With the ever increasing popularity of multi-media computers comes an increase in specialized products aimed at these types of users, specifically the ones that build Home Theater PCs . One such product is the remote control, there are many types out there that come bundled with some items you can buy, but most aren’t that great, in what they can do and their overall range.
Today for review I’ve got a remote control from Adesso, called the Vista Remote Control, yes the name Vista is attached but it can work in Windows XP, and Media Center Editions of Vista and XP as well.
Being a reviewer it’s nice to get products that don’t have many flaws, and the Vista Remote is one of them, I really could not find anything wrong with this product at all. It features a range of almost 33 ft, numerous buttons to control every aspect of your home entertainment setup, full mouse/cursor controls , it’s inexpensive, and requires no drivers or software to install, it truly is a plug-n-play device.
Adesso Vista Remote Control Review
Author: Kristofer Brozio
Sponsor: Adesso
Tech Specs,Features or the Basic Info:
Model Number: ARC-1100
Platform: WINDOWS VISTA/XP Media Center Edition(MCE)
Connection: USB
This is a powerful infrared remote control that allows you to enjoy the wireless digital media. With the Vista Remote Control you are able to enjoy your Windows Media Center and control your mouse at a touch of a button at an amazing distance of 10 m or 32.8 ft<. Wireless Connect this is the freedom you get with the Adesso Vista Remote Control
Features:
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Features:
* Handy pop-up Windows Media Center Menus
* Easy to use in visual presentations and conferences
* View your digital television whenever
* Watch, play, pause and record music and videos
* DVD/VCD Control capability
* Play and download online games
* Edit and create photos and videos
* Controls your cursor and desktop without a mouse
* Go online and navigate the web
* Easy to install no drivers needed
* It has 46 keys and 3 cursor keys
* Infrared wireless freedom up to 10 m or 32.8 ft
Specs:
* Hot keys, 46 Media keys plus 3 mouse keys
* Weight: 0.2 lbs
* Dimensions: 7.8" x 2.1" x 1.3"
* Others: Infrared, Max operating distance 10m
* Compatibility OS: Windows XP with MCE and Vista
* Accessories: IR receiver with USB cable, 2 x AAA batteries
* Cable length: 47.2 inch
* Transmission: distance 10 m or 32.8 ft
* Battery Type: 2 x AAA
A Better Look at Things
:
The Vista Remote Control from Adesso comes in a sturdy cardboard box that is full of specs, features and pictures of the remote itself.
Opening the box we find a plastic compartmentalized box with the remote wrapped in plastic, two ‘AA’ batteries, the USB infrared receiver and a brief instruction manual. The instruction manual does have a nice chart telling you which buttons are for what functions and the same picture as on the outside of the box again describing the buttons.
The remote is fairly large, but considering everything that is packed into it, the size is not surprising, and most remotes of this type are this size or larger.
The remote is divided into five sections essentially, the top half has three sections, with the top most section being for Media Center Menus and functions, including launching your internet browser, under that we have the player control keys and under those are the menu or control keys.
Essentially located in the middle of the remote is the mouse controls, with right click and left click buttons. The cursor is controlled by the large disc shaped pad, just push the way you want to go. Under the cursor controls we have the numeric keypad, volume, channel, Media Center launcher button and other basic controls.
The remote is fatter on the bottom, the batteries are installed there, but it’s also fatter to make it fit more comfortably in your hand, and it is comfortable to use.
The infrared receiver consists of a long USB cable (47 inches) that should allow you to place it anywhere you need to, and the received itself. Inside the receiver is a red LED that will blink when you push a button to let you know it’s getting a signal.
Installation, Testing and Comparison
As I mentioned installation is truly plug and play, just plug the infrared receiver into a free USB port and Windows does the rest, in a few seconds you’re ready to go, very easy, no fuss, no muss…
I don’t have a version of Windows XP Media Center Edition but I do own Vista Ultimate which comes with MCE but I’m pretty sure it should function the same either way.
Using it with just standard Windows XP does work but of course you don’t get the full functionality of the remote, you do get all the main media controls and other basic functions like volume, cursor control, internet browser etc.
Now using the remote with Vista is a different story, this is where it truly shines and you get to see all of the functionality of this product. I never really bothered with MCE on Vista, I like to use separate programs for doing the things I like to do, but using the remote has given me a whole new look at MCE and how useful it can be to navigate and use your media.
I recently received an HDTV tuner device and found that it was instantly recognized by Vista MCE and allowed me to watch TV through MCE without having to use it’s own software, that was a nice surprise and I found it quite cool actually.
Using the cursor controls is what one would expect, not the greatest but it gets the job done, you can easily move the cursor around the scree, and if you hold the pad down the cursor will speed up which is a nice feature.
The Vista Remote seems very well made and durable enough to last quite a long time, even if you have children as I do, it’s lightweight and feels comfortable in the hand.
Summary:
The Vista Remote Control from Adesso is a great little product that anyone who frequently uses MCE will appreciate greatly, it easily allows you to navigate and control all of the functions of MCE.
Of course even if you don’t have Media Center Edition you can still use this product to have the added functionality and convenience of a remote added to your system.
Coming in at under $30, it’s well worth the price for what it can do to enhance your multi-media experience.
DragonSteelMods gives the Vista Remote Control a 5 out of 5 score and our Recommended Award as well.
Pros:
-Works without Windows MCE
-Plug and play
-Nothing to install
-Easy installation
-Well made
-Long range
-Very multi-functional
-Inexpensive
Cons:
-None really
I would like to thank Adesso for the chance to review the Vista Remote Control and for their support of DSM.
Discuss, Questions for the Author HERE
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