Hi everyone,

As the title suggests, I'm probably looking for something that doesn't even exist. But I'll give it a try anyways:

I recently bought an HTPC (doesn't have IR), the case: ANTEC 2400 NSK. I also bought LG 5000 37" LCD.

Now I'm looking for a way to control both the TV and the HTPC using only 1 remote. At this point I should mention that I don't care about turning my HTPC on from scratch. I'm fine with being only able to wake it from standby or hibernation. I know otherwise it gets more difficult.

On top of having a remote with activates the HTPC and TV I want it to have some sort of mouse function, i.e. trackball, touchpad or whatever.

Preferably the remote comes with an IR USB receiver or even better so a non-IR solution such as Bluetooth or some other radio solution.

I ask at this point: DOES THIS EXIST?

Now asking for all this PLUS a remote with an integrated keyboard is pushing it... but who knows, maybe it does exist too?

I have been looking and reading everywhere. The remote-business is very confusing for me. It would be nice if you could help me.

Thanks :)

Well, what kills your request is the mouse cursor requirement. Now it IS possible to get basic, crude control over the mouse cursor via a normal IR HTPC remote (up/down/left/right), which could then be integrated into a universal. But if you want really usable control, that's not something you can find in a current universal.

Ironically, the first Pronto from 1998 had a "Mouse Mode" that would turn the touchscreen into a kind of touch pad for cursor control. It integrated with a particular Philips IR keyboard kit... alas that's long gone now.

Now, maybe what would help is deciding WHY you need mouse cursor control regularly in a HTPC. Is there something in particular you plan on doing that absolutely can't be done via keyboard shortcuts? Most HTPC interfaces are designed to be simple and mouse-free.

You are actually right. Maybe the mouse function isn't so important after all. I have read a lot about this topic and many say that I won't get around actually buying a keyboard + mouse in the end. So let's say I just want a remote which controls TV + HTPC. Which models do you recommend? Or is that even recommended at all?

I'm also planning on getting a DVB-C TV card... they usually come with their own remote. Do you think that universal remote can also do the TV card?

Thanks for your reply!

Yes, you're really going to need a keyboard/mouse for anything beyond normal HTPC use (ie. for upgrades, configuration, fixing something, etc.) - I have the Microsoft IR wireless MCE keyboard, which has a kind of mouse pointer thing, but it's so awkward and erratic I end up plugging in a real mouse when I have to do something.

No matter what, you're going to need a way to get commands into the PC, and if you want it integrated with a universal it's going to have to be IR based. So, it depends on what kind of remote your DVB card comes with.

What kind of budget (for the remote alone) are you looking at? And what's your preference in type of remote?

I am definitely going to play games on the HTPC. So therefore I need a keyboard and mouse for sure.

As for the remote, I am getting a 4 in 1 remote which can learn command from any device. So I can control my sound system, TV and HTPC. I was thinking about Philips SRM 5100

What do you think?

To control the PC from an IR remote, you could use something like Streamzap. http://www.streamzap.com/

Then, any good universal remote with learning should work for you.

I think the Robman might be onto something. Also reference my recent post--IR control of computer cursor.