[Palomine]

Did this the other day for a friend using a new iPhone/MacBookPro, but it should work just as well on any old Mac or PC (Windows or Linux) that's using VLC to play video files. Basically, you add VLC Setup Helper to the PC http://hobbyistsoftware.com/vlc and then install the app VLC Remote http://hobbyistsoftware.com/vlc-more on a cellphone (iOS or Android) and the phone can then be used as a remote to control the computer running VLC.

This is handy since the PC is usually cabled by HDMI to the TV and most folks don't have a dedicated media remote to play/pause/etc... VLC on their PC. The cellphone being used is talking to the PC via your wifi... so you can use any old app-running phone you have lying around... even if it no longer has cell service or bluetooth or IR. I do have an old laptop with HDMI out and an really old iPhone someone just gave me (with a cracked screen atm) and might try this out myself if I have time later.

Just thought I'd mention this in case anyone might find it useful.

PS: yes, I know the idea of using a phone as a universal remote isn't new, but I didn't think there were any threads about such topics here yet. If you've got some alternate suggestions, please post them here. Thanks.

[TheZookie007]

So basically your computer is used as a media hub, your TV is its monitor (via HDMI), and your phone is its remote? Nice