HD Theater HD200 Keyboard Support

[Brent]

Looks like the hard working crew at SageTV has added another often requested feature to the HD200 - USB Keyboard support! It's almost as if they finally discovered those little USB ports and decided to put them to work

It currently (as of 8/15) requires beta firmware 20090814 1 or later for USB keyboards to work. And only works in Extender mode at the moment. I'm hoping they'll add it to the media-player mode soon as there are certain things in there I'd like to use the keyboard for such as entering the WIFI security passphrase for instance.

I had success with the following keyboards:
1. This junky chinese wireless keyboard
2. The BTC 9019URF
3. A super-cheap no-brand wired keyboard

And MeinMaui had success with the Logitech DiNovo Mini

There really aren't any installation steps other than installing the new beta firmware and going into extender mode. For me it just worked. I'm curious if anyone has tried any other keyboards - especially the wireless variety. If there are any problems or keys that don't work let us know.

[MeInMaui]

Just to elaborate, navigation works with the DiNovo Mini's click pad in arrow mode. The media keys do not work. The Mini does not have a Home key, so I will have to add a mapping to another key combo for that.

Aloha,
Mike

Edit: I just did a couple of searches and I have to say this keyboard rocks.

[mkstretch]

Sorry for the stupid question, but what exactly would you use the keyboard for? Thanks guys.

[paulbeers]

Originally Posted by mkstretch

Sorry for the stupid question, but what exactly would you use the keyboard for? Thanks guys.

Searches. That is the main reason. Ever tried finding an mp3 when you have 10,000+ songs in Sage? It is a PITA to use the remote to enter in your search requirements!

I should state, that I don't use Sage for Music, but my wife does.

[Opus4]

Originally Posted by paulbeers

Ever tried finding an mp3 when you have 10,000+ songs in Sage? It is a PITA to use the remote to enter in your search requirements!

Not for 10,000 songs, but I search through my 4000 songs almost every day -- in extender mode, the default STV's hidden feature for one-touch searching/quick filtering allows me to type a number once for each letter I want instead of multiple times to cycle through the possible letters. (But, yes, a keyboard would still be easier on several menus.)

- Andy

[Brent]

Originally Posted by mkstretch

Sorry for the stupid question, but what exactly would you use the keyboard for? Thanks guys.

Mostly typing in search strings, typing in settings where you have a long password or perhaps a wireless passphrase perhaps. Stuff like that...

[Apap]

I just plugged in my Gyration wireless keyboard(after beta firmware update) and it works!

[paulbeers]

Originally Posted by Opus4

Not for 10,000 songs, but I search through my 4000 songs almost every day -- in extender mode, the default STV's hidden feature for one-touch searching/quick filtering allows me to type a number once for each letter I want instead of multiple times to cycle through the possible letters. (But, yes, a keyboard would still be easier on several menus.)

- Andy

I should really turn that on huh? Either way, we both agree a keyboard is much easier! I can't type 70+ wpm with a remote control!

[gianpieroizzo]

That's a nice feature... any hope to have it on the HD100 as well ?

Gian Piero

[shadeblue.com]

Working with very old MicroInnovations Infrared wireless keyboard SK-7100.

This keyboard is a PS2 model so I used a USB-to-PS2 adapter cable. I tried two different no name brand USB-to-PS2 converters, both worked great.

[valnar]

Originally Posted by shadeblue.com

Working with very old MicroInnovations Infrared wireless keyboard SK-7100.

This keyboard is a PS2 model so I used a USB-to-PS2 adapter cable. I tried two different no name brand USB-to-PS2 converters, both worked great.

Cool. That's good to know. I love my SK-7100 airboard.

[bigo93bronco]

Does the spacebar work on your keyboards? Mine doesn't, other than that it works great. I'm using a BTC 9019URF wireless keyboard.

[mtenboer]

I can't get a keyboard to work. I updated the HD200 firmware and confirmed the version in the Help screen.

I have tried a Logitech wireless and a HP wireless. Both work on my PC but no effect when plugged into the HD200. I go to the Search screen to use the keyboard but it doen't work.

Any ideas?

[Brent]

Originally Posted by mtenboer

I can't get a keyboard to work. I updated the HD200 firmware and confirmed the version in the Help screen.

I have tried a Logitech wireless and a HP wireless. Both work on my PC but no effect when plugged into the HD200. I go to the Search screen to use the keyboard but it doen't work.

Any ideas?

Are you using in extender mode or media-player-mode (standalone)?

Keyboard support currently only works in extender mode.

[mtenboer]

Extender mode with Sagetv3.xml - no customizations.
Extender firmware 20090814 1
Sage software 6.6.1.217

[Brent]

If you have a wired USB keyboard around give that a try just to confirm the keyboard support IS working on your HD200.

If it is, then I"m guessing you've discovered two incompatible wireless keyboards. Definitely submit a bug report so SageTV knows about it.

[mtenboer]

Tried a Viewsonic wired keyboard taken from a working PC - does't work with HD200. I tried both the front and back USB ports. I also did this on another HD200 I own. No go for all three keyboards.

Should the keyboard work instantly upon plugging it in? If I go to Search and type should it work there?

[Brent]

Originally Posted by mtenboer

Tried a Viewsonic wired keyboard taken from a working PC - does't work with HD200. I tried both the front and back USB ports. I also did this on another HD200 I own. No go for all three keyboards.

Should the keyboard work instantly upon plugging it in? If I go to Search and type should it work there?

It should definitely just work with Extender firmware "20090814 1"
I updated firmware, went to extender mode and plugged in 3 different usb keyboards (2 wireless) and they allowed navigation (up, down, left right enter etc) and when I go to search or any place where text input is needed it worked. Strange that its not working for you even with the wired. I'd definitely submit a bug report

[tmiranda]

Does anybody know of a small keyboard that is cheap and works well? The DiNova mini is great, but at $149 it's too expensive for me to justify.

[Texas-Hansen]

Most cheap ones should work according to the posts in this thread. I'm going to swing by Fry's and pick up a $15 wireless keyboard to use on the HD200. I did try a HP and Dell keyboard on the HD200 and neither would work. Real bummer since I had those lying around unused.


Does it matter if I'm using Sage MC on the HD200 or does keyboard support work in both default HD200 extender interface and Sage MC interface?