Operation:

Once the software is all installed, it’s time to begin working with the MFP51 to see what we’ve established.  For one thing, unlike another Media Center system we recently reviewed, the Remote Controller on the MFP51 is NOT restricted to operation on only a Media Center PC and/or a Windows Vista PC.  This Remote Controller, after the software has been installed, can be used just as easily and flawlessly on a Windows XP system without having the Media Center OS installed.  As shown on the Installation CD, those using even older Windows systems, 98 and ME and 2000, also can make use of the MFP51! 

Let’s take a closer look at the function of the Remote Controller:

Finding my way around this elaborately designed Remote Controller has been quite an adventure.  BUT, it’s also been an adventure with very pleasant rewards. 

First of all, the Red Power button in the far upper right allows for the PC to be turned ON/OFF without coming near the front power button on the PC case.  When the Remote Controller is used to Turn Off the PC, Windows automatically begins the normal Shutdown operation.  Just as easily, a press of the Power Button will start the Boot Up process.

The above image shows the very heart of the Remote’s functionality as it relates to operating the computer. The MFP51’s program allows for the Remote to be initialized as a Mouse or Keyboard.  Its function can be changed by simply pressing the Mouse/Keyboard button at the uppermost location as shown in the above image. 

The very center “Hat” of this cluster of buttons is used to control the Mouse Cursor on the PC Screen. (Yes!  It’s quite responsive and takes a bit of getting used to but not that difficult after a little exercise.)

The rest of the Remote’s buttons are pretty straightforward and simply take some time getting accustomed to their location and function/s.  I’ll not take the time to go through each one, as it would become quite exhaustive.

Virtual Keyboard:

By using the Virtual Keyboard function, the user can bring up a screen that looks like this:

(These screenshots are all taken using a solid black background – which is my personal preference.)

Application Launcher:

The Application Launcher button brings up a screen of the programs that have been selected by the user earlier in the Setup of the iMON system:

With the Application Launcher onscreen, the user can then use the center “HAT” to move the cursor to the desired program/application and then press the ENTER button at the bottom of the cluster.

Task Switcher:

If more than one application is active at a time, the Task Switcher button allows the user to move easily from one to another.

Timer:

If the user desires to setup some functions to be done while the system is unattended, there’s another really cool feature:  TIMER.  The user can select from the following options as seen in this screenshot:

Notice also in the Closeup of the Remote that there’s a button with a Monitor on it.  By pressing this button, it brings up the iMEDIAN application as shown earlier during the Software Installation:

By pressing the Application Exit button in the far upper left of the Remote Controller, the active application will close.

SilverStone has definitely spent some time on the MFP51 to make it work so well and so flawlessly - even on non-Media Center OSes like Windows XP, 2000, 98, and ME.  As I’m not currently using Vista, I can’t attest for its operation on that OS, but I can’t imagine there would be any problems associated with doing so. As the Installation CD also lists Windows Me, Windows 98, and Windows 2000 as supported OS, the SilverStone official website provides an updated Specifications list:

Notice that there is full compatibility for Vista 32/64 bit systems shown.