Simple Browser Front-end for HTPC apps

[Mark F]

This sounds AWSOME!

I don't have half the required software installed but I'll work on that over the next couple of weeks.

[desmo]

If this is inappropriate / in the wrong, please feel free to re-locate it.

Scenario:
I want to use a PocketPC as a remote control for my Home Theatre PC apps. I have girder already working with IR and my pocketPC is networked to the HTPC.

My Solution:
RCML (or Remote Control Markup Language as I pompously call it) was designed to allow me to use an Internet eDevice (3Com Audrey - a simple networked box with a browser built in) to control my HTPC. RCML generates a web page on Audrey that causes Girder to make my DVD player or PVR software Pause, Skip, Rewind etc.

RCML holds its data as XML, this is converted through XSL to HTML before it leaves the server, and is rendered on the remote display. This server side conversion allows any legacy web browser to act as a remote control. When a button is pushed on the remote, data is sent to the server, which fires the command in Girder, and that in turn sends the appropriate message to my HTPC application.

RCML provides a web based form to create new Remote Controls for any application (that can be controlled via girder), and can be "skinned" by adding different XSL files. It is currently shipped with two different skins: VGA and PocketPC resolution.

http://www.attree.co.uk/RCML/skin1.jpg

Each target application is controlled by a separate remote control interface, and RCML can use as many interfaces as you require for your setup.

RCML requires:

Microsoft IIS or PWS must be installed on the machine where RCML lives - this need not be the HTPC.
Microsoft IE6 must be installed on the machine where RCML lives.
PHP must be installed on the machine where RCML lives.
Girder must be installed on the HTPC.
Girder TCP/IP plugin must be configured.

RCML is free to download, and apart from the server (free with an OS) only uses free components.

*****BE WARNED*****
THIS IS NOT COMMERCIAL SOFTWARE - IT MIGHT BREAK, IT MIGHT GIVE YOU A HEADACHE.
ONLY USE THIS SOFTWARE INSIDE A FIREWALL

RCML Download (http://www.attree.co.uk/RCML/)

Background thinking to RCML. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=111998)

Any comments would be welcomed.