Specifications

Remote Control and Receiver-Transceiver Specifications and Requirements

for Windows Media Center in Windows Operating Systems

It is highly recommended that the remote control provide the user with visual feedback that a

button has been pressed. This feedback can be displayed using an LED (of any color) that is

connected to the output circuitry for the remote control.

Backlight

Microsoft recommends including backlight functionality in the remote control because the user

might be using the Windows Media Center remote control in a dark room. At a minimum, the

transport and navigation controls should be illuminated by pressing a backlight button. The

backlight button should be on the side or face of the remote control. If the button is placed on the

face of the remote control, Microsoft recommends that the backlight button glow in the dark to

help the user locate the button easily. Also, pressing any button on the remote can enable

backlighting.

Additional Navigation Methods

The Windows Media Center interface is a tabbed interface and usability tests show that it works

best with discrete arrows and an OK button.

An OEM must support the discrete directional arrow interface in an approved manner (to include

discrete physical buttons, round disk configuration with artwork-indicated discrete direction, or

capacitance-driven discrete arrows).

The OEM has the option of adding any additional methods of navigation to the remote control .

Additional Audio/Video Control Methods

Other audio/video control methods can be implemented on a Windows Media Center remote

control, such as a jog wheel to control volume. If an alternative method is used, the control must

have the ability to transmit one and only one button press at a time in order to pass certification.

Multifunction Remote Controls - Highly Recommended

In addition to controlling Windows Media Center computers, multifunction remote controls can

control TV power and volume. No other devices or TV button functionality can be supported by

this remote control.

Multifunction remote controls:

 Must have a separate Power button for the TV power.

 Must be designed so that after the TV button is configured, the volume buttons must be

configured for TV volume.

 Must support IR learning.

 May contain a universal database and may contain more than one brand.

 Must be designed so that mute functionality cannot be remapped to the TV. (This ensures that

closed captioning is correctly displayed in Windows Media Center.)

 Should be set up through a 10-foot extensibility application.

Remote Control for OEM Bundled PC and Consumer Electronic Equipment

When an OEM bundles a computer with other consumer electronic equipment, the OEM can

create a Windows Media Center remote control that controls these multiple devices from the

same manufacturer. The remote control is limited to use with only that brand.

These types of remotes: