How do I set up the computer to respond to a remote control?

[Shabakthanai]

Kubuntu Release
DISTRIB_RELEASE=13.10
Version of KDE
Platform Version 4.11.2

I use my computer to play movies occasionally and do not have or use a TV. I have purchased a couple of television series that have multiple episodes on each DVD. Due to my advanced age, it is not as easy to get around anymore and having a working remote control would be a great benefit. The DVD's provide selections for episodes, interviews with the actors, volume controls, change of channel, etc. that can be chosen using my mouse, so I would think that the series is suitable for the use of a remote control.

I purchased an ATI Remote Wonder that has keys suitable for TV, DVD, the WEB and my computer. It does not work nor have instructions that would set up the Remote to work on a Kubuntu operating system.

Are there applications that can be installed to activate my remote? Thanks!

My current computer is a 16 inch Toshiba Laptop, reasonably current. It had an Intel dual-core processor that runs at 2300mhz and includes 8gb of memory.

[whatthefunk]

Looks like you can get it working, but it will take some effort.
http://dustint.com/post/399/xbmcbunt...e-wonder-howto
http://ubuntuaddicted.blogspot.jp/20...inux-xbmc.html

[charles052]

Here's a coupe of threads I've found that may turn you in the right direction:

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1875938

And this as well: http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/Talk:ATI_Remote_Wonder

Good luck!

Honestly, I'd just get a bluetooth keyboard with touchpad. You can then do anything you want from the couch. I've got one for my media center computer running 12.04 and it never gives me any trouble, plus it's just plug and play. No bothering with config files or anything. You can get a pretty good one for about $20 or $30.

[Feathers McGraw]

Do you have a smart phone or tablet?

If you do, consider installing XBMC (a FOSS media centre) on the computer, and using a remote app on your phone - really convenient if you always have it in your pocket. XBMC has an official remote app with some neat features like automatically pausing whatever you're watching if the phone rings.

Alternatively, if you use Android I quite like the Yatse remote (free as in beer) from the Play store, it makes everything really easy.

Some links:

XBMC: http://xbmc.org/about/

XBMC Remote (android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...android.remote

Yatse Remote (android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...dgetfree&hl=en

Some stuff I wrote about Yatse: http://www.samhobbs.co.uk/2013/08/co...d-using-yatse/

Feathers