Winamp Remote Control

Provided By: TekGems
Retail: $10.99
Review Date: Sept 16th, 2003
Written By: James S.

Today I shall be reviewing a pure computer luxury. On the review block is the Winamp 3 remote, or as the paperwork that comes with it states, a Packard Bell FastMedia Remote and Infrared Receiver. I was excited to use a remote with my computer, even if it was in such a limited capacity, Winamp only. My computer is tied in with a surround sound system. Sometimes, I prefer to sit down and control the music from across room while reading in bed and such.

Click on image for larger picture

Remote Package:

The package consists of the basics to get it working. The remote, the IR receiver, and the instructions shown later which are required to get the remote to work on your system.

Click on image for larger picture

To note: I was expecting to get two batteries with the package. The outside of the package states that batteries aren't included; therefore, I’m willing to bet if you get this product you will have to spring for them.

The remote is sturdy and will hold up to normal wear and tear. The buttons provide good kickback and will not stick.

Install:

The install of the remote it went good considering there is no self install program. Lack of the self installer made the installation process very long. Thankfully, as stated in the manual, a self install program is in the works. Below are the pictures from the manual and the install steps you must go through.

Click on image for larger picture

As shown above there are a lot of steps to have winamp detect the driver. To me this would be worth it if the device worked the way it was suppose to. After I got the Winamp remote installed, Winamp detected it. I was able to switch songs in Winamp while playing a game on the computer. This saved me the hassle of using alt + tab to switch songs.

Unfortunately, every now and then Winamp 3 would crash. I was hoping that this was because I didn’t reboot immediately after install. I rebooted my computer and the fun began. Every time I started winamp, I got a message that Winamp failed to connect to WinLIRC server. WinLIRC allows you to transmit and receive standard infrared remote control signals. This allows you to control your computer using almost any standard infrared remote control.

After the frustrations of the first installation the second install attempt worked way it was suppose to. I was allowed to map buttons the way the remote is suppose to. I rebooted multiple times and the mappings stayed where they were suppose to. A couple of days later the WinLIRC error started popping up again.

Conclusion:

When working properly, the Winamp remote provides a nice feature of switching music while away from the computer or in games without having to go to desktop. The remote is a good item for someone looking to easily switch between options and tracks. The problems I had are a matter of driver polishing. Until the self installer is released and I get my hands on it, I have a hard time recommending it to the regular computer user.

Pros:

• Ability to switch songs away from computer.
• Ability to switch tracks while in another program, eliminating the need to have to switch to the desktop to change the track.
• Even though drivers not polished Manual stats step by step how to install for anyone to understand.

Cons:

• Drivers need polishing.
• Difficulty with winamp until I installed it a second time.

Rating:
Bad

(Ratings Possible Terrible, Very Bad, Bad, Fair, Good, Very Good, Excellent)