Okay, just to let you know I've already Googled, Searched the forums including AVS, searched other forums, read and re-read the Myth documentation before finally asking a question that might have been answered before.

Question: How/what specific infrared hardware do I need and how to connected it so I can control MythTV with a remote?

I know that you can connect an IR receiver to the serial port, but I don't want to use the remotes that they come with, I want to use my own. Also, I've read that I can only use it via the serial port, but then I read I could also use USB. Which is right, can I have to serial or can I use USB? Can I make by own IR receiver and then use my own remote? Or, do I have to put an already made receiver, but still get to use my own remote?

Can someone direct me to a Wiki or other web page that describes how exactly to carry this out. All of the documentation that I've read describes how to make a blaster to change channels on an external device, but I'm using the DCT-6200 STB connected via Firewire to my PC, and I'm able to change channels from withing MythTV natively, it works like a charm.

I do not need a blaster, just a receiver, interpret the signals to either keyboard commands or macros? Can I create macros that receiver a single command? Or do I need to create those macros within my remote control?

I would love to contribute to the MythWiki as soon as I solve this out.

If you don't mind picking up a second tuner, you can get a PVR150. It comes with the IR receiver and a remote. If you don't want to use that remote, you can learn the commands from it into a new learning remote.

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Currently running: R5.5, HD5000 x 2, PVR150, Athlon 64 3000+, Chaintech VNF4, 1GB RAM, 2 x 250GB in LVM, MSI NX6200TC -> AA 9A60 -> HDTV

Why would I want to buy a second tuner, PVR150, when what I have works fine? Also, the PVR150 can't get HD channels over digital cable nor HBO encrypted channels, but I get them just fine through my existing setup of the DCT-6200 STB connected via firefire.

I just need a pointer where I can get the hardware connected to my frontend that will accept IR signals and interpret them.

Thanks for your help though.

Have you looked at the LIRC web page ( http://www.lirc.org/ )?
If you scroll down on the left, there's a links to info about LIRC compatible IR receivers.

Paul

I don't know, maybe because you asked what hardware could be used to get a remote working on your box and buying that card would give you all the hardware you would need.

Yes, it is possible to build your own reciever and use an existing remote... Assuming the remote you want to use is compatible with the frequencies commonly used, you have some skill at soldering (I don't), etc...

Here's one example:
http://home.swiftdsl.com.au/~tmccoy/ind ... &Itemid=26

When I first started out, I looked around and decided quite quickly that I would be better off spending a few bucks and buying one.

Building your own IR setup is described in detail out there on the web; however, there are other options too. Here's where I got my remote:
http://www.pcalchemy.com/index.php/cNam ... e-controls

If you are trying to find a IR reciever that matches a remote you already have (and you are asking for help finding one that can decode the signal) tell us what kind of remote it is. *I* might not be able to tell you, but someone reading these pages might be able to make a suggestion if they knew more details.

In addition, let people know if you are planning on spending any money and if so, what's the budget? Keep in mind that by the time you build your own IR reciever, you may be out most of the cost of buying a remote plus reciever. I did some quick looking around for the parts and found that around here, it would cost me around $25US to build my own. True, I would have a few parts left over, but there wouldn't really be a point...

When I bought my PVR-500, I just figured the extra $35US into the cost of building my system--and it is USB.

If you are not in a position to spend that much to buy a remote, and not everyone is, look at http://www.lirc.org . They have lots of links on the lower left to help with build-your-own and buy-one information.
thanks,

L0o0ky, and everyone else, thanks for your help and direction. With that help I was able to figure some things out and come to a conclusion.

I was able to find an IR receiver on eBay and instructions to get it working. and I should be getting in either next week or soon afterwards, it is being shipped. I already have a great remote, TSU1000, that I've had for years. But, I'm thinking of getting a Harmony remote.

P.S. I ordered my case and silent power supply from pcAlchemy. Sweeet.

http://www.pcalchemy.com/product_info.p ... htpc-cases