I feel a little silly asking this but I can't find an answer in the URC documentation or through the search function. I'm programming an MSC-400 for the first time and seem to have everything running fairly well. I've got an HTPC hooked up via the rear USB port and have the keyboard emulator working properly.

What I'm confused on is the connection to run the Media Center interface. When I imported the IR data from my MX-880 it assigned the PC to port 8. I have verified that it is in fact emitting a signal that will control the PC through port 8 using the PC's IR blaster. Surely this isn't the proper way to hook this up? My take is I should be able to control all functions on the HTPC with the single USB connection, but I cannot seem to get the MSC-400 to output any commands but the keyboard via USB. I did read that the IR database numbers 501 and 502 under AUX automatically routed through USB, but there are no controls for WMC in those code sets.

Could someone please explain this to me? Thank you.

I've heard that people that have made this work, have had intermittent issues with the connection.

I did do a how to guide on how to control a PC with RS232 using a program called Eventghost.   You end up with much better control of the PC than just the USB keyboard emulation.

Here is the link to the guide:
[Link: remotecentral.com]

This looks great! Thank you very much. Hopefully I'll be able to get everything up and running tomorrow morning.

I did read that the IR database numbers 501 and 502 under AUX automatically routed through USB, but there are no controls for WMC in those code sets.
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The help files on this are about as clear as mud.

You basically need to create your own device in CCP and use the 501 and 502 codes to navigate WMC. For example IR (AUX 501.up arrow) will be used to navigate up.
Other buttons like "play" use a combination of shortcut keys.
So a macro must be made for the play button that would look like this.....
IR (AUX.501.CTL (Left))
IR (AUX.501.SHIFT (Left))
IR (AUX.501.P)

You can navigate WMC with ease and it doesn't take much to program.
You can even launch programs in Windows with "shortcut key" macros using 501 AUX and 502 AUX. These shortcut keys will also work in Hulu and XMBC if you choose to go that route as a GUI.

You can find every shortcut key here.
[Link: windows.microsoft.com]

Hi -

I have tried this and while it seems to work some of the time - It is VERY SLOW, like about 8-10 seconds between button press and the actual action is processed.

Any ideas on what I am missing?

Sorry for the delayed response, but have you considered rs232 control for the HTPC? I have been extremely happy with MSC-400 to HTPC via rs232 using EventGhost (freeware) on HTPC to receive and interpret serial commands into keystokes.
There is a bit of a learning curve, but the only cost is a URC 232 cable and USB to DB9 cable if your HTPC doesnt have a DB9 connector.

i suggested this in post number 2.  

My apologies, i missed that ...

I have to thank you for that guide! One of the most useful posts i have discovered at RC. It is great work and EventGhost is a fantastic solution!

Thanks again!