Hello,
My goal is to hook a box that has infrared emitter outputs to my computer and send infrared commands from the computer to my tv, dvd, cable box, stereo, etc. Then, I can use my laptop and connect wirelessly into the my remote desktop and use my laptop as a full function wireless remote. Does anyone know of any software, hardware packages that can accomplish this.

I remember a box from Xantech called the Pcir, but I dont remember if the software works as a controller. I also just went on their site and couldnt even find any software that still supports the pcir. Any other suggestions would be nice. Maybe even a pronto emulator or something... But, I would still need the hardware to connect the infrared emitters to. I have been out of the industry for several years now, so I'm not really up on the new new stuff thats out there. I apologize if this topic has been covered before.
-joe

I too am looking for such a product.
my situation would be that i will have 2 computers in my HT. one of which will go to a touchscreen monitor in my Living room, the other will be my main computer for my HTR. I want to be able to use the touchscreen monitor as a universal remote control for all of my components in my theater room and still have the abilities of a full functioning computer hooked to a home network.
Right now I have a Sony amp hooked to 4 speakers in my living room and control that amp via the remote and Leapfrog extender. i also have the preamp zone 2 out of my main amp into an input on my Sony amp so I can hear any input that i have on my HT amp upstairs in my living room.
Next step is control of my storage PC. I have several hundred albums that I can access, but I have to have a display to do so. I was thinking IR emmiter from my storage pc and a touchscreen monitor for some basic control.

The way I see it, I would need a few things. i just don't know where to start looking for them.
1. IR sending unit that will hook up to my PC
2. Software that has the ability to send IR signals via the IR sending unit and either has internet database of IR codes (similar to Harmony) or can learn IR
3. Touchscreen monitor for control of basic functions and for easy browsing of media center library.

Any help I could get on the subject would be appreciated.

There are lots of good hardware and software options for PC remote control.

For software, I would check out Hip ([Link: byremote.com.au]), Girder/NetRemote (http://www.promixis.com/)

For hardware, the best units I have used are discussed here:
[Link: forums.dvbowners.com]

I just got a Global Cache GC-100, it connects with LAN and is controlled by a PC(wired or wireless)

Uses above mentioned software..Girder, Promixis and such

www.globalcache.com

I have the 12 unit...has 2 serial, 3 relays and 6 ir ports

not sure if thats what you are looking for or not

Also there has been talk on the usb-uirt or something like that..connect right to computer

I'm looking into using a URC MX-700 or MX-850 remote to send learned IR codes to several devices. I will use VB6 to send the appropriate commands to the remote via the PC's serial port. The windows software supplied by URC could be used directly but would require many mouse clicks to send the IR code.

Three things I would use. First a remote like a Nevo SL. It's a cusomixable touch screen, which you can teach anything to. It does RF multiroom control as well as WiFi to access media on your computer. It also comes in software only versions for your PDA. Then I would use Girder to make all things IR talk to your computer and vise versa. Finally a USB-UIRT to bring IR into and out of your computer. At this time I'm using only the USB-UIRT to allow Snapstream Beyond TV 4 (Tivo type PVR software) to control my Sat receiver and it works like a charm. USB-UIRT works with Xantech products.

Craig

I use a Phillips Pronto TSU3000, Girder 4 and USB-UIRT to control my Windows XP PC and retransmit IR and other signals.

I just went through a similar exercise. I wanted to control streaming
video from the internet.

I use a program called IRCommand2
http://www.wdpsoftware.com/
It was the easiest program I could find to set up.
It learns all your remotes. When you done teaching it your
remotes you are left with a keypad on the screen. Press a button
and it sends the IR command out the RS232 or USB port.
You need hardware which is not expensive.

This sounds like what you need. A person by the name of
Joe Mattioni from support was very helpful with my early questions

Ken