HCPC remote control - USB solution?

I'm looking for a HCPC remote control - currently IRman looks a good choice. I have some concerns as it is a serial device (a) I already have both my serial ports in use, (b) I find serial devices can be a bit fussy at times. Are there any USB remote controls available?

Related question (sort of) - how flexible is the remote re. line of sight (or lack thereof)? I may have my HCPC hidden round a corner so although it will only be about 5m from the viewing position, there is no direct line of sight to the HCPC. I seem to remember that the ATI all-in-wonder remote for example uses radio frequencies so can even go through walls to some extent?

Advice welcomed from people who've already had - and solved(!) - these problems.

Dave48

 

you could try streamzap. It is USB and works very nicely. I am not sure if it works with girder though.

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Streamzap works great with Girder. Just remember that both programs should be active, I spent ages messing about trying to get Girder to recognise commands till I realised this

It aint gonna work round corners though, cant you use a USB extension cable to bring the streamzap reciever nearer to your screen?

 

ATI do a usb remote that uses RF - so no line of site problems

 

That would work, or similarly would a powermids IR extending solution

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I was recently looking around for an IRMan or similar (now sorted thanks to buns) and did see a device mentioned that was USB, but can't think where. It was on a page listing supported hardware for an application - may have been Girder, but just been to the Girder site and can't see it. Not very helpful, really, but

 

With WinDVD 4 there is a remote you can buy - it does not go around corners though - works well though - usb connection and you can move the mouse via a pad type device

 

Yep. It's very good... less of a "toy" than you might think and there are loads of plugins available for many programs now. I sometimes use mine in the kitchen (while cooking) to skip through an mp3 playlist on my HTPC... that's through three walls and the drinks cabinet.

MuFu.

 

Found a USB receiver - the IR Media Remote USB - review here http://computers.cnet.com/hardware/0-16332-404-1742945.html UK distributer here http://www.ammicro.co.uk/product_pages/keyspan.htm