As we all know, PS3 uses Bluetooth for remote communication and there is no IR receiver. The upcoming remote will also be Bluetooth, so there does not appear to be an IR learn option here. Until someone makes an IR remote for this (with an IR USB receiver), there is a short term solution. This is for BLURAY DVD playing only.
1. Purchase a PS2 to USB adabter from radioshack (part # 26-729) $11.00. This dongle was originally designed to connect PS controllers to a PC.
2. Purchase a SONY original PS2 DVD remote (model schp-10150)
3. Plug the remotes IR receiver into the radioshack adapter and then plug the USB end of the adapter into any PS3 USB port.
4. If the PS3 is not line of sight, connect an IR blaster to the IR receiver (as you would a normal IR eye on any equipment).
5. Learn the IR codes direct from the PS2 remote for use in custom remote programming. Program custom remote accordingly.
That’s it. Now, this predominantly works when in the BluRay mode. This means that a client still needs to navigate to the blue ray disc and select it with the PS3 controller. However, once the disc is playing, they can have full control from their programmed remote. I said it was primarily for DVD playing, however, the 4 major PS2 buttons (Triangle / Circle / Square / X) do work at all times. Unfortunately, navigation with the 4 way pad outside of the DVD area does not work.
Tested so far:
Triangle / Circle / Square / X = All work @ all times. L1 / L2 / R1 / R2 = Work in DVD mode only. Select / Start = Work in DVD mode only 4 way pad = Work in DVD mode only Enter button in middle of 4 way pad = Does not work at all All remaining buttons (Approximately 32) = Does not work at all
*DVD mode is when the DVD is in, and the client has already selected it with the PS3 controller.
As you can buy the adapter for $11 at radioshack and a used Ps2 remote for $4.99 at GameStop, the investment is minor. While the functionality is limited, customers will appreciate not having to hold a controller and a remote while watching a movie. The reality is, suggesting a BR player is a better solution. However, the PS3 is somewhat doable, so its worthy of a post (and customers will ask for this !).
