Gizmodo Reviews Snapstream's New Firefly Remote

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.gizmodo.com/archives/snapstream-firefly-impressions-016797.php' target='_blank'>http://www.gizmodo.com/archives/snapstream-firefly-impressions-016797.php</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Snapstream's Firefly is in some ways, perfect. The install is easy, the layout of the buttons seems logical, the Firefly software never crashed on me (with one almost-exception, which I'll get to in a minute), and for most of the functionality it offers, it just worked. Oh, what is it? It's an RF remote control for your PC, specifically oriented for a Home Theater PC."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/Firefly_FrontLF3_006.jpg" /><br /><br />This looks like a winning product - I've been testing Beyond TV 3 for the past couple of weeks, and the limitations around what the bundled Hauppauge remote can do are many. This new product from Snapstream looks like a step in the right direction towards smooth integration.

[mcsouth]

Any thoughts on how this would compare to the ATI remote that comes with the AIW cards? I was sort of planning on getting a 9600 AIW - the one that comes with the latest version of the remote - but Maximum PC wasn't too excited about this remote in a recent review of different input devices.

I would like to have a "media center" PC in the living room to take over as PVR, music server, photo album, DVD player, etc, but the whole issue of control becomes a factor. Do you go with wireless keyboard and mouse (seems kinda clunky for a living room device) or one of these remotes?.....or a combination of the two?

[Don Sorcinelli]

I have been using the Firefly remote in conjunction with Beyond TV and Beyond Media Basic. In my case, I have the media PC in an upstairs room, and am using the GrandTec Ultimate Wireless to transmit to the main TV.

The performance of the Firefly remote has been excellent thus far. Using RF instead of IR has alleviated all the line of sight issues. It really is a great remote.

DonS

[OSUKid7]

Any thoughts on how this would compare to the ATI remote that comes with the AIW cards? I was sort of planning on getting a 9600 AIW - the one that comes with the latest version of the remote - but Maximum PC wasn't too excited about this remote in a recent review of different input devices.
I'm waiting (seems like forever) for the Remote Wonder II to be sold separately. I don't have/need TV on my computer, but would love to be able to use that remote for DVDs and music.