead, install the XBMC-live startup script.  


Add the xmbc user to the required groups:
Note that this is not the same as the Hauppauge 45 button remote that plugs into the Hauppauge PCI card. The Hauppauge 45 button remote has caused some hair tearing and wouldn't be the first choice for an XBMC remote.
xbmc:$ sudo usermod --group audio,video,netdev,fuse,cdrom,plugdev xbmc
Install XBMC-live:
xbmc:$ sudo apt-get install xbmc-live -y
Now to test, logout of your administrative user and log back in as "xbmc". Then run:
xbmc:$ xinit xbmc-standalone
If everything has been setup correctly, you should be greeted by the XBMC interface. If not, a likely culprit is your X setup. Check the logfile /var/log/Xorg.0.log. A quick way to find fatal errors is with the command:
xbmc:$ grep EE /var/log/Xorg.0.log


=== Automated startup ===
== Mediagate GP-IR02BK ==
Edit the following line in /etc/default/grub to appear as:
xbmc:$ sudo vi /etc/default/grub
Change the cmd line default to look like this:
GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="quiet splash xbmc=autostart,noredir loglevel=0"
Then update grub:
xbmc:$ sudo update-grub


=== Updating ALSA ===
[[Image:Remote-IR02BK.jpg]]
There are a few issues with the current ALSA package shipped with Ubuntu, therefore it might be a good idea to upgrade.
xbmc:$ sudo apt-get install wget
xbmc:$ wget http://nfye.com/EB1501/AlsaUpgrade-1.0.21-4.sh -O alsaup.sh
xbmc:$ chmod +x alsaup.sh
xbmc:$ sudo ./alsaup.sh -di


This should download and update your ALSA to the latest version
Compatible with the Microsoft remote, and the .reg files used to reconfigure the MS remote will also work with the Mediagate. The remote is currently available on Amazon UK and US.


By default the sound card will have several channels muted, others with low volumes, including the hdmi port.
There are some additional buttons not on the official MS remote. These can be configured using the following in the .reg file:
xbmc:$ alsamixer
Adjust the channels you are interested in S/PDIF 1 for hdmi. Once done, save permanently with:
xbmc:$ sudo alsactl store


=== Custom Boot Splash ===
<pre>  27,00,00,00,04,03,04,\ ; Zoom    - sends ctrl-shift-A
If you want to replace the standard Ubuntu boot screen with a custom, XBMC related one TeamXBMC provides the following in its repository:
  47,00,00,00,04,01,10,\ ; Music    - sends ctrl-M
xbmc:$ sudo vi /etc/usplash.conf
  49,00,00,00,04,01,0C,\ ; Pictures - sends ctrl-I
Add the following dependent of you screen resolution:
  4A,00,00,00,04,01,08,\ ; Movies  - sends ctrl-E
# Usplash configuration file for 720p
  50,00,00,00,04,01,04,\ ; Radio    - sends ctrl-A
xres=1366
  5a,00,00,00,04,03,09  ; Teletext - sends ctrl-shift-F</pre>
yres=720
or
# Usplash configuration file for 1080p
xres=1920
yres=1080


To install the pulsating logo, as an example, type the following:
== DEC-200B ==
xbmc:$ sudo apt-get install usplash-theme-xbmc-* -y
xbmc:$ sudo update-alternatives --config usplash-artwork.so
xbmc:$ sudo update-initramfs -u


=== Resume from Sleep with Remote ===
[[Image:Remote-200B.jpg]]
After installing in order to be able to allow the remote to trigger resume from suspend, you must add USB0 to /proc/acpi/wakeup, you can do this by one of two ways:
xbmc:$ sudo vi /etc/rc.local
And add the following just before the exit 0 line:
echo USB0>/proc/acpi/wakeup
OR
xbmc:$ sudo wget http://nfye.com/EB1501/set_wakup.conf -O /etc/init/set_wakup.conf


=== Disable extra TTYs in upstart ===
Compatible with the MS remote. Works out of the box with XBMCLive. Not tested (so far) with the Windows and OSX versions. Don't know if it's configurable with the registry.
By default ubuntu has 7 consoles, this uses memory and delays startup time. The console-setup defines how many ttys are created.
xbmc:$ sudo vi /etc/default/console-setup
Change
ACTIVE_CONSOLES="/dev/tty[1-6]"
to the number of consoles you want. Lets say, 2 ttys, then change it to:
ACTIVE_CONSOLES="/dev/tty[1-2]"


xbmc:$ sudo rm -Rf /etc/init/tty3.conf /etc/init/tty4.conf /etc/init/tty5.conf /etc/init/tty6.conf
== AVS Gear HA-IR01SV ==


'''NOTE:''' Even though you've reduced the tty number, X is still on Alt-F7.
[[Image:Remote-HAIR01SV.jpg]]


== ASUS Remote Control ==
Compatible with the MS remote. Works out of the box with XBMCLive. Not tested (so far) with the Windows and OSX versions. Don't know if it's configurable with the registry. Currently available from Amazon UK (search for HA-IR01SV). Googling suggests it is widely available.


The EB1501 comes with a MCE USB IR Receiver- Spinel plusf0r ASUS (0471:206c)
== Speedlink SL-6399 ==


[[Image:EB1501-remote.png‎ ]]
[[Image:remote-SL6399.jpg]]


You don not need to use lirc, but then you will not have full functionality with it, if you want full control then configure the IR receiver and use lirc.
Cheap and cheerful remote. It simulates the MS Media Center keypresses and will work out of the box on Windows, Linux and probably OSX.


=== MCE USB IR Receiver ===
Apparently there are different usb receivers that come with the remote.
<pre>
ID 1241:1503 Belkin Keyboard      // all keys seem to work
ID 1241:e000 Belkin                // keys Start, RTV, Videos, Music, Pictures, MyTV don't work
</pre>


To see where the remote is located located type:
There are several extra buttons not on the standard MS remote. If you want to add mappings for
xbmc:$ cat /proc/bus/input/devices
these keys here are the entries you need in keyboard.xml.


There will be a lot of output but you want to look at this section:
<pre>&lt;t mod="ctrl"&gt;Notification(Key, TV power, 3)&lt;/t&gt;          &lt;!-- TV power --&gt;
&lt;menu&gt;Notification(Key, More, 3)&lt;/menu&gt;                  &lt;!-- More --&gt;
&lt;z mod="ctrl,shift"&gt;Notification(Key, Aspect, 3)&lt;/z&gt;      &lt;!-- Aspect --&gt;
&lt;e mod="ctrl"&gt;Notification(Key, Red/Videos, 3)&lt;/e&gt;        &lt;!-- Red/Videos --&gt;
&lt;m mod="ctrl"&gt;Notification(Key, Green/Music, 3)&lt;/m&gt;      &lt;!-- Green/Music --&gt;
&lt;i mod="ctrl"&gt;Notification(Key, Yellow/Pictures, 3)&lt;/i&gt;  &lt;!-- Yellow/Pictures --&gt;
&lt;t mod="ctrl,shift"&gt;Notification(Key, Blue/MyTV, 3)&lt;/t&gt;  &lt;!-- Blue/MyTV --&gt;
&lt;g mod="ctrl"&gt;Notification(Key, Guide, 3)&lt;/g&gt;            &lt;!-- Guide --&gt;
&lt;o mod="ctrl"&gt;Notification(Key, RTV, 3)&lt;/o&gt;              &lt;!-- RTV --&gt;
&lt;f1&gt;Notification(Key, Help, 3)&lt;/f1&gt;                      &lt;!-- Help --&gt;
&lt;return mod="alt"&gt;Notification(Key, Maximise, 3)&lt;/return&gt; &lt;!-- Maximise/restore --&gt;
&lt;a mod="ctrl"&gt;Notification(Key, Radio, 3)&lt;/a&gt;            &lt;!-- Radio --&gt;
&lt;m mod="ctrl,shift"&gt;Notification(Key, DVD, 3)&lt;/m&gt;        &lt;!-- DVD --&gt;
&lt;a mod="ctrl,shift"&gt;Notification(Key, Audio, 3)&lt;/a&gt;      &lt;!-- Audio --&gt;
&lt;u mod="ctrl"&gt;Notification(Key, Title, 3)&lt;/u&gt;            &lt;!-- Title --&gt;</pre>


I: Bus=0003 Vendor=0471 Product=206c Version=0100
== Unbranded MCE remote ==
N: Name="PHILIPS MCE USB IR Receiver- Spinel plusf0r ASUS"
P: Phys=usb-0000:00:04.0-1/input0
S: Sysfs=/devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:04.0/usb3/3-1/3-1:1.0/input/input3
U: Uniq=
H: Handlers=kbd mouse1 event3
B: EV=120017
B: KEY=c0000 400 0 0 70000 0 58000 8001f8 4000c004 e0beffdf 1cfffff ffffffff fffffffe
B: REL=103
B: MSC=10
B: LED=1f


Ok so this means the remote is located at event3, but it can change if the controller is plugged into  another usb port. Make an udev rule to link the event device which has the vendor-id and product id of the remote to /dev/input/irremote. The vendor id is 0471 and device id is 0206c so edit the following:
[[Image:remote-unbranded.jpg]]


xbmc:$ sudo vi /etc/udev/rules.d/10-local.rules
There is no manufacturer's name on this remote or the manual, though it may be a [http://www.chinavasion.com/product_info.php/pName/pc-remote-control-media-function-remote/ Chinavasion CVSB-983] or [http://www.acowin.com.hk/product456.html Acowin AURC-001]. It can be used with Logitech Harmony Remote Software by picking Computer>>Media Center PC>>Chinavasion>>CVSB-983.
And add the following:
KERNEL=="event*",ATTRS{idVendor}=="0471",ATTRS{idProduct}=="206c",SYMLINK="input/irremote"


Now restart udev:
They are available on Ebay for as little as $2 ($10ish after S&H). It's cheap and feels a bit flimsy, but it works well enough. It simulates the MS Media Center keypresses and will work out of the box on Windows, Linux and probably OSX. It also simulates a mouse, although it's no match for a proper mouse or trackpad.
xbmc:$ sudo service udev restart


Detach and reattach the remote check it creates a symlink /dev/input/irremote
It isn't very configurable and certain buttons don't work as they should. For example, the fast forward and rewind buttons skip forward or backwards instead of moving gradually.


=== Install lircd ===
If you want to add mappings for the four coloured keys here are the entries you need in keyboard.xml. The other keys can't be trapped.


  xbmc:$ sudo apt-get install lirc -y
<pre>&lt;f1 mod="ctrl,alt"&gt;Notification(Key, Green, 3)&lt;/f1&gt; &lt;!-- Green --&gt;
&lt;f2 mod="ctrl,alt"&gt;Notification(Key, Orange, 3)&lt;/f2&gt; &lt;!-- Orange --&gt;
&lt;f3 mod="ctrl,alt"&gt;Notification(Key, Blue, 3)&lt;/f3&gt;  &lt;!-- Blue --&gt;
&lt;f4 mod="ctrl,alt"&gt;Notification(Key, Yellow, 3)&lt;/f4&gt; &lt;!-- Yellow --&gt;</pre>


This will bring up a configuration and will ask you what kind of remote you  have. Select custom and point it to /dev/input/irremote, Select None for IR Transmitter.
Update 16th Jan: the rewind button sends three keypresses, left, then ctrl-left, then ctrl-shift-B. The left press causes the video to jump back 30 seconds. With the later releases of XBMC the ctrl-shift-B then starts the rewind (release v9.11 ignores ctrl-keypresses).


If you make a mistake you can always reconfigure lirc using the following command:
== GoTView PC Remote ==
sudo dpkg-reconfigure lirc-modules-source
The GoTView PC Remote control looks exactly like the "unbranded remote" above. It is also detected as MCE remote by lircd, but has slightly different keycodes, which are incompatiable with xbmc defaults.
To make things work correctly, add something like the following before the &lt;/keyboard&gt; &lt;/global&gt; lines in your /usr/local/share/xbmc/system/keymaps/keyboard.xml file
<pre>
      <one mod="ctrl,alt,shift">ContextMenu</one>
      <two mod="ctrl,alt,shift">ActivateWindow(PlayerControls)</two>
      <three mod="ctrl,alt,shift">ActivateWindow(music)</three>
      <four mod="ctrl,alt,shift">ActivateWindow(pictures)</four>
      <five mod="ctrl,alt,shift">ActivateWindow(video)</five>
      <home mod="ctrl,alt,shift">ActivateWindow(MusicPlaylist)</home>
      <r mod="ctrl">Queue</r>
      <h mod="ctrl,alt,shift">Info</h>
      <b mod="ctrl,alt,shift">ActivateWindow(MusicOSD)</b>
      <f mod="ctrl,alt,shift">ActivateWindow(VisualisationPresetList)</f>
     
</pre>


Edit hardware.conf so that it loads the correct remote template
== VRC-1100 ==


xbmc:$ sudo vi /etc/lirc/hardware.conf
[[Image:remote-VRC1100.jpg]]


Set the REMOTE_LIRCD_CONF line to look like this:
There is no manufacturer's name on this remote or the manual, but they appear to be from Ortek (http://www.ortek.com/product.asp?pid=103&cname=Mobility). They are widely available on eBay. Maplin UK also sell an own-brand remote control (product code N18HC) that seems to be identical. The remote simulates the MS Media Center keypresses and will work out of the box on Windows, Linux and probably OSX. It also simulates a mouse, although it's no match for a proper mouse or trackpad.


REMOTE_LIRCD_CONF="devinput/lircd.conf.devinput"
Note that the the i button sends a right mouse click, which isn't much use in XBMC as the right click can't be mapped to an action. There is no way round this without using some helper app like Eventghost, but the Info action could be mapped to one of the other buttons.


Restart lirc:
If you want to add mappings for the four coloured keys and the four keys below them here are the entries you need in keyboard.xml. The top left (Internet Explorer) key can't be trapped.
xbmc:$ sudo /etc/init.d/lirc restart


Now try using irw
<pre>&lt;t mod="ctrl,shift"&gt;Notification(Key, Yellow, 3)&lt;/t&gt; &lt;!-- Yellow button --&gt;
  xbmc:$ irw
&lt;m mod="ctrl"&gt;Notification(Key, Blue, 3)&lt;/m&gt;        &lt;!-- Blue button --&gt;
&lt;i mod="ctrl"&gt;Notification(Key, Green, 3)&lt;/i&gt;        &lt;!-- Green button --&gt;
&lt;e mod="ctrl"&gt;Notification(Key, Red, 3)&lt;/e&gt;          &lt;!-- Red button --&gt;
&lt;o mod="ctrl"&gt;Notification(Key, u/Yellow, 3)&lt;/o&gt;    &lt;!-- Button under Yellow --&gt;
&lt;g mod="ctrl"&gt;Notification(Key, u/Blue, 3)&lt;/g&gt;      &lt;!-- Button under Blue --&gt;
&lt;t mod="ctrl"&gt;Notification(Key, u/Green, 3)&lt;/t&gt;      &lt;!-- Button under Green --&gt;
&lt;m mod="ctrl,shift"&gt;Notification(Key, u/Red, 3)&lt;/m&gt; &lt;!-- Button under Red --&gt;</pre>


Press buttons on the remote and check that its working. If its working proceed to make the remote work with xbmc


xbmc:$ wget http://nfye.com/EB1501/lircmap.xml -O ~/.xbmc/userdata/Lircmap.xml
For full linux support see http://trac.xbmc.org/ticket/8827


The commented  out keys are not working.
== XBox DVD Remote ==


Here is what your hardware.conf & lircd.cong should look like:
[[Image:Remote-xbox1.jpg]]


xbmc:$ cat /etc/lirc/hardware.conf
The original DVD remote for XBox 1. This is a simple well working remote, almost out of the box experience and it has a good support in xbmc.<br/ >
# hardware.conf for eb1501
See [http://wiki.xbmc.org/?title=HOW-TO_wire_your_XBOX_DVD-Remote_for_USB wiring] and [http://wiki.xbmc.org/?title=Lirc_Config_for_Xbox_DVD_Remote lirc config]
#
REMOTE="Windows Media Center Transceivers/Remotes (all)"
REMOTE_MODULES="lirc_dev"
REMOTE_DRIVER="devinput"
REMOTE_DEVICE="/dev/input/irremote"
REMOTE_SOCKET=""
REMOTE_LIRCD_CONF="devinput/lircd.conf.devinput"
REMOTE_LIRCD_ARGS=""
TRANSMITTER="None"
TRANSMITTER_MODULES=""
TRANSMITTER_DRIVER=""
TRANSMITTER_DEVICE=""
TRANSMITTER_SOCKET=""
TRANSMITTER_LIRCD_CONF=""
TRANSMITTER_LIRCD_ARGS=""
START_LIRCD="true"
LOAD_MODULES="true"
LIRCMD_CONF=""
FORCE_NONINTERACTIVE_RECONFIGURATION="false"
START_LIRCMD=""
REMOTE_MODULES=""
REMOTE_LIRCD_CONF=""


xbmc:$ cat /etc/lirc/lircd.conf
This remote won't work "out of the box" with Windows as it doesn't send keystrokes and can't be configured to do so. It can be made to work with a helper app like Eventghost or IR Server Suite.
# lircd.conf for eb1501
See http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?t=45337 for the details.
#
include "/usr/share/lirc/remotes/devinput/lircd.conf.devinput"


== Other ==
== Philips 5100 4in1 Vista MCE Remote ==


=== Disabling startup of a service ===
[[Image:philips5100-4in1 landscape.jpg]]
The procedure for disabling a service in Ubuntu is very simple: all you have to do is remove the symlinks from all the runlevel-specific directories, /etc/rc*.d, so that no links are pointing to the original /etc/init.d script for your service. That original script will be kept, so you can re-enable the startup/shutdown of the service whenever you feel like using it again.
This example below shows how a service called "cups" was disabled on my system:
xbmc:$ sudo update-rc.d -f cups remove
Removing any system startup links for /etc/init.d/cups ...
  /etc/rc1.d/K80cups
  /etc/rc2.d/S50cups
  /etc/rc3.d/S50cups
  /etc/rc4.d/S50cups
  /etc/rc5.d/S50cups


=== Install build environment ===
Philips have produced a family of remotes in this range designed for different sales regions each with different features.  This one has the ability to control 4 devices (PC, TV, Sat, Amp) and can be programmed using the manufacturer codes database supplied.  It also has the ability to learn functions from other remotes to replace any of its buttons, making it very versatile once customised to your home cinema setup.  However, the keys are not backlit and the supplied infra-red usb reciever only works with Vista or Windows 7.
If not already installed in previous steps, you may want to have a build environment in your system in order to allow the compilation of both custom applications and updated version of kernel modules and packages that are not available in Ubuntu repositories.
The basic packages needed are installed by the following command:
xbmc:$ sudo apt-get install build-essential cdbs fakeroot dh-make debhelper debconf libstdc++5 dkms linux-headers-$(uname -r)


=== Install XBMC build environment and SVN tools  ===
Note: Also works with the Official Microsoft MCE reciever as it sends the same signals (RC-6), meaning it can be used on Windows XP via this reciever.
If you want to walk on the bleeding edge and follow daily development of XBMC you have to install subversion and all XBMC build dependencies:
xbmc:$ sudo apt-get install subversion
xbmc:$ sudo apt-get build-dep xbmc


=== Change SSH Welcome Banner ===
Discontinued - (Can be found on ebay UK)
Every time you connect to your htpc via ssh, you will receive the motd message and if you get tired of seeing it, you can change the message to something else.


Here’s the message that you should get:
== HP MCE Remote ==


    Linux xbmc 2.6.20-16-generic #2 SMP Thu Jun 7 19:00:28 UTC 2007 x86_64
[[Image:hpremote.jpg]] (Older)
    The programs included with the Ubuntu system are free software;
    the exact distribution terms for each program are described in the
    individual files in /usr/share/doc/*/copyright.
    Ubuntu comes with ABSOLUTELY NO WARRANTY, to the extent permitted by
    applicable law.
    Last login: Mon Aug 13 01:05:46 2007 from ipaddress removed


Changing this message requires editing the motd:
[[Image:HPRemotenewer.jpg‎]] (Newer)
xbmc:$ sudo vi /etc/motd


Now add something funky like the following:
Both versions are compatible with the Microsoft remote, and the .reg files used to reconfigure the MS remote will also work with the HP remote.
        ___.                  
___  __\_ |__  _____  ____ 
\  \/  /| __ \ /    \_/ ___\
  >    < | \_\ \  Y Y  \  \___
/__/\_ \|___  /__|_|  /\___  >
      \/    \/      \/    \/
              http://xbmc.org/


Yea, that looks cool...
On Windows XP Pro SP3 the receiver was recognised and installed automatically. There are reports that Windows XP may not automatically detect the receiver unless you edit irbus.inf as described in http://it.megocollector.com/?p=8. It is not clear when this hack is needed.


If you also wish to get rid of the "Last Login" (which I don’t recommend doing) information do the following:
With the Remote-XBMC.reg config all the buttons work in XBMC except for the "T" and "Print" buttons. To configure these buttons add the following to the .reg file:
  xbmc:$ sudo vi /etc/ssh/sshd_config
 
And set
<pre>  4E,00,00,00,04,01,22,\ ; Print button on HP remote - sends ctrl-5
PrintLastLog yes
  5A,00,00,00,04,01,23,\ ; T button on HP remote    - sends ctrl-6</pre>
To
 
PrintLastLog no
== Asrock Remote ==
 
NB this is preliminary information based on a discussion in the forum.
 
[[File:AsrockRemote.jpg]]
 
The Asrock ION PCs come with a remote control. This is compatible with the Microsoft remote, and in Windows 7 (and possibly Vista) the .reg files used to reconfigure the MS remote will also work with the Asrock remote. The .reg files will not work in Windows XP because Windows XP does not detect the remote as an eHome device and install the eHome driver. It is possible the eHome drive could be installed with suitable modifications to irbus.inf (see the review of the HP remote above) but so far this has not been explored.
 
With the Remote-XBMC.reg config all the buttons work in XBMC except for the four buttons in the row above the coloured buttons. To configure these buttons to send the standard Media center keyboard shortcuts add the following to the .reg file:
 
<pre> 47,00,00,00,04,01,10,\ ; Asrock remote: Music    - sends ctrl-M
  49,00,00,00,04,01,0C,\ ; Asrock remote: Pictures - sends ctrl-I
  4A,00,00,00,04,01,08,\ ; Asrock remote: Movies  - sends ctrl-E
  50,00,00,00,04,01,04,\ ; Asrock remote: Radio    - sends ctrl-A</pre>
 
== Microsoft MCE Keyboard Remote ==
 
[[Image:Microsoftmcekeyboard.jpg‎]]
 
Similar to the buttons to the Microsoft MCE remote, but with a full keyboard and a 'nipple' for moving the mouse.  Range is limited and it requires a direct line of sight to the receiver.  Can be operated on the users lap. The keyboard has a very nice feel, though the mouse nipple is hard to use.
 
Works with the Official Microsoft MCE receiver and with compatible RC6 receivers like the HP receiver.
 
== AURC-002 ==
 
[[Image:AURC002.jpg‎]]
 
Manufactured by Acowin Industrial Limited; see http://www.acowin.com.hk/product535.html.  Microsoft MCE clone with a cloned HP receiver.  Compatible with the .reg files used to reconfigure the official Microsoft remote and receiver.
 
== Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows ==
 
[[File:XBox360WirelessController.jpg]]
 
The [http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/gaming/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=090 Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows], which is sold my Mircosoft with a separate receiver, works with XBMC 9.11 on Windows XP with Standard Microsoft Drivers.
 
The File '''Xbox360EventClient.exe''' from this [http://forum.xbmc.org/showpost.php?p=426397&postcount=11 Forum-Post] [[http://ul.to/4p5n3t Mirror]] (MD5: 4B69791B1DC2DA4400B5912CFF9EFED0) need to run in the Background. The default Keymapping is optimal.
 
 
 
[[Category:Remote]]

Revision as of 05:24, 11 October 2010

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.

If you are adding a review please try to be as detailed as possible about the remote. For example:

  • What operating systems and versions of XBMC have you tested on
  • Does the remote send keystrokes or is it MS compatible?
  • If it's MS compatible have you tested reconfiguring it using the registry and did this work?


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.

Microsoftlearningremote.jpg

There are 3 versions of this remote:

- Microsoft (Microsoft Logo at bottom of remote and on receiver)

Mcelearningsmalla.jpg (Microsoft)

- Microsoft with Teletext (Microsoft Logo at bottom of remote and on receiver) plus Red,Green,Yellow,Blue and a 'teletext' button.

Mceteletextsmall.jpg (Microsoft with Teletext)

- Dell (No Logos on remote or receiver and no TV standby or volume learning ability)

Remote-microsoft.jpg (Dell - No Learning)

All these variants of the MS 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 key-presses. See Using a Microsoft remote control in Windows for details.

remote wake on USB? multi-device control? volume learning? universal-remote code available? IR transmit? linux/osx/windows?
Microsoft ? N* Y ? ? all
MS w/ Teletext ? N* Y ? ? all
Dell ? N N ? ? all

Hauppauge Media Center Remote Control Kit

Remote-hauppauge.jpg

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

Note that this is not the same as the Hauppauge 45 button remote that plugs into the Hauppauge PCI card. The Hauppauge 45 button remote has caused some hair tearing and wouldn't be the first choice for an XBMC remote.

Mediagate GP-IR02BK

Remote-IR02BK.jpg

Compatible with the Microsoft remote, and the .reg files used to reconfigure the MS remote will also work with the Mediagate. The remote is currently available on Amazon UK and US.

There are some additional buttons not on the official MS remote. These can be configured using the following in the .reg file:

  27,00,00,00,04,03,04,\ ; Zoom     - sends ctrl-shift-A
  47,00,00,00,04,01,10,\ ; Music    - sends ctrl-M
  49,00,00,00,04,01,0C,\ ; Pictures - sends ctrl-I
  4A,00,00,00,04,01,08,\ ; Movies   - sends ctrl-E
  50,00,00,00,04,01,04,\ ; Radio    - sends ctrl-A
  5a,00,00,00,04,03,09   ; Teletext - sends ctrl-shift-F

DEC-200B

Remote-200B.jpg

Compatible with the MS remote. Works out of the box with XBMCLive. Not tested (so far) with the Windows and OSX versions. Don't know if it's configurable with the registry.

AVS Gear HA-IR01SV

Remote-HAIR01SV.jpg

Compatible with the MS remote. Works out of the box with XBMCLive. Not tested (so far) with the Windows and OSX versions. Don't know if it's configurable with the registry. Currently available from Amazon UK (search for HA-IR01SV). Googling suggests it is widely available.

Speedlink SL-6399

Remote-SL6399.jpg

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

Apparently there are different usb receivers that come with the remote.

ID 1241:1503 Belkin Keyboard       // all keys seem to work
ID 1241:e000 Belkin                // keys Start, RTV, Videos, Music, Pictures, MyTV don't work

There are several extra buttons not on the standard MS remote. If you want to add mappings for these keys here are the entries you need in keyboard.xml.

<t mod="ctrl">Notification(Key, TV power, 3)</t>          <!-- TV power -->
<menu>Notification(Key, More, 3)</menu>                   <!-- More -->
<z mod="ctrl,shift">Notification(Key, Aspect, 3)</z>      <!-- Aspect -->
<e mod="ctrl">Notification(Key, Red/Videos, 3)</e>        <!-- Red/Videos -->
<m mod="ctrl">Notification(Key, Green/Music, 3)</m>       <!-- Green/Music -->
<i mod="ctrl">Notification(Key, Yellow/Pictures, 3)</i>   <!-- Yellow/Pictures -->
<t mod="ctrl,shift">Notification(Key, Blue/MyTV, 3)</t>   <!-- Blue/MyTV -->
<g mod="ctrl">Notification(Key, Guide, 3)</g>             <!-- Guide -->
<o mod="ctrl">Notification(Key, RTV, 3)</o>               <!-- RTV -->
<f1>Notification(Key, Help, 3)</f1>                       <!-- Help -->
<return mod="alt">Notification(Key, Maximise, 3)</return> <!-- Maximise/restore -->
<a mod="ctrl">Notification(Key, Radio, 3)</a>             <!-- Radio -->
<m mod="ctrl,shift">Notification(Key, DVD, 3)</m>         <!-- DVD -->
<a mod="ctrl,shift">Notification(Key, Audio, 3)</a>       <!-- Audio -->
<u mod="ctrl">Notification(Key, Title, 3)</u>             <!-- Title -->

Unbranded MCE remote

Remote-unbranded.jpg

There is no manufacturer's name on this remote or the manual, though it may be a Chinavasion CVSB-983 or Acowin AURC-001. It can be used with Logitech Harmony Remote Software by picking Computer>>Media Center PC>>Chinavasion>>CVSB-983.

They are available on Ebay for as little as $2 ($10ish after S&H). 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, although it's no match for a proper mouse or trackpad.

It isn't very configurable and certain buttons don't work as they should. For example, the fast forward and rewind buttons skip forward or backwards instead of moving gradually.

If you want to add mappings for the four coloured keys here are the entries you need in keyboard.xml. The other keys can't be trapped.

<f1 mod="ctrl,alt">Notification(Key, Green, 3)</f1>  <!-- Green -->
<f2 mod="ctrl,alt">Notification(Key, Orange, 3)</f2> <!-- Orange -->
<f3 mod="ctrl,alt">Notification(Key, Blue, 3)</f3>   <!-- Blue -->
<f4 mod="ctrl,alt">Notification(Key, Yellow, 3)</f4> <!-- Yellow -->

Update 16th Jan: the rewind button sends three keypresses, left, then ctrl-left, then ctrl-shift-B. The left press causes the video to jump back 30 seconds. With the later releases of XBMC the ctrl-shift-B then starts the rewind (release v9.11 ignores ctrl-keypresses).

GoTView PC Remote

The GoTView PC Remote control looks exactly like the "unbranded remote" above. It is also detected as MCE remote by lircd, but has slightly different keycodes, which are incompatiable with xbmc defaults. To make things work correctly, add something like the following before the </keyboard> </global> lines in your /usr/local/share/xbmc/system/keymaps/keyboard.xml file

 
      <one mod="ctrl,alt,shift">ContextMenu</one>
      <two mod="ctrl,alt,shift">ActivateWindow(PlayerControls)</two>
      <three mod="ctrl,alt,shift">ActivateWindow(music)</three>
      <four mod="ctrl,alt,shift">ActivateWindow(pictures)</four>
      <five mod="ctrl,alt,shift">ActivateWindow(video)</five>
      <home mod="ctrl,alt,shift">ActivateWindow(MusicPlaylist)</home>
      <r mod="ctrl">Queue</r>
      <h mod="ctrl,alt,shift">Info</h>
      <b mod="ctrl,alt,shift">ActivateWindow(MusicOSD)</b>
      <f mod="ctrl,alt,shift">ActivateWindow(VisualisationPresetList)</f>
      

VRC-1100

Remote-VRC1100.jpg

There is no manufacturer's name on this remote or the manual, but they appear to be from Ortek (http://www.ortek.com/product.asp?pid=103&cname=Mobility). They are widely available on eBay. Maplin UK also sell an own-brand remote control (product code N18HC) that seems to be identical. The remote simulates the MS Media Center keypresses and will work out of the box on Windows, Linux and probably OSX. It also simulates a mouse, although it's no match for a proper mouse or trackpad.

Note that the the i button sends a right mouse click, which isn't much use in XBMC as the right click can't be mapped to an action. There is no way round this without using some helper app like Eventghost, but the Info action could be mapped to one of the other buttons.

If you want to add mappings for the four coloured keys and the four keys below them here are the entries you need in keyboard.xml. The top left (Internet Explorer) key can't be trapped.

<t mod="ctrl,shift">Notification(Key, Yellow, 3)</t> <!-- Yellow button -->
<m mod="ctrl">Notification(Key, Blue, 3)</m>         <!-- Blue button -->
<i mod="ctrl">Notification(Key, Green, 3)</i>        <!-- Green button -->
<e mod="ctrl">Notification(Key, Red, 3)</e>          <!-- Red button -->
<o mod="ctrl">Notification(Key, u/Yellow, 3)</o>     <!-- Button under Yellow -->
<g mod="ctrl">Notification(Key, u/Blue, 3)</g>       <!-- Button under Blue -->
<t mod="ctrl">Notification(Key, u/Green, 3)</t>      <!-- Button under Green -->
<m mod="ctrl,shift">Notification(Key, u/Red, 3)</m>  <!-- Button under Red -->


For full linux support see http://trac.xbmc.org/ticket/8827

XBox DVD Remote

Remote-xbox1.jpg

The original DVD remote for XBox 1. This is a simple well working remote, almost out of the box experience and it has a good support in xbmc.
See wiring and lirc config

This remote won't work "out of the box" with Windows as it doesn't send keystrokes and can't be configured to do so. It can be made to work with a helper app like Eventghost or IR Server Suite. See http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?t=45337 for the details.

Philips 5100 4in1 Vista MCE Remote

Philips5100-4in1 landscape.jpg

Philips have produced a family of remotes in this range designed for different sales regions each with different features. This one has the ability to control 4 devices (PC, TV, Sat, Amp) and can be programmed using the manufacturer codes database supplied. It also has the ability to learn functions from other remotes to replace any of its buttons, making it very versatile once customised to your home cinema setup. However, the keys are not backlit and the supplied infra-red usb reciever only works with Vista or Windows 7.

Note: Also works with the Official Microsoft MCE reciever as it sends the same signals (RC-6), meaning it can be used on Windows XP via this reciever.

Discontinued - (Can be found on ebay UK)

HP MCE Remote

Hpremote.jpg (Older)

HPRemotenewer.jpg (Newer)

Both versions are compatible with the Microsoft remote, and the .reg files used to reconfigure the MS remote will also work with the HP remote.

On Windows XP Pro SP3 the receiver was recognised and installed automatically. There are reports that Windows XP may not automatically detect the receiver unless you edit irbus.inf as described in http://it.megocollector.com/?p=8. It is not clear when this hack is needed.

With the Remote-XBMC.reg config all the buttons work in XBMC except for the "T" and "Print" buttons. To configure these buttons add the following to the .reg file:

  4E,00,00,00,04,01,22,\ ; Print button on HP remote - sends ctrl-5
  5A,00,00,00,04,01,23,\ ; T button on HP remote     - sends ctrl-6

Asrock Remote

NB this is preliminary information based on a discussion in the forum.

AsrockRemote.jpg

The Asrock ION PCs come with a remote control. This is compatible with the Microsoft remote, and in Windows 7 (and possibly Vista) the .reg files used to reconfigure the MS remote will also work with the Asrock remote. The .reg files will not work in Windows XP because Windows XP does not detect the remote as an eHome device and install the eHome driver. It is possible the eHome drive could be installed with suitable modifications to irbus.inf (see the review of the HP remote above) but so far this has not been explored.

With the Remote-XBMC.reg config all the buttons work in XBMC except for the four buttons in the row above the coloured buttons. To configure these buttons to send the standard Media center keyboard shortcuts add the following to the .reg file:

  47,00,00,00,04,01,10,\ ; Asrock remote: Music    - sends ctrl-M
  49,00,00,00,04,01,0C,\ ; Asrock remote: Pictures - sends ctrl-I
  4A,00,00,00,04,01,08,\ ; Asrock remote: Movies   - sends ctrl-E
  50,00,00,00,04,01,04,\ ; Asrock remote: Radio    - sends ctrl-A

Microsoft MCE Keyboard Remote

Microsoftmcekeyboard.jpg

Similar to the buttons to the Microsoft MCE remote, but with a full keyboard and a 'nipple' for moving the mouse. Range is limited and it requires a direct line of sight to the receiver. Can be operated on the users lap. The keyboard has a very nice feel, though the mouse nipple is hard to use.

Works with the Official Microsoft MCE receiver and with compatible RC6 receivers like the HP receiver.

AURC-002

AURC002.jpg

Manufactured by Acowin Industrial Limited; see http://www.acowin.com.hk/product535.html. Microsoft MCE clone with a cloned HP receiver. Compatible with the .reg files used to reconfigure the official Microsoft remote and receiver.

Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows

XBox360WirelessController.jpg

The Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows, which is sold my Mircosoft with a separate receiver, works with XBMC 9.11 on Windows XP with Standard Microsoft Drivers.

The File Xbox360EventClient.exe from this Forum-Post [Mirror] (MD5: 4B69791B1DC2DA4400B5912CFF9EFED0) need to run in the Background. The default Keymapping is optimal.