Apple Remote Control: IR/RF or Bluetooth?

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Level 2

217 points

Apple Remote Control: IR/RF or Bluetooth?

Does anyone know what technology Apple's Remote Controls use? I had assumed that it uses IR, but I see no place for an IR receiver (window) on the mini or the iMac for this. Does it use RF or Bluetooth?

PowerMac G5 Dual 2GH, Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Posted on Apr 6, 2006 4:56 PM

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Answer 1

Apr 6, 2006 6:31 PM in response to Shahin

The Apple remotes are IR. The receiver on the Mac mini is in the slot to the right of the slot-loading optical drive. You can see it in the big picture at the main Mac mini Web page. On the MacBook Pro, it's to the left of the open button for the screen which can be seen here. On the iMac, it's in the hole with the iSight. Apple is just good about making their designs seamless.

-Doug

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Answer 2

Shahin Author

Level 2

217 points

Apr 6, 2006 8:19 PM in response to Douglas McLaughlin

Thanks Douglas. Yes, I just figured that out when I was reading the mini review in MacAddict.

So my next question is, is there a way to control the mini from the rear? I plan on installing the mini in an AV rack to demonstrate it and use Front Row as a media control system. I don't want to have to rely on the IR receiver because I will probably be mounting the mini such that the top of the unit with the Apple logo is facing out, which means that the CD slot and therefore the IR window is not going to be facing forward, and I do not want to "dirty" the look by placing an IR emmiter or repeater up there.

Should I just forgoe the Apple remote and use one of the third party remote control solutions?

Or I guess I could get real ambitious and relocate the IR window by opening the mini and relocating it. Or perhaps I can use an IR flasher on top of my rack, and that way I could hit the IR window where it is.

Just wonder if anyone has any comments.

Any ideas?

PowerMac G5 Dual 2GH Mac OS X (10.4.3)

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Answer 3

Apr 6, 2006 8:24 PM in response to Shahin

Try putting a small mirror next to the IR reciever. If you angle it right, it should work.

Ilya

Mac Mini | 1.66 GHz Intel Core Duo | 1GB RAM | 80GB HD | Mac OS X Tiger soon Mac OS X (10.4.6)

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Answer 4

Shahin Author

Level 2

217 points

Apr 6, 2006 9:37 PM in response to Ilya Smirnov

Interesting idea. May have to try that! Although if I were to put a mirror there, then I may as well just go with an IR emmitter (bug) which is pretty small anyway.

One thing I just realized is that if I were to install the mini as I described above (with the drive slot on top), then the Apple logo would be upside down! Doh!

I wonder how easy it is to flip that around in the case? The plastic insert must detach from the metal casing somehow, right? Sounds like I may have an interesting weekend project! 😉

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Answer 5

Apr 6, 2006 11:34 PM in response to Shahin

So my next question is, is there a way to control the mini from the rear?

Yes, Keyspan has just announced an RF Remote for Front Row. This remote control will go through walls and/or shelves and work just like the Apple remote. It's $40, but it will work from any direction.

Keep in mind, if you do attempt to change the logo around, you could void your warranty if anything is damaged. Apple has not said, specifically, that you can't open the Mac mini yourself, but they have said if you damage anything by doing that, the repairs won't be covered.

-Doug

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Answer 6

Apr 7, 2006 3:23 AM in response to Ilya Smirnov

you can also buy an usb extension/IR.. since it has a cable, you might gain more distance, right?

Regardzzz
CV

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Answer 7

AngieM

Level 2

350 points

Apr 8, 2006 3:23 PM in response to Shahin

If you have the universal dock you can turn that to the angle you want and use the IR reciever on that (or any similar product).

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