Hello,

Just wanted to share a method that I used to create a sub $100.00 MP3 player for my home theatre - including the remote.

I won't go into too much detail, but basically here is all you need:

- 486 100mhz or above with soundcard and any cheap-o network card
- Wireless Keyboard (IR Based) (the cheapest you can find, I get them for $28.00 at trade shows).
- Learning Remote
- MP3 Software (if you have a slow computer you should use DOS based players - faster computers (p90 or above) can use windows players.

Optional:

VGA to TV converter or a VGA card with T.V. out
B&W VGA Monitor (painted black to match your HT)
VNC (free remote computer operation software).

Basically, you set your computer as an MP3 player (however you want to do that) - then figure out which keys it will take to control your player. Next, hook up your wireless keyboard and teach your remote the appropriate keys. It works like a charm.

If you don't have a VGA to TV solution, you can use VNC to create your playlist and control the track skipping/pausing/playing from your remote.

If you DO have VGA to TV you can navigate directories and the like without the need for remote based software.

I prefer to use a DOS based player (MPX play) because you can navigate directories and control the player with just the cursor keys, and also because the text is easy to read in a PIP window (which is how I use mine, so that I don't burn in the image on my RPTV).

Anyway, thought I would share this with you guys. A lot of people don't think about teaching their learning remote keys in this way - it might even help people who want to control their DVD software with a regular remote.

-Mike

The problem with working with MP3 remotely is that it is very difficult to select the music you want to hear unless you have a PC screen to show all the titles, options etc. And having a PC in my main room is tantamount to divorce.

What I have done is use an ePODSOne (check out the bullitin board at: [Link: linux-hacker.net]) with a wireless network to a server running Winamp.

There is some great software (as recommended on the board) called Snowcrash which will allow you to control winamp from a remote web browser ([Link: mp3pirate.com]). I hooked up the server to the amp via the soundcard and browse the CD lists wirelessly. Works really well as you can browse a lot of CDs really effortlessly.

Well, I took care of that with two methods:

1) I used a VGA to TV converter (an older 640x480 version I picked up for $15.00 at a swap fest).

2) I had a 9" B&W VGA Monitor that I painted black and placed in my rack - it looked perfect.

-Mike