Microsoft A9O-00007 WinXP Media Center Infrared Remote Control

Pros: installed with no drivers on XP PRO SP2. Works beautifully with MediaPortal. controls other system functions as well. Extremely powerful remote: I can aim it in any direction and its picked up just fine.

Cons: none so far

Overall Review: I really only bought this for the IR receiver, and I'm currently controlling it with my Logitech Harmony remote. They work perfect together, no problems at all.

Pros: This is affordable, capable and does just what it is supposed to. I'm using it with Vista Ultimate and it navigates through Media Center extremely well. I understand that the Microsoft Remote keyboard (ZV7-00009)uses the IR receiver as well... sounds like a good pairing.

Cons: I wanted to mount the IR receiver inside my case and connect it to a motherboard header. What a pain. They used those tiny torx screws to hold it together. I had to pry it's housing open to get to it's guts.

Overall Review: After struggling with the IR receiver, I got it installed and connected. It runs great and has a fast response time. I'll probably replace it with one of my other remotes though. I believe it uses an RCA code. My Build: Vista32Ult running on an EVGA 112-CK-NF77-A1, E6750, SAMSUNG HD501LJ HD, 4GB of Mushkin DDR2800, SeaSonic M12 SS-500HM, a Samsung SH-S203N DVDR and (2) SAPPHIRE Theatrix 650 PROs all in a nMEDIAPC 288BA w/VFD running at a cool 31 degrees on stock cooling. Using it on a Sammy HL-T6187S with this remote and all I can say is WOW!!

Pros: Works with Vista MCE and does a great job with response time and control. Lots of features and makes for a happy user!

Cons: The IR code in MCE reverses as you send it out, thus, there is a setting in the registry you have to disable if you want to teach your MCE remote to another remote. It's an alternating signal it sends out, which is why it is so fast and responsive.

Overall Review: I used the streamzap remote for years now and it was always kind of sluggish and sometimes it would repeat the same command dozens of times before it would stop. This remote works fantastic - well worth the money!

Pros: Does what it's supposed to: runs Windows Media Center and offers limited functionality in other programs. Seems to be the cheapest remote option for Windows XP. USB plug and play with WinXP Media Center Edition.

Cons: Doesn't seem to differentiate between remote signals. I've found that certain buttons on my TV and VCR remotes will react with the sensor, making the red signal LED light up and kicking the PC out of standby. Note that this doesn't actually operate the PC, merely wakes it up.

Overall Review: I picked this up for a Media Center PC in my living room. Like I said, this lives up to my expectations, but I did get a few surprises. Aside from getting interference from other remotes, I discovered this was the cause of my "haunted" laptop. Amazingly, the remote will react with and operate my non-media center XP notebook. I didn't know the thing even had an IR sensor in it. It's good to know why it kept operating seemingly of its own accord. Good remote, but best for an uncrowded operating environment.

Pros: It's a remote for MCE that works with Windows XP SP2. It works with Media Portal.

Cons: The remote could have more buttons. Ive got a logitech remote for that.

Overall Review: Good cheap remote and receiver that works with Media Portal.

Pros: worked great straight out of the box - nothing to do at all

Cons: would like just a *couple* more programmable buttons and macros

Overall Review: Works great, love the backlight - very easy to use, and works like a champ right out of the box with Vista MCE!

Pros: So far so good, it's been working great. No issues.

Cons: Feels awfully light and cheap, I'm afraid with one good fall it may break, but thus far it's working great. Be nice if it had a few more features on it.

Overall Review: None

Pros: As with all MS branded hardware, the quality is very high. Remote has been subjected to tween abuse and still functions perfectly and looks/feels new.

Cons: None