/the-entertainer

HTPC Setup

the-entertainer

Using an old laptop as our set-top multimedia portal.

Requirements

  • Sleep when not used
  • Use IR blaster and remote control
  • Wakeup via remote
  • Be able to do everything via standard TiVo remote
  • Watch streaming TV using the Slingbox
  • Watch a movie or show with Popcorn Time

Hardware

  • Tangent Core 2 Duo laptop with SSD
  • USB IR receiver
  • VGA output
  • 3.5mm analog audio output

Software

  • Intelliremote
  • AutoIt

Challenges

  • Waking up the computer with just the remote
  • Mapping remote control commands to the keyboard
  • Creating a script to open newwatch.slingbox.com in the browser and click on the fullscreen button
  • Resolving keyboard command differences between Slingbox and Popcorn Time
  • Turning on VPN before Popcorn Time launches

Resources

Reference