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Topic:
What are my options: VRC 1100, Change Input Source, Use Roku3
This thread has 5 replies. Displaying all posts.
Post 1 made on Monday July 29, 2013 at 10:50
FrugalMule
Lurking Member
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I stopped buying universal remotes when the prices of those things rose over $100.

We have the latest Windows Media Center running in Windows 8 and we watch most of our TV (brand LG, model, 37LG30) from there. The remote that works for nearly everything is the Windows Media Center Remote (model VRC 1100) pictured below. Unfortunately, we seem to have to use both sensors also pictured in order to use it completely, but that is not a huge deal.

PICTURES: 
[Link: screencast.com]

What is a big deal is the fact that we occasionally want to use our Roku3 which requires us to change the input source with the TV remote, and then use the Roku3 remote to navigate.

1. Is there any way to get the VRC 1100 media center remote to work for changing the input source, and/or controlling the Roku3?
2. Alternatively, is there a good universal option that won't require a huge expense?

Assistance is greatly appreciated.
Post 2 made on Monday July 29, 2013 at 14:57
OneRemote
Long Time Member
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May 2013
89
Since the VRC 1100 has no learning capabilities you won't be able to use it to control your TV input. The VRC 1100 basically emulates a keyboard on your computer and can really only work as a keyboard.

You could pick up a cheap Harmony remote off eBay for around $50 or less and teach it the commands from your VRC 1100, the TV, and the Roku3.

Something like this: [Link: ebay.com]
OP | Post 3 made on Monday July 29, 2013 at 23:19
FrugalMule
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 Still seems a little high.  Any other suggestions?
Post 4 made on Tuesday July 30, 2013 at 00:48
3FG
Select Member
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August 2009
1,861
 The VRC-1100 uses the Ortek MCE IR protocol, which transmits 3 types of frames -- the first frame, the last frame, and all frames in between.  Generally, learning such a signal will yield so-so results, but it may work for you.  I don't know of any cheap universals which have this protocol built in, but Harmony does have the VRC-1100 in its database, and it knows how to send all three states.

I'm not sure iif a used Harmony can be logged onto their servers, but probably so.

Or, you could get a $20 JP1 cable and program e.g. a Comcast remote to send the VRC-100, Roku, and pretty much any other signals.  If you're really frugal and will wait for delivery from Taiwan/China, you can get a cable for less than $10.  A Comcast remote can be bought new and shipped on eBay for $6.
OP | Post 5 made on Sunday August 4, 2013 at 22:46
FrugalMule
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Done:  Thanks for the suggestion.  We bought this one http://www.ebay.com/itm/Logitech-Harmony-650-Advanced-Universal-Remote-Control-/261243940984?pt=US_Remote_Controls&hash=item3cd35a3078  It looks impressive but the drop-downs in the device selection procedure were unimpressive.  We have an LG TV Model 37LG30, Windows Media Center, a Roku 3 device.  The remote controls themselves are TV Remote MKJ40653801, Media Center Remotes VRC-1100 and Microsoft Model 1039, and a Roku3 Remote 
We would like to set up our harmony 650 to replace them? I have ensured that the software on the device is up-to-date with the USB cable and software provided.

Unfortunately, and much to my surprise, my TV is the only device listed. Is there any quick way to set this up without having to learn every button from the three remotes that we are trying to replace? Thank you for any assistance that can be provided.
Post 6 made on Tuesday August 6, 2013 at 01:40
3FG
Select Member
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1,861
For the VRC-1100 use Ortek VRC-100 or Adesso ARC-1100.
For Roku, see this thread.

It's really just a matter of finding where logitech hid it.


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