IR remote codes for Dell Laptop???

I didn't feel like paying ~$60 for a little remote for my Vostro 1500 (I would have paid $25, but $60 seems rediculous), but I was wondering- I have a universal remote that has a learn function, so I can program it to control any IR device such as a ceiling fan, light controls, along with the usual TV equip.

Is there any chance there are some IR codes for the Dell Media Direct app out there I could install onto my lappy, PDA, etc and then use those to program my learning IR remote control with?

Just curious. Thanks.

 

Wow that's a good question...aren't there usually auto-program features though on universal remote controls so they scan the frequencies until something responds?

 

How would the remote know the equipment had responded? A remote just beams out pulses of IR, it dont receive nuffink

 

Well start up a program (like Dell Media Center) and pay attention...when it scrolls through something or something starts playing, you know that the equipment has responded at which point you press the OK button or similar on the remote (at least that's how mine works).

 

On every "frequency scanning" remote I've used, it's a manual process of pressing the power button to see if anything happens, then pressing the next button and repeating for a few hundred codes. If you find the proper code, you tell the remote. Yes, the remote is dumb.

There are also learning remotes that can learn the frequencies of other remotes, but you'll need the other remote.

There are also the Logitech Harmony remotes that *probably* support Dell laptops now or in the future. But if you don't want to spend $60 on a remote, you won't want to spend $100+.

 

it will scan for tv, dvd, vcr- but it just scans through it's own libaries of codes. there isn't a PC library to scan through. i think I would have to have the remote itself to learn from...

but if there is a library i could load into my pda IR remote software then i could program the other remote, or just use the pda, but the range sucks

 

Hi, I just have same problem here in spain, with the same model, Vostro 1500. I were messing around a little bit with WinLirc, a receiver/transmitter program for bulk IR data (so than can be treated properly with other WinLirc-based programs). No response at all. So I called Dell support phone to ask why my IR wasn't being detected at all on the hardware Devices List. I were told it's an special IR receiver-only from Dell. It will only work with the special Dell remote they sell you for that lovely price (in Europe the price is worst, it's the same cypher, but in Euros, wich is a load more).
If anybody can guess how to work this around, or learn the special Dell's frequency, maybe we can learn how to bypass this nuisance.

By the way, I would bet for Ciberlink if I had to think about a remote working with Dell...All the Media Direct Stuff is pretty much the same as their PowerCinema, it's just a PowerCinema with changed logos and embedded in a whole partition within what looks like a very capped version of an Windows XP. And, the Ciberlink bluetooth remote looks identical to the one they sold with Dell (wich, of course, wasn't interested in paying)

 

Someone posted a link to some refurbished remotes on Dell's website last week for about $15. You might look around for that. Seems simplest.

 

Hi...Thanks for the info! I'm just new on the forum. Could you tell me where's that link?
By refurbished, you mean second hand remotes?
Again, thank you!

 

Here is the IR remote. It comes out to $16 after shipping. I ordered one last week, and it should be arriving around the same time as my Vostro 1400. The remote states it's for the Inspiron line, but the Vostro's have it available as an add on accessory. However, when reading through the forum I've found conflicting reports as to whether it works on the Vostro series or not. Is there any final say if it does or doesn't work with the Vostros?

 

I have the same refurb remote mentioned/linked by smeg36. I actually got free shipping on it. Have been using it with my Vostro 1400 for about 2 weeks now and works great. Even though they did not mention it being compatible with Vostro 1400. The remote that I got is in brand new condition. Save yourself the money and get this refurb remote. It even comes with a battery!!!

 

Damn...I'm afraid it will only work for american sales. They don't seem have an option for selling in a different country. And the spanish page of dell doesn't offer the remote.

 

Can someone PLEASE post codes to harmonyremote for the rest of us? PLEASE???

 

I have a spare Dell remote if your interested........ If so, PM me.

 

i got mine with my 1420 for $15 new. it was an option during configuration. How are you getting $60? you're talking about the little remote that pops into the laptops expresscard slot right?

i have to say though, that while it works great, media direct is a little slow sometimes, especially browsing through thousands of songs. the remote is definitely not worth $60.

 

I wonder if the HP's remote would be able to work with any of the dells... i liked the fact that it has an on/off button on the remote which the dells dont have...

 

sick questioni... remind me of programing the directtv remote to power on xbx 360.