Hi, I have H659 and wanted to use it to control my pc I would like 2 general functions

1) PC control: volume, mouse functionaliy, sleep, wake

2) Beyond TV control (will use girder if needed)

Should I get the StreamZap or the firefly mini?
So basically I need the most compatible receiver with the most functionality. If I get the firefly mini then I wouldn't need girder correct? I could just program the H659 with the mini's codes? Would I then be able to control the mouse and volume or would I still need the girder software for that? I am a newbie so please explain.

Thanks

I can't comment on the Firefly mini but the StreamZap will do 1) (although mouse functionality is basic but acceptable for doing most things) and Logitech does have the StreamZap in their database so you can upload on to your H659. There is a Girder plug in available from StreamZap so 2) could be accomplished plus much more ...but there is a fairly steep learning curve for Girder.

Thanks,

have you ever used MCE remotes? If you have, is that a better experience for what I wanna do than StreamZap?

CU

No, I haven't used this remote

Well, since you untimately plan on using a universal the differences between these PC remotes becomes quite slim. If you're not controlling an actual MCE system, there's little reason to get the MCE remote. I use both a StreamZap with a standard XP system (mostly for file playback - Media Player or VLC) and an MCE remote with a MCE 2005 system (mostly for TV), and for their respective systems they both work fine.

Note that MCE remotes generally don't offer mouse cursor control like the "generic" ones do.

I'm interested in controlling Media Player and/or VLC and InterVideo WinDVD on an XP system like Daniel mentions in the nearterm and the same + MCE on a Vista system.

I was hoping the Logitech Harmony 720 could do this via database codes as per doorknob's post.

Is this do-able?

For God's sake, don't buy a Harmony 720. Mine was returned in less than a day. They are designed for the retarded, senile and techless girlfriends in your life. My remote even had a preinstalled broken button. BONUS! For an interesting view on the Harmony, feel free to check out mhttp://[Link: avsforum.com] awful experience: It also gives other info.

Hello,


I would say you should go for the Streamzap because the Firefly mini is a HID device and it will be a little tricky to customize it (basically what the Firefly mini is doing is sending multimedia keyboard command) and it seems that Logitech keyboard software will conflict with the Firefly mini.

Also you should know that the Streamzap software is very basic : that is you will be able to customize the Red / Green / Yellow / Blue button (globally only and not per application) and that's all about it. For every other needs, you'll need Girder, EventGhost or my software (search for LM Remote KeyMap on Google) for customizing fully the remote.

With the Streamzap you'll be able to use the mouse and control volume without problems, though volume control will change the Master volume and Wave volume and the mouse mode (as with all other remotes) is disappointing especially when using a Harmony (the Harmony introduces delays in IR commands, so you will have to lower those delays to have a better response time).

I'm currently using the Streamzap remote with my HTPC and my Harmony 885 remote for controlling SageTV and I'm very happy with it (though I use my software for really customizing the remote as I want, because the default profiles is not so great and is using too much CPU for me).

Regards,
Stéphane.