View Full Version : pc control of tv/vcr/stereo via ir?
scott7065
08-22-2003, 08:18 PM
Is there a way to have a pc control apliances which are controled with ir remotes? I know that the ir signals sent to these devices are rather simple. I was wondering what would limit the irda port on a pc from being programed to act as an ir remote.
It was just a thought.
What other systems do people use to control devices with thier pc and how much does it cost?
-Scott
krstofer
08-23-2003, 09:47 AM
I've heard of people controlling things with the printer port or something like that. 'Cource you'd need the software. that was along time ago, when most computers still had printer ports. (This powerbook hasn't one, for example)
Betcha someone's doing it with USB and some sort of IR tx/rx box, somewhere.
I'd check Google.
http://krstofer.org
Carl R
08-24-2003, 01:31 PM
Houselinc (http://www.smarthome.com/1620.html)This one works well for most everything. It will control X 10 switches and most infrared electronics. cOnly problem with this unit is that it will not learn from other remote, but the manufacturer told me a few weeks ago that it planned to have a new chip sets with learning capabilities after the first of the year.
There is also a PC infrared controller for just electronics as well. The PC to IR link controller can Learn commands from any other remote-control but cannot control X10 switches.
Jimi5
08-24-2003, 06:51 PM
I have a program called E Z Keys by Words +, Inc. And it has a infared box attached to my laptop and I can control my tv, VCR, radio now. I can control anything that is plugged in also but I can't get the morons at the Iowa Veterans Home to understand it. I'm a full quad.
Carl R
09-24-2003, 10:06 AM
I've bought a new infrared remote control that works with the PC from SmartHomeUSA (http://www.smarthomeusa.com/ProductGroups/innotech_spitfire/) and it works very well. It is the cleanest and easiest to set up, and has the largest library of built-in codes that I have been able to find. It will also learn from other remote. Here is a screen capture of the software.
I use the GEWA PROG connected to my computer to control my TV, VCR, phone, lights etc I use it in conjunction with my voice software so that I am able to have voice activated home automation. For example I say "lights on" and voila. It works quite well, and is much cheaper than other voice activated environmental control options as I understand it. The only problem is it is not very well documented and I don't know of anyone else who uses it the same way as I do, IS THERE ANYONE OUT THERE THAT DOES???