remote controls for FZ notebooks?

I connect my VGN-FZ190 notebook to my home entertainment center (with HDMI) to play videos using Windows Media Player/Center. Is there a remote control option that would assist in this regard?

Sony support said "I'm sorry to say that your Sony VAIO Notebook isn't shipped with remote control. As we can neither recommend or endorse any third party products, we would recommend you check with your favorite computer retailer, major computer magazines, or search the Internet for available options to address your request."

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

David Fynn

 

I've Interlink expresscard remote for controlling the media files, the only BIG problem is that the remote uses 54mm slot whereas sony vaio provides 34mm slot, so you cannot charge it by inserting in the expresscard slot, which is the only way to charge it. I also have HP pavillion which has 54mm slot so I charge it on HP and use it with HP or Vaio.

 

there is Infrared RC for MCE from third party .. its easily available .. make sure that it match the OS though .. Vista MCE Remote for Vista or XP MCE Remote for XP.

 

I use Sony BT Presenter Controler VGP-BRMP10, bought in Japan. It's a presentation controller and wireless mouse in one. It works well and I use it for MCE too. Amazon sells it for 80$.
Short review

 

Get this program called Salling Clicker if you have a bluetooth enabled phone and Vaio. You can then use your phone to control your laptop using various scripts for various programs, control the mouse, volume etc. Best of all it's bluetooth so you don't even need a line of sight.

 

I use my sony ericsson via bluetooth.

 

Salling Clicker is incompatible with my T-Mobile Nokia, but fortunately my phone came with some software that does the same thing. If you have a Nokia Bluetooth phone, look for a program called Nokia Wireless Presenter. You'll have to download a small piece of software from the Nokia site for your computer, but once you set it up, you can program your phone to work as a presenter/remote for every piece of software that has shortcut keys -- including your desktop.

If that won't work for you, there's a whole field of Media Center remote controls out there intended for desktops. You'll need either an infrared remote that has its own USB IR dongle (like this one from Pinnacle) or a Bluetooth remote/presenter.

Sony actually makes this Bluetooth remote for the PlayStation 3. Can it be used on a VAIO?

 

Is there even infrared on the FZ??
Anyway, I got a remote with my hauppauge tv tuner (which has infrared) and I can control WMC quite well. As suggested above also, you can use a sony ericssion phone to control your desktop and programs etc - although the cursor moves quite slow.

 

No, that's why you'd have to get a remote that comes with its own infrared USB dongle, or transmits via Bluetooth. IR-to-Bluetooth adapters are available now, too; these are Bluetooth-enabled IR receivers that should (ideally) let you use your universal IR remote with your laptop.

 

Did previous FZ models have IR receiver. How to find out if your FZ has it or not?