HTPC Remote is one of the most important elements of your digital living room as that determines how comfortable you are able to control your Home Theater PC. The key contribution of this article is to help you first to recognize what do you expect from your Media Center and then suggest the optimal devices for those activities.
**** Update Nov 3rd 2011 *** According to our reader’s poll results, these are the most popular remote controls for home theater PCs.
Logitech Harmony
Logitech has an excellent line-up designed to control various types of devices including home theater computers. Logitech Harmonys have the possibility to program predefined activities for tasks like preparing all the devices for movie playback or playing games etc. The popular controlling options are the basic model Logitech Harmony 550, a more comprehensive model Logitech Harmony 700 and a luxury model Logitech Harmony 900. Probably the best htpc remote is the Logitech Harmony One Universal with Color Touch Screen.
When to consider
- You mainly use media center software such as Windows Media Center, XBMC, Boxee, Plex, FrontRow or media extender such as Apple TV, SageTV, Xbox 360 or PS3
- You enjoy watching videos, photos and playing music and that is pretty much what you do with your Media HDTV
Pros
- Easy to configure to work with any device
- Very ergonomic and intuitive to use
- Using media center feels like browsing traditional TV channels
- Ability to control several devices at the same time such as TV, receiver and media player
Cons
- Requires line of sight unless you use Logitech Harmony 900 which has wireless RF-capabilities
- Is not suitable for any desktop applications such as iTunes or internet browsing
Logitech MX Air Mouse
Having a computer in your living room means that you still need a mouse and HTPC keyboard for most of the activities. Logitech MX Air Mouse is the most suitable mouse I have tested designed to be used in the living room. Instead of using it traditionally on a surface, it can used for navigation by moving your hand in the air. Using the mouse requires a bit of learning as it is used in the air rather than on the surface. However, all our visitors have instantly learned to use it and have been really impressed about it. Follow here to find a more detailed review about the best home theater PC mouse around (in my opinion).
When to consider
- You have a media center PC, Mac Mini, laptop or equivalent computer connected to your Media HDTV
- You use less traditional media center software such as Windows Media Center of FrontRow, but you like to use iTunes, Picasa, iPhoto, VLC and internet browsers from your desktop
Pros
- Excellent charger docking station
- Stylish design fits well into the living room
- Excellent usability from a sofa
- Fits perfectly as a media center controller
Cons
- You still need a traditional remote control to control your receiver and TV
- Does not work well with the media center software such as FrontRow, Plex etc.
- Takes some time to learn to use it
Apple iPod Touch
iPod Touch or iPhone is an interesting substitute mouse and keyboard as it allows you to wirelessly control your computer with apps such as Apple Remote, RowMote and HippoRemote. For more detailed review of the apps click on the links.
When to consider
- You already own an iPod Touch or iPhone and you have a computer in the living room
- You do not have line-of-sight view to the computer or computer does not have an IR-receiver
- You mainly use a media center software, but occasionally use applications that require a mouse and keyboard
Pros
- Does not require line-of-sight and works from a long distance
- Various applications available for download
- Can act as a controller, mouse and keyboard
Cons
- Takes some time to launch the application as you need to turn the iPod on and launch the app
- Not able to control TV, receiver and other devices
- As buttons are not tangible, you need to look at which buttons are being pressed
- Mouse function does not feel too good using the touch screen
All in all, Logitech Harmony One Universal Remote with Color Touch Screen is the most popular choice and is excellent in controlling all the devices and media center software. Logitech MX Air Cordless Air Mouse widens the usage possibilities as it allows to use all kind of applications from your media center PC or Mac Mini (I just bought my second MX Air after using the previous one already for 2 years). iPod Touch or iPhone is the choice for tech savvy users who wish to combine mouse and keyboard into a one stylish home theater PC controller.
These were the 3 best remote controlling options reviewed. Continue reading the wireless keyboard roundup on finding the optimal home theater PC keyboard.