Can I use a universal IR remote controller to control my A8Jm via IR?

Does anyone know if it is possible to use a universal IR remote controller to control my A8Jm via IR? If yes, how can I do it?

I found this program that allows me to configure the laptop IR to learn controls from a remote control but it says that the IrDA must be a compliant transceiver module with ASK/TV Remote compatibility ( http://www.pcremotecontrol.com/info.html). I don't know if the IR port on the A8Jm is compatible.

Any help would be great. Thanks.

 

You really need CIR to use a remote like you're wishing. CIR (Consumer Infrared) is what's used on TV's and stereo's..... The only system Asus makes with CIR is the W2 series. The CIR has a range of like 30', while IrDA has a range of maybe 3' if you're lucky.

 

I have CIR on my A7D(Z83) but no TV card and no remote. Why if i don't have the TV card ? And can I put in a TV card ???
And can you use any universal remote ?

Thx

 

Yes, it is on the A7 series - and that's because it has a spot for a tv tuner and is sold with a tv tuner in different markets. Those two are the only ones. Even still though, those remotes that came with A7's and W2's in those markets that worked with the CIR were for Asus' own mobile theater... Because that CIR isn't certified by Microsoft, it can't be used for MCE - so for the models that came with MCE, they came with a usb CIR unit.

 

I have a CIR USB unit that came with my first laptop. I use the Logitech Harmony Remote, I might give that program a try later today, since the Harmony is really customizable, it might do what I want to control my computer, if it works, I will let you know, then you can just get a CIR USB device.

 

I have a similar setup on my desktop: Microsoft IR Receiver + Harmony 880. I use Girder to interface .. works like a charm Took me a good 8hrs to get everything programmed the way I like it, but it was definitely worth it

Cheers.

 

You're much better off using a USB interface for this.... The internal CIR on something like the W2 is only really nice for use with a remote you could stash inside the system anyway.......... so you could use the remote when in class or a meeting without carrying a bunch of extra stuff. However, if this is for home use, the suggestions above are easier and better for you in the long run.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I was hoping the built-in IrDA would work. But oh well.

 

Not really.. IrDA was good a decade ago for wireless transfers to old pocket pcs that you'd place right next to the notebook.... CIR really isn't great either, I mean even tv's are going to start using bluetooth, so IR on a whole is almost dead. Right now, since the PCMCIA and VGA ports have basically been replaced by express cards and DVI or HDMI.... IrDA is the oldest tech on the laptop.