Does PC Remote Control via Ethernet work well?

[Majoram]

I want to remotely control my PC on my TV via Ethernet.

The house is wired with Cat 6. So that part is done.
I have a USB over Ethernet converter (Monoprice) and I plan to get an HDMI via Ethernet converter as well.

Has anyone had experience with this?

Can you game on a TV like this?
I won't be doing any Multiplayer FPS gaming. Single Player maybe. Real Time strategy for sure.

[Piro21]

I use Input Director to control my desktop with my laptop in a manner similar to what you're describing here. Works pretty well for all purposes.

[Majoram]

I use Input Director to control my desktop with my laptop in a manner similar to what you're describing here. Works pretty well for all purposes.

Not quite what I want as I would need another PC in the Living Room.
It is more expensive than some adapters and I would rather build an HTPC, if going that route.

I have some idea of the hardware involved, just wanted to know if anyone has tried this and how well it works.
OR if anyone has any other hardware suggestions.

[xalex0]

Does your TV have the capabilities? Otherwise don't even bother.

[mikeo007]

What exactly are you going to be transmitting over the Cat6?

[PianoGuy]

I have never done this, but I hope you update us when you've tested the setup as I would be very interested to know how it works for you.

The HDMI over Ethernet adapter sounds very interesting. Can you use it with a router or switch, or does it require a dedicated cable run? I'm guessing the latter due to the massive bandwidth requirements.

[mikeo007]

I have never done this, but I hope you update us when you've tested the setup as I would be very interested to know how it works for you.

The HDMI over Ethernet adapter sounds very interesting. Can you use it with a router or switch, or does it require a dedicated cable run? I'm guessing the latter due to the massive bandwidth requirements.

It's just using the Cat6 to send the HDMI signal, so it has to be a direct connection. That's why I'm not exactly sure what the OP is planning on doing. It's not really going to be remotely controlling the computer. He'll just be using the TV as a monitor.

[Mark77]

Ummm, why couldn't you just use Remote Desktop that's built into Windows?

[PianoGuy]

Since he mentions a USB to over Ethernet converter, I suspect he plans to get a second keyboard and mouse and control it that way.

.

[xalex0]

Ummm, why couldn't you just use Remote Desktop that's built into Windows?I doubt that OP's TV has Windows installed on it.


Since he mentions a USB to Ethernet converter, I suspect he plans to get a second keyboard and mouse and control it that way.
a) The USB-to-Ethernet adapter cannot be used on the same cable utilized by the HDMI-over-Ethernet signal.
b) Even if OP ran 2 Ethernet cables, the USB-to-Ethernet adapter most certainly won't work to send mouse/keyboard signals over Ethernet - it can't even function as USB host device.

[Majoram]

Okay so it seems like I'm going to be pioneering this.
Still deciding if I want to go ahead though since the HDMI over ethernet costs about $189 for the good one.


Does your TV have the capabilities? Otherwise don't even bother.
What capabilities exactly?
It is an LED and can take a PC input and handle the refresh rate, if that's what you mean.


What exactly are you going to be transmitting over the Cat6?
1 HDMI signal over a single Cat6
and 1 USB signal over a single Cat6


I have never done this, but I hope you update us when you've tested the setup as I would be very interested to know how it works for you.
Still not sure yet but if I do, I will update.


The HDMI over Ethernet adapter sounds very interesting. Can you use it with a router or switch, or does it require a dedicated cable run? I'm guessing the latter due to the massive bandwidth requirements.
No, too much lag will be introduced. It's a single cable.
Although in my case, it will be 3 cables.
If I get a chance, I'll try to draw a diagram to explain.


It's just using the Cat6 to send the HDMI signal, so it has to be a direct connection. That's why I'm not exactly sure what the OP is planning on doing. It's not really going to be remotely controlling the computer. He'll just be using the TV as a monitor.

Well when people hear "Remote Control" they automatically assume something like Remote Desktop or some other software.
Remote Control actually does refer to what I want to do as well.

You get the point of what I'm trying to do anyway.
Basically use my TV as a monitor and have my keyboard and mouse in the Living Room with the TV.

The PC is in another room and basically everything is connected DIRECTLY to the PC over 2 ethernet cables.


Ummm, why couldn't you just use Remote Desktop that's built into Windows?

Can you play games over Remote Desktop? I don't think so.
Even if you can, then you still need a PC in the Living Room and in that case I'd rather just build an HTPC that can play games.


Since he mentions a USB to Ethernet converter, I suspect he plans to get a second keyboard and mouse and control it that way.
Yup!! That's it!


I doubt that OP's TV has Windows installed on it.
I'll have to give up TV watching on that day :cry:



a) The USB-to-Ethernet adapter cannot be used on the same cable utilized by the HDMI-over-Ethernet signal.
b) Even if OP ran 2 Ethernet cables, the USB-to-Ethernet adapter most certainly won't work to send mouse/keyboard signals over Ethernet - it can't even function as USB host device.

a) Correct. I'll have separate lines for USB and HDMI
b) Not sure about that. I doubt it I'll have to test and see.
But if there is not enough power then I'm thinking a powered hub on the receiving end.

[xalex0]

Can you play games over Remote Desktop? I don't think so.You can even play games over the internet (http://www.onlive.com/), so no problem there. Whereas with your setup, I suspect that interference will be too high for a sufficiently good SNR.


Not sure about that. I doubt it I'll have to test and see.
But if there is not enough power then I'm thinking a powered hub on the receiving end.So what kind of adapter is this? USB-to-Ethernet (attaches to one end) or USB-over-Ethernet (attaches to both ends and uses cat5/6 simply as a wire) ?

[fitbrit]

My home theatres do use both the monoprice HDMI to cat6 and USB to cat6 adaptors, and it all works well. There should be no reason why you couldn't use the USB to Cat6 adaptors to have a receiver dongle in one room, connected to the USB of the PC in another.

I use such a system to connect my wall mounted touchscreen to the HTPC, 20 or so feet away (USB to Cat6 for touch input (https://plus.google.com/photos/110612283964822435751/albums/5652738694571395681/5652739345781663346?banner=pwa&authkey=COuUouX7sZGTPA) - see caption to pic), and also my HTPC to projector (HDMI to Cat6 (https://plus.google.com/photos/110612283964822435751/albums/5652738694571395681/5652739639934083250?banner=pwa&authkey=COuUouX7sZGTPA) - see caption to pic). More details of my set up in this thread (http://forums.redflagdeals.com/home-theater-discussion-thread-1099126/).

Also remember that the HDMI to Cat6 adaptors require two Cat6/5e cables, so you'll need at least three Cat5e/6 runs if you want USB as well.

Alternatively, here's another option: Do you have a tablet or smartphone? If so, you can just get MobileMouse (available at least for iOS). It works perfectly via wifi to control mouse and keyboard. If you have the hardware already, e.g. an iPad, or iPhone, it's the cheapest way, as long as your PC is connected to the network (including wired connection to the wireless router). FOr HTPC use it's perfect, but gaming may be sub-par because of lag.

[fitbrit]

Did you decide to give it a try? As I state above, it should work just fine.

[death_hawk]

Can you play games over Remote Desktop? I don't think so.

Actually... I have before.
It was painful. Point is... I COULD. LOL.

Anyway... how far is the machine?
You might be able to get away with a wireless KB/Mouse.
You'd still need the HDMI -> Cat5 though, unless you can snake a really long HDMI cable (which wouldn't be a terrible idea since it's 1/2 the price)
Obviously not an option if it's really far away.


Because of the cost of the adapters, I have to wonder why you're not just building an HTPC?
Unless I missed that somewhere.

[infamouskid]

i use Remote Mouse app for IOS and Android over wifi.
works good. lets me use any mobile IOS or Android as a mouse and keyboard.
connects using wifi over LAN.

[fitbrit]

Actually... I have before.
It was painful. Point is... I COULD. LOL.

Anyway... how far is the machine?
You might be able to get away with a wireless KB/Mouse.
You'd still need the HDMI -> Cat5 though, unless you can snake a really long HDMI cable (which wouldn't be a terrible idea since it's 1/2 the price)
Obviously not an option if it's really far away.


Because of the cost of the adapters, I have to wonder why you're not just building an HTPC?
Unless I missed that somewhere.

Adaptors for both HDMI and USB are under $40 in total from Monoprice. The trick is to use the wall plate ones for HDMI, which are much cheaper.

[Majoram]

Did you decide to give it a try? As I state above, it should work just fine.
Been busy with some renovation stuff. Haven't had time.
I did find this site where someone else tried and had some issues.
http://www.tested.com/forums/home-theater/44143-gaming-pc-from-office-to-living-room/?&p=2

Based on that I am not sure it will work. And the $189 for a "HDMI over Ethernet Extension adapter" could go towards an HTPC.
The other issue is that the USB over Ethernet is USB 1.1 only. So I am not sure how well it would handle USB 2.0 devices (or if it even matters).

To give you all a basic idea of what I am thinking of...

LIVING ROOM
Ethernet Wall port -> "HDMI over Ethernet Extension adapter" -> TV HDMI input
Ethernet Wall port -> "USB/Ethernet extension adapter" -> Powered USB Hub -> USB Extension Cable (under rug) -> Wired Gaming Keyboard (Logitech G510 maybe)
Wired Gaming Keyboard (Logitech G510 maybe) -> Bluetooth USB dongle -> Wireless Gaming Mouse
Keyboard and Mouse sit on this "Desk" while I am on the couch:
http://www.shinyhacks.com/2010/09/review-dave-from-ikea-in-depth-look.html#more

UPSTAIRS
Ethernet Wall port -> "HDMI over Ethernet Extension adapter" -> PC HDMI out
Ethernet Wall port -> "USB/Ethernet extension adapter" -> PC USB port


Anyway... how far is the machine?
You might be able to get away with a wireless KB/Mouse.
Nope. It's 1 floor up and on the diagonally opposite end of the house.


You'd still need the HDMI -> Cat5 though, unless you can snake a really long HDMI cable (which wouldn't be a terrible idea since it's 1/2 the price) Obviously not an option if it's really far away.
Plus I already paid to have all that Cat6 run through my house :) Might as well use it.


Because of the cost of the adapters, I have to wonder why you're not just building an HTPC? Unless I missed that somewhere.
The cost of the adapters would be about $200-ish total. If I build an HTPC, I would put in at least $1000.


i use Remote Mouse app for IOS and Android over wifi. works good. lets me use any mobile IOS or Android as a mouse and keyboard.
connects using wifi over LAN.
I want to properly game on the TV. An Android or iOS device wouldn't be comfortable for me.


Adaptors for both HDMI and USB are under $40 in total from Monoprice. The trick is to use the wall plate ones for HDMI, which are much cheaper.

Yeah but if you check the thread I found (at the top of this post), the cheaper ones do not work as well.

[fitbrit]

Perhaps you didn't read my replies (they were edited somewhat after I first posted them) .... HDMI over ethernet is under $20 from Monoprice. I use it without issue. USB over ethernet is under $15. You could get everything you need including Cat6 cables for about $60-$70 shipped.

[fitbrit]

Yeah but if you check the thread I found (at the top of this post), the cheaper ones do not work as well.

Sorry, I missed this. Will go take a look now.
I have no issues whatsoever, and neither did any of the Monoprice customers who bothered to review when I bought mine. Two sets of each.

[fitbrit]

I just saw that you were looking at some crappy extender from Amazon.
You won't have an issue with these: HDMI to cat 6 (1) (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10425&cs_id=1042501&p_id=8200&seq=1&format=2).

They also sell a pricier one that will carry an IR signal too.

And this cheaper one, without LEDs, which is what I use two sets of at home: HDMI to cat 6 (2) (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10425&cs_id=1042501&p_id=8009&seq=1&format=2)

For USB I use this: USB to Cat6 (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=103&cp_id=10303&cs_id=1030313&p_id=6042&seq=1&format=2)
I have two of these too. One for a touchscreen monitor, and one for a Logitech G27 Racing Wheel, pedals and shifter.
I'm not a home theatre noob, so trust me on this.