Archive:List of MCE remote controls
This is a (probably futile) attempt to keep up with the vast range of MCE remotes out there, and give some indication of how well they work with XBMC.
This article assumes you are using build 26407 or later of XBMC. Earlier builds don't have the support for MCE remotes built in.
Microsoft Media Center Remote Control
Original and best! I don't know if Microsoft still sell them, but there are usually lots available on eBay. They tend to be a bit expensive but they are well made and highly configurable.
This remote will work out of the box with XBMC Live, though with a standard Linux install you'll need to install and configure Lirc. To get it to work on Windows you need to configure it to simulate keypresses. See Using a Microsoft remote control in Windows for details.
Hauppauge Media Center Remote Control Kit
Compatible with the Microsoft remote, and the .reg files used to reconfigure the MS remote will also work with the Hauppauge.
Speedlink SL-6399
Cheap and cheerful remote. It simulates the MS Media Center keypresses and will work out of the box on Windows, Linux and probably OSX.
DEC-200B
Compatible with the MS remote. Works out of the box with XBMCLive. Not tested (so far) with the Windows and OSX versions. Googling suggests it is widely available.
AVS Gear HA-IR01SV
Compatible with the MS remote. Works out of the box with XBMCLive. Not tested (so far) with the Windows and OSX versions. Googling suggests it is widely available.
Unbranded MCE remote
There is no manufacturer's name on this remote or the manual. They are available on Ebay for as little as $2 ($10ish after S&H). It's cheap and feels a bit flimsy, but it works well enough. It simulates the MS Media Center keypresses and will work out of the box on Windows, Linux and probably OSX. It also simulates a mouse, although it's no match for a proper mouse or trackpad. It isn't very configurable and cettain buttons don't work as they should. For example, the fast forward and rewind buttons skip forward or backwards instead of moving gradually.
XBox DVD Remote
The original DVD remote for XBox 1. This is a simple well working remote, almost out of the box experience and it has a good support in xbmc.
See wiring and lirc config
This remorte won't work "out of the box" with Windows as it doesn't send keystrokes and can't be configured to do so. It can be made to work with a helper app like Eventghost or IR Server Suite.