I hope this is the right forum for this. I couldn't decide if this was a hardware or software issue. I also did a forum search for this topic, but didn't find anything. Sorry if I was wrong, or missed something.

I just bought a new Sony Vaio computer system running Windows XP: Media Center. It came with a remote control that allows me to watch TV and such, but it only seems to work with MS Media Player . I'd really like to be able to control FB2K, Winamp, or Windows itself (mirroring keyboard commands), instead of having to use Media Player. I've tried to use WinLIRC, but it only seems to work with serial connections, and my remote receiver uses a USB connection.

The back of the remote says it uses "RC6 ir". After doing a google search, it seems that it's Phillips ir remote technology, but I couldn't find software for it anywhere. I'd like to use the remote that came with the system, but I'd even use a universal remote, or (as a last resort) buy a different remote and receiver.

I'm very thankful for any help you can give me on this matter. Do any of you have any suggestions?

A software package called Girder may be what you are looking for. Girder controls programs like WinAmp and Windows Media Player using infrared and wireless remote controls.

Try opening foobar2000 preferences and selecting 'Enable multimedia keyboard support'.

Selecting 'Enable multimedia keyboard support' worked but it's quite limited. Only a few buttons work. Better than nothing though, so thanks for the suggestion.

Girder seems like it would be good, but after downloading and fooling around with it for a couple hours, I've not been able to get it to work. The getting started section of the girder site seems to have been poorly written. Much of it only suggests what you're supposed to do next, and doesn't include true step by step instructions. I don't really think of myself as someone who's not normally able to figure out programs by screwing around with them, but this one doesn't seem all that intuitive. If I can figure the damn thing out, they've got my twenty bucks.

Thank you both for your help. If anyone has anything else to add, please do.

After viewing the options, and turning on every plug in that was offered, my remote is finally working with Girder. I still say the website's "how to begin" section sucks, though.


Thank you SO much, huanjo. Your suggestion was exactly what I was looking for.