Possible solution to use USB-UIRT with HD200

[AlexTheHippie]

Hey everyone, I'm not new to browsing this forum, but I'm new to posting.

I have a WHS with one client. I am coming to terms with the fact that the HD200 is the best solution to get rid of my client woes. My last problem to solve is the loss of the USB-UIRT that I have seen others post about here. I don't use the UIRT for any STBs, but I do use it to run a script (Eventghost) to turn on/off my TV and amplifier using the Gyration remote. I know a lot of people have recommended a Harmony remote but frankly once you go RF, you don't go back. So anyway... I ran into this little product:

Tiger Direct

If the link doesn't work, just search for wireless USB on Tiger Direct. It's first on the list.

Its been out for a year, so I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with this device in general, or specifically with the UIRT. If it does work, this could be the solution to allow the use of any remote with the HD200 (including RF) while keeping a server in a remote location. It would be a little tiresome to set up all the repeater commands in Eventghost or Girder or whatever, but I think the benefits would outweigh the work. Plus, its only $40 right now.

In case this idea is confusing, I would have the UIRT plugged in to the base, and the receiver into the WHS. Eventghost would run on the the server and take any remote command pressed and resend it back out the UIRT at the HD200 as the correct command. I could also run my power script to turn on/off other A/V equipment this way. You could even set up the UIRT to capture the power command from the Sage remote and use it to run the A/V power script if you prefer to use that remote.

[gplasky]

The USB-UIRT requires Winodws drivers to work. It's not going to work attached to a HD200. Get a Harmony with RF. The only devices the USB supports on the HD200 are external drives and a select few wireless N adapters.

Gerry

[AlexTheHippie]

Um, I don't mean to be rude Gerry, but I don't think you read, or understood, my post. I know you can't have a UIRT plugged into the HD200. The wireless USB adapter I linked above would essentially make the UIRT a wireless device controlled by the Windows server.

[gplasky]

You're right. Sorry I missed that. Just seems to be a lot of effort that can be solved with a Harmony and their RF extender. Or depending how far away the server is from the UIRT just run an external IR emitter from the UIRT up to the HD200. You can plug in up to two of them and control them seperately as zones.

Gerry

[AlexTheHippie]

I agree the Harmony would solve my problems, but I already have tons of remotes, plus the USB-UIRT. Also, because of the location of the server, I would rather pay $40 to go wireless then run lines everywhere.

I'm going to give this extender a try when I get the HD200 and see how it pans out.