Programming a learning remote for Media Center

Over the years I’ve built up a pretty good collection of remote controls for Media Center systems, most of which are sitting in mothballs. Currently I’m using a generic remote in my office, where the main Media Center PC now lives. In the living room, where I am currently using an Xbox 360 as a Media Center Extender, I have a Logitech Harmony that handles the entire home theater. For the bedroom, which also uses an Xbox 360 as an extender, I have a learning remote that includes a separate TV Power button. Once it’s programmed, it’s perfect for controlling the two pieces of equipment from a single place.

If you have one of these learning remotes, you need to program the extra power button before it will operate your TV. Also, you’ll probably want to remap the volume up/down buttons so that they control the TV volume rather than the Media Center volume. Here’s how:

1. Place the Media Center remote and the TV remote head to head, a few inches apart.

2. On the Media Center remote, press and hold the DVD Menu and OK buttons simultaneously for about two seconds, until the remote lights go out.

3. Press and release the TV Power button.

4. Press the power button on the TV remote and hold it. The Media Center remote blinks twice to confirm that it’s learned the command.

5. Test the newly programmed button to make sure it works.

6. Repeat steps 1-5 for the Vol+ and Vol- buttons.