Laptop as a remote??

[thePh@r@oh]

i know this is a weird question. but as mentioned here i want to use my computer as a home theatre. i am gonna set up a wireless LAN and i was wondering if i could use my laptop as a remote. do you guys understand what im trying to ask? let me know if it can be done or if you dont understand what i'm asking.

[Mickwish]

Dunno, really. Does it have an IR port than can transmit?

That would be the hardware block, if it doesn't. Would then need to find an add-on IR transmitter for the laptop, in that case.

As for the software, I'm sure if it's possible someone has written some code somewhere. Try googling.

Cheers
Mick

[Mickwish]

Wait on a bit. Do you mean to remotely control the software on the home theatre PC, rather than to control TV/DVD? That's easy. Use VNC.

Which is the right what you want to do?

Cheers
Mick

[CraigK]

XP has a built in remote capability that allows other computers to access it. Just type in the word "remote" in the Start Menu/Help and Support

[thePh@r@oh]

yea mick thats exactly what i want to do use the laptop to control the software on the computer. like powerDVD and such thats the DVD player im gonna be using. you get the idea i guess

[Mickwish]

CraigK is right. If both OSes (lappie and PC) support remote desktop, might work OK. VNC would work regardless of the OSes - is even cross-platform compatible!

Cheers
Mick

[thePh@r@oh]

awesome i think i'll go with VNC