Looking a SFF pc for livingroom but how to control it?

subbytna · 17 May 2021 at 09:34

I'm looking to get a SFF PC built for my living room to run on the TV for things like VPN's and netflix. One question I have though is how do you control it? I currently have a firestick and just use the firestick controller to run Kodi, Netflix, youtube apps etc. If I got a SFF PC, how would I control it? wireless keyboard or is there a "remote control" I can get for it so the kids can use it to watch youtube on like they do now with the firestick

tamzzy · 17 May 2021 at 09:44

i use the logitech K400 for mine
wireless keyboard + integrated mousepad

MagicBoy · 17 May 2021 at 09:46

^^^ Same.

subbytna · 19 May 2021 at 09:24

That's handy, ta. I'll investigate some more

momo56 · 19 May 2021 at 10:39

You can also get remotes with a small keyboard on the back.

jokerguv · 19 May 2021 at 15:47

Rii X1 is worth a look. Been using it for several years with a Windows machine connected to TV.

Equal size to the TV remote and surprisingly durable, survived quote a few knocks and falls so far. Also very good value for money compared to the competition.

martin363 · 25 May 2021 at 05:31

look at remotemouse.net

This is an app you run on your phone that turns your phone into a mouse and keyboard, it is good for using a small pc only as an HTPC, but is limited if you want to surf the web etc.

Rroff · 25 May 2021 at 06:04

I use a "Microsoft All-in-One Media Keyboard with Integrated Track Pad" but price on them is kind of high at the moment.

jrwagh333 · 25 May 2021 at 16:58

I remember using the Windows Remote for Windows Media Centre Edition. That was great.

Psiko · 29 May 2021 at 08:41

If you want to keep it simple, you could just run Kodi and access Netflix, YouTube, etc through that. If your TV and pc supports ARC then you can control the basic functions of Kodi using the TV remote. I do that using a pi4 and lg oled55b6 (actually I just use Kodi for video files on the local network and use TV smart apps for streaming services).

vanandjuanunited · 29 May 2021 at 08:59

tamzzy said:
i use the logitech K400 for mine
wireless keyboard + integrated mousepad

This

hawker1986 · 19 Jun 2021 at 16:56

I’ve recently retired my HTPC but I was using my harmony remote with media centre IR receiver. Only ever used for media so never needed a regular keyboard/mouse.

GreyHam · 23 Jun 2021 at 17:41

I would say wireless keyboard with a traackpad

ExoMale · 24 Jun 2021 at 12:07

probably easier to get a smart tv isnt it? aside from kodi as ive not looked on ours, it has netflix, youtube etc. or if you do need a separate device then any of the mini pcs you see about, maybe a Nuc if you want specific storage quantity and faster ram option. dont know about nucs, but some mini pcs do include remotes i think.

Soogs · 5 Aug 2021 at 06:10

Rii14 wireless TP and KB
and WeChip W1 airmouse/remote