Specifications

Remote Control and Receiver-Transceiver Specifications and Requirements
for Windows Media Center in Windows Operating Systems
2
Remote Control Specifications
This section contains the specifications and requirements for the remote control and the Green
Start button.
Remote Control Requirements
This section provides an overview of the required remote control functionality for Windows Media
Center Technologies (referred to as a Windows Media Center computer).
The list of required remote control buttons and button functionality is included in this document.
Range Requirements
 IR remote controls: The range of transmission of the remote control shall be at least 5 meters at
both the center of the receiver and up to 2 meters off center.
 Non-IR remote controls: The range of transmission of the remote control shall be at least 5
meters in all directions (regardless of the position of the receiver that is attached to the PC).
IR Protocol
Microsoft recommends that OEMs use either the Philips/Microsoft RC-6 or the Microsoft/SMK QP
IR protocol.
Button Code Set Definition
The button code is the integer that the IR remote control sends to represent the button that was
pressed on the remote control. This button code is then translated by the Windows Media Center
IR drivers into commands used by the operating system.
Windows Logo Program
For a Windows Media Center remote control to be certified for the Windows logo, it must follow
the Windows Logo Program. The Windows Logo Program requires that a series of tests be
performed to verify that the remote control functions properly. The test tool will be included with
the Windows Logo Kit. Existing Windows Media Center remote controls must meet the latest
released Remote Control Specifications described in this document.
OEM Requirements
The Windows Media Center remote control is the primary device that is used to interact with and
perform tasks in Windows Media Center. Therefore, a set of requirements is defined to ensure
that the devices work together, work consistently, and create a predictable user interface. These
requirements cover three main areas: experience branding, design overview, and button
functionality.
Experience Branding
All Windows Media Center Remote Controls will use the same button treatment for the Windows
Media Center Green Start button.
The Green Start button presents the Microsoft product branding and serves as an integral part of
the overall user experience. Users should be able to relate easily to any device in the Windows
Media Center ecosystem as part of the same Windows Media Center user experience. Microsoft
has chosen to use the Green Button Assembly and its physical appearance as the branding
mechanism. This branding should be visible but not overpowering and have a functional role in