Hey Home Theater/Computer guys....

[z31maniac]

I realize my exact idea is a bit impossible at the moment, but I'm curious if others are interested, or if anyone see's this as a possible trend.

We don't have cable TV and use a HTPC with a 50" and 5.1 setup. We use the HTPC for Hulu/Netflix/etc and the PS3 for Blu-Rays and DVDs.

At the bare minimum, I'd like to be able to have a tablet PC program, that basically turns your normal windows experience into a touch screen. In other words, you can use the tablet to open/close programs, browse the web, etc but your using it to control the HTPC. And I'd think with a USB port a cable box/etc could be controlled as well.

Is anyone working on things like this?

Or a receiver that integrates and could be controlled through the computer as well?

Of course, ideally, I'd like to be able to control TV/HTPC/PS3/Receiver all from an interface on a tablet PC.

[Farbin Kaiber]

I have been thinking of using a remote pc webportal via an iPad to do this.


EDIT: Most of this.

[z31maniac]

Looks a program called irule for Apple stuff, will allow you to build an interface with anything with an Ethernet port, or possibly through the WiFi connection.

A lot of new receivers are coming out with Ethernet ports. And with a new receiver, handling all video/sound switching, the only thing the TV needs is an on/off button.

The PS3 is also hardwired to the router, but a Bluetooth interface might be better?

I wonder if there is an android program with similar capabilities.

[whodwho]

Look at GMote for Driod, works well. Streams to phone or controls PC.

[z31maniac]

Went and downloaded it. It's a start but not nearly as sophisticated as I want.

[whodwho]

I'm hoping they will expand on it but I'm not sure where their focus is, if streaming to the phone or controlling the PC side.