[mythtv-users] Cheap Remote and blaster

[Brian Wood]

On Wednesday, October 20, 2010 04:58:24 pm John Haywood wrote:
> On 21/10/2010, at 6:48 AM, Jarod Wilson wrote:
> > On Oct 20, 2010, at 3:23 PM, Brian Wood wrote:
> >> Several folks (including me) asked about whether this would work with
> >> LIRC/Myth:
> >> 
> >> http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=5187-4592-BULK&cat=SYS
> >> 
> >> I just received mine: The answer is Yes:
> >> 
> >> Oct 20 13:11:14 fx3 kernel: [56020.610329] usb 4-5: new full speed USB
> >> device using ohci_hcd and address 2 Oct 20 13:11:14 fx3 kernel:
> >> [56020.840237] usb 4-5: configuration #1 chosen from 1 choice Oct 20
> >> 13:11:14 fx3 kernel: [56020.856345] lirc_dev: IR Remote Control driver
> >> registered, major 61 Oct 20 13:11:14 fx3 kernel: [56020.860097]
> >> lirc_mceusb: Windows Media Center Edition USB IR Transceiver driver for
> >> LIRC 1.90
> >> Oct 20 13:11:14 fx3 kernel: [56020.860102] lirc_mceusb: Daniel Melander
> >> <lirc at rajidae.se>, Martin Blatter <martin_a_blatter at yahoo.com>, Dan
> >> Conti <dconti at acm.wwu.edu>
> >> Oct 20 13:11:14 fx3 kernel: [56021.040390] usb 4-5: reset full speed USB
> >> device using ohci_hcd and address 2 Oct 20 13:11:15 fx3 kernel:
> >> [56021.262380] lirc_dev: lirc_register_driver: sample_rate: 0 Oct 20
> >> 13:11:15 fx3 kernel: [56021.268376] lirc_mceusb[2]: Philips eHome
> >> Infrared Transceiver on usb4:2 Oct 20 13:11:15 fx3 kernel:
> >> [56021.268435] usbcore: registered new interface driver lirc_mceusb
> >> 
> >> The blurb does not make this clear, but it comes with an IR blaster
> >> which connects to the receiver. There are two jacks for blasters on the
> >> receiver, so it looks like you could have 2 blasters.
> >> 
> >> So order with confidence, it will work. I think I'll order another as a
> >> spare as well.
> >> 
> >> Not bad for $13.99.
> > 
> > Also note: this isn't the first-gen transceiver, it just has the same
> > exterior housing. The first-gen one has a Microsoft device ID (and
> > reports as such in dmesg output, where the above is reporting Philips).
> > So that's probably a plus, given the first-gen one is slightly quirky,
> > and may or may not support transmit at all frequencies...
> 
> Is this an example of the first-gen transceiver?
> It lists as HP Part Number 464961-001
> http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130443083130#ht_5785w
> t_907
> 
> (Not easy to find the working ones here in Australia which have been listed
> in this thread)

The remote looks a little different from the one I bought (which works), the transceiver unit looks similar, but it's hard 
to tell without seeing all sides.

The HP number is also different, and the word "Vista" and "2005" would indicate it's not the original, the original ones 
were for use with XP MCE.

Jarod would know much better than I would, but I'd guess it's not the original, and may be what I have with a different 
remote. HP may have used several different types of remotes, that's pretty common.

So I'd say there is no guarantee it will work for you, but there's a pretty good chance it would, or could be made to work 
with minor adjustments.

I've heard the Geeks are pricey for overseas shipping, and I'm not sure of the difference between USDs and AU dollars.