Installation

Nothing much to cover here at all because this remote is that easy to install.  There's no software to tinker with and all you have to do is plug in the USB receiver.  It should instantly work.  If it doesn't, simply press the connect buttons to activate.  For those wondering, it does work with MCE 2005 but like most Vista remotes, you will obviously be unable to take advantage of most of its functions.

Performance

Like any remote, button feedback it pretty much what you'd expect from a typical universal remote.  Buttons are unfortunately not backlit, with the exception of the top four input buttons.  Also, they cram plenty into this remote and therefore, most of the buttons are quite small.

However, the main thing most will wonder in regards to its performance is just how good its unique motion-sensing capabilities work.  Is it a suitable mouse replacement?  The answer is absolutely yes.  In fact, its cursor control is extremely fast and its precise control ends up being a matter of how well the user can control it.  Once you get used to moving the remote around in the air, possibly causing many to doubt your sanity, you'll love this kind of control and functionality.

The only possible way to demonstrate this is via a video.  With that said, I put together a small video clip to mainly demonstrate how fast the cursor can be moved and how responsive it really is.  This demonstration was on my HTPC which consists of a custom 1080P resolution, which has plenty of more viewing area to play with.  Now, you'll have to look very closely for the cursor because the camera had to placed quite far from the TV to capture the full screen.  In one area, you'll see where I grab a folder and drag it around the screen.  This is to demonstrate just how fast the cursor is and how similar it is to a standard wired or wireless mouse.  At the end of the clip, I launch Media Center and work with the remote both via the buttons and the cursor as well.

Note:  To view this video clip, you'll need to have the latest version of the flash plug-in installed. 

Video Clip

**click to play**

This clips demonstrate a mixture of both button and unique motion sensing controls to give you a better idea of what to expect.  This demonstration was on a 46" widescreen 1080p TV with a custom resolution to match.

Conclusions

The Gyration "In-Air" MCE remote brings something to the table that standard remotes simply can't seem to offer...excellent cursor control.  Its unique gyroscopic motion sensing technology may take a bit to get used to but once you do, you'll appreciate just how convenient it can be and most will probably ditch those slow built-in options found in MCE keyboards.  On top of that, it offers 2.4GHz RF technology (up to 100ft) with no line-of-sight limitations.  You can literally control your HTPC from another room or anywhere where you can still have a clear view of your TV.  It works that well and for those wondering, I did not encounter any type of interference issues with a quality wireless network or with a 2.4GHz cordless phone.  Add to that it seamless integration and driverless install and you have yourself a very suitable and highly recommended remote for HTPC enthusiasts.

The best part of all?  Its price tag.  Do your research online and you'll find that the lowest price for this remote is $99.  Yes, that includes NewEgg!  However, after some extensive research, I found that you can actually pick this remote up for less than half this already reasonable price tag.  Check your local Circuit City (yes, Circuit City) and you may be able to get one for only $36.  Most stores actually still have them in stock and at this price, it is honestly a steal.

More information on the Gyration GYR3101CA Motion Sensing MCE Remote can be found on their Official Website.

Questions?  Comments?  Discuss the review here...