I recently purchased an ANTEC Fusion home theatre PC enclosure to replace my old noisey media center PC only to discover that the included IR functionality was complete rubbish (you can’t even use the PC on/off button on an MCE remote without connecting an additional cable). Initially this didn’t phase me as I already had a MCE IR reciever, however – after much searching I realised there was no way to disable the included IR functionality without also disabling the VFD (which works beautifully with Vista Media Center after a bit of configuration).
After a bit of googling it appeared there were 3 solutions:
- The easiest, use another application to utilize the VFD (e.g. LCD Smartie)
- ANTEC’s suggestion, Remove the front panel of the case, unscrew the VFD module and then cover up the IR receiver module.
- or, disable the VFD all together.
The first solution sounded ok, but I could not find a single application that would work with Vista Media Center. Either the applications didn’t work at all, or they just didnt support Media Center. Second solution, huh!? Sounds a bit ghetto – surely there’s got to be something better than that. Third solution, well yeah – defeats the purpose of the VFD in the enclosure.
Out comes PE Explorer and WinDbg, time to write a dummy SG_RC.dll to trick the ANTEC software into thinking the RC was working when infact the requests just get ignored. Before I did that I thought I’d check out the file structure of the ANTEC application and see if there was a hidden setting to disable the IR module.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\ANTEC\VFD\RCPlugin
Set it to 0, the remote stopped working! But the VFD would then only display the time. No good.
Vista:
%USERPROFILE%\AppData\Roaming\ANTEC\VFD\Setup\MCE remote\
XP (can anybody confirm this is correct?):
%USERPROFILE%\Application Data\ANTEC\VFD\Setup\MCE remote\
This folder appears to contain configuration/key mapping data for the MCE remote. So the simple solution?
- Set all permissions to Deny for Everyone on the MCE remote folder.
- Restart the ANTEC software.
- Plug in your MCE IR Receiver.
- Problem Solved!
Stay tuned for a replacement for the ANTEC software, that fully supports Vista Media Center right out of the box 
Update: Another solution of disabling the driver from device manager has been suggested. I found that this had the same result as setting the RCPlugin registry value to 0. The ANTEC VFD software says that the VFD H/W is not connected and will not display anything on the VFD. Doing this will however disable the IR functionality.
Update: You can now use the iMon software to control the VFD/IR Sensor in the Antec case. The latest version of the iMon software has an option to disable the IR Sensor all together.
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I have the same problem, but was unable to find the reg keys you have found, are you running Vista32 or XP?
Any other suggestions?
Which version of the drivers have you used?
I’m using Vista 64bit – But the reg keys are useless.
If you’re using XP, I think the folder is %USERPROFILE%\Application Data\ANTEC\VFD\Setup\MCE remote\
I used the latest drivers from the ANTEC website.
Mmm, I did this using the drivers from ANTEC’s site. All worked OK until I put the MCE box into Standby. Resuming and boom, corrupted VFD again
I am using Vista 32bit. Maybe I should use the test drivers available from the Soundgraph site?
No idea, only once have I had the “corruption” (by corruption you’re talking about random junk on the VFD yeah?) and that was when I was screwing around trying to write my own interface driver. Rebooted and haven’t had it since.
What standby mode are you using? S3?
Yep S3. Just trying the new version on their web site now. Will report back.
I’m using Vista32 (Danish vesion) and Antec VFD drive fra april this year (Where to fint the version number?) – unable to locate the listed reg keys.
As I said, the reg keys are useless.
For Vista you need to set a Deny permission for ‘Everyone’ on this folder %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Roaming\ANTEC\VFD\Setup\MCE remote\
eg. C:\Users\Trent\AppData\Roaming\ANTEC\VFD\Setup\MCE remote\
OK tried the new version and it still bombs and crashes the VFD even though I have set to the folder with security permission of Everyone – Denied.
I set the permission and the vfd is frozen showing garbage. I tried reseting the permission, uninstalling and deleting all the files and reinstalling the latest software from antec’s site but nothing works. any ideas? i’m running 64 bit vista as well.
I’ll try uploading a copy of the drivers and software i’ve got.
i finnally got it up and running again … tried your solution again.
it disables the IR for the remote functions but my MCE MS kb and mouse still work which is really annoying
any idea how to disable the whole thing without actually opening the front panel on my fusion 430?
I checked the drivers I have, they are identical to the ones at http://www.antec.com/download/Fusion_driver.zip
Your MCE MS KB and Mouse still work???
Ya the kb and mouse still works; i think i’ll end up opening the front panel and just blocking the IR.
the app got corrupted again for no reason. any ideas what’s causing this? is it because of the permissions on the folder cause it never happened before!
What’s your kb and mouse got to do with it?
The Fusion software/VFD has been running perfect for almost 2 months since I changed the permissions on the MCE remote folder. Sounds like you might have an issue with something else.
Hi there,
Great solution, I would add one thing though. I am using Vista 32 with the latest drivers and I do not have a
%USERPROFILE%\AppData\Roaming\ANTEC\VFD\Setup\MCE remote\
After a little look around I found the directory under
%USERPROFILE%\AppData\Roaming\SOUNDGRAPH\iMON\setup\MCE remote\
I can vouch for the fact it works like a charm!
Cheers all,
Jamie.
The latest drivers that Antec’s site links to seem so to be the full iMON software (but still a special “(Antec)” version) and includes a checkbox in the configuration window to ignore the IR receiver completely. So you don’t need to mess around with registry and file permissions to turn it off anymore.
Unfortunately, at least some of the iMON VFDs included with Fusion cases have a ridiculous bug which means that unrecognised IR codes from other remotes cause them to go haywire and display gibberish until the PC is powered down (i.e. turn off the power supply, not just the machine itself). My Xbox 360 remote seems to trigger the VFD to crash after a short time, for example, and this happens even if the software is set to ignore IR inputs.
So it looks like covering up the IR receiver somehow is the best way to go. I’m just not sure where it is exactly and how best to do that without making the case fugly.
This is my second iMON VFD and I have to say I am not impressed with the quality of their hardware and software. I wish there was more competition in this area. I love everything else Antec have done with the Fusion case aside from choosing iMON/SoundGraph to supply the VFD.
Hi
Will try your solution
Another question. You tell the VFD is working beautifully with Vista Media Center after a bit of configuration… Which configuration? How to do?
Would be great if you could publish a little tutorial how make it work better than standard
Cheers
Mikee
Just to let people with Antec Fusion V2/Black IR/display trouble know that Antec has recognized this as being a hardware problem. They are exchanging the display modules. You need to open a support ticket with them and get an RMA approval.
Just added the restriction to
%USERPROFILE%\AppData\Roaming\SOUNDGRAPH\iMON\setup\MCE remote\
and it worked perfectly. Remember to restart the software for it to take effect. The LCD still detects the IR signals but does not process them. Thanks for the tip.
The new Soundgraph/iMon software has an option to ignore the IR signals now anyway
Is it easy to unplug the IR reciever completely – I think it is connected at some point to the USB HUB on my motherboard ??(I have a separate MCE receiver). The reason is my Vista PC keeps waking up (windows logs show some unknown device is issuing a wakeup call a few seconds after the PC trys to sleep). Thanks
Trent, where is this software available from? I’ve been in touch with Antec about this issue who have offered to replace the vfd, which apparently solves this issue.
I also have a problem with my volume knob, in that is will not increase the volume anymore, it only goes down very quickly, which ever way you turn it (and is unevenly stiff) They’ve offered to replace it, but I wonder if it may have something to do with my MS keyboard – the volume up button doesn’t work anymore.
Any help would be much appreciated.
Cheers
Dave
Hi Dave,
The latest software from Antec is here: http://www.antec.com/download/Fusion_driver.zip
You could also try the latest beta from Soundgraph: http://www.soundgraph.com/Eng_/Supports/BoardView.aspx?topMenu=4&leftMenu=1&subMenu=1&dataID=117¤tPage=1&searchFiled=BoardID&searchString=
What OS are you trying to use?
Thanks for that.
I’ve just installed the beta driver but I can’t find the option for the VFD to ignore all signals.
Volume knob still buggered, so it must be hardware.
I’m on MCE 2005.
Thanks again,
David
Do you know where this option is to ignore the VFD signals?
Dave
Hi Dave,
In the iMON manager click the plus symbol next to Option and then select System. Down the bottom there is a tickbox for “Do NOT process IR Signal”. Just untick that and then click apply/ok.
Hello. I’ve tried to follow the suggestions on this site regarding disabling of IR reciever. I didn’t find the mentioned registry keys in XP, So I’ve decided to go with the LCD Smartie and the electrical tape option.I opened the case and put an electrical tape on the IR sensor and then put the VFD back to it’s place and closed the case, But the VFD froze again when I used to click my TV remote control for several times, So I put 3 layers of electrical tape and it’s still freezes the VFD.
image of my open VFD after 3 layers of tape :
http://img205.imageshack.us/my.php?image=an1mp1.jpg
I’m lost and really don’t know what to do except maybe cutting the IR sensor legs, I just don’t void the VFD warranty…. !!!
Hi Hagi,
I’d suggest you contact Antec in that situation. I have heard that there is a fault with some of the VFD modules that causes that behaviour and Antec should be able to supply you with a replacement.
Hi Trent,
First of all thank you for creating this page in the first place.
It’s the only serious straight-to-the point discussion about this problem.
I’ve contacted Antec a week ago, And since the communication was kind of slow, It took a while to get things going (They send you the link to their FAQ, And it takes them time to understand what is your real problem).
Anyway, I’ve made a triangle made out of a hard paper, And put it on the IR sensor. It STILL was sensitive to IR signal UNTIL I’ve put the VFD back to it’s place, And cover the case.
Since yesterday, It hasn’t froze yet, So I think that I’m up to something.
I just want to mention that a friend from windrivers suggested that the electrical tape might not be IR proof, And suggested me to use other material, And the Antec support person, Also suggested me to use a cardbox or similiar material, But i got their suggestions AFTER I already found mine…..Well…Better late then never…:O)
Hi Hagi,
Good to hear you solved the problem.
For those of you that have no choice but to cover up the IR sensor, I’d suggest reflective tape of some sort. This should completely stop any IR signals from being received by the IR sensor as they’d just be reflected straight back.
I came here, researching a new HTPC case for home and I am stunned that there is all this discussion on how to disable a piece of hardware that accounts for over 25% of the cost of the product. It feels like the twilight zone especially when I read elsewhere that the volume knob is also mostly just for show.
In the old days we wouldn’t have to put up with this nonsense because we wouldn’t support companies that make products that don’t work, forcing them to change. I guess the Microsoft world we live in has taught us to lay down and accept junk product (and even to pay lots of money for it).
For now, I’m back to waiting to see if Apple delivers a full HD Mac Mini in June. At least I know my Harmony remote will work with that box.
The Antec Fusion is still and excellent HTPC case and the IR reciever does work so you could use your Harmony remote without any issues, but most people will already have MCE IR recievers that are much better than the included one.
Also, the volume knob does exactly what a volume knob should do – but why would you walk over to the PC to change the volume when you can use the remote? So yes, it is just for show.
Is there any way to attach an IR Extender to Antec’s IR Receiver?
The ability to add extenders would be helpful to those who use set top boxes.
You mean an IR blaster?
Trent, yes an IR Blaster. Apologies for not being clear.
Is there any way to attach an IR Blaster to Antec’s IR Receiver?
The lack of an IR blaster is the only thing keeping me from using the built-in Antec IR.
I do love the case regardless of the poor instruction manual.
And thanks for the tips posted on this site. Extremely helpful!
I sincerly doubt the hardware supports that.
If you need IR blaster capibility you’re best to look at the MS IR Remote/Receiver or another 3rd party solutions.
i have tried all of the above methods including drivers and software and lcd smartie. the only thing i havent tried is opening the case and blocking the ir with tape or something. can anyone confirm that this actually works before i do something so drastic? I am out of ideas here and I really want the vfd to work.
WHAT A GREAT BLOG!
Wow very useful information. On all your posts. Just wanted to express my graditude. I use a set top box and wanted to confirm the Antec IR being useless with blasters. So has antec added a feature to block the IR ? on there drivers? or should we still download the imon software?
If you install the Antec software first and then install the latest iMON software there is an option to not process IR signals.
If you’re having the issue where by you get a garbled VFD, you will either need to block off the IR sensor or contact Antec to see if you can get a replacement.
I would just like to express gratitude for this blog.
I have been researching this problem for months using the Antec and Soundgraph websites.
This is the only place with clear and concise information regarding the issues (mines the garbled display, which i’m now about to take a pair of wire clippers to the offendng item)
Thanks again!
Quick update – I stuck black insulating tape over the receiver and on the inside of the case glass. This has fixed the problem with no more garbage being displayed.
Hi Trent, I’m late to the party, but just started building an Antec Fusion 430 HTPC. What do you mean when you say that the built-in IR receiver is rubbish?
I’m looking to use a Microsoft MCE remote with the Fusion. Nothing fancy. I want the power button on the remote to put the HTPC into standby, and to wake it from standby (I can already do this from the MS MCE IR receiver connected via external USB).
I just want to be able to have the same functionality using the built-in Fusion IR receiver. This way I can ditch one external device outside of the HTPC. Are you saying that the Antec IR receiver can’t even do this much?
Great site – actually useful inforamtion on the Antec Fusion case! I have managed to get the VFD working ok – I had to use a 3rd party app – LCDwriter.
I can not seem to get the IR working correctly – every time I use my MS remote teh VFD displays “Not defined connection”. I have not found any infom on this issue – does anyone have any suggestions?
I have tried upating software, drivers etc… but to no avail. I am currently downloading the iMON 7.2 to see if that driver will help.
BTW – I am running Vista Home Premium
The Antec IR receiver can wake up the PC from standby, but you need to plug an additional 2 pin plug from the motherboard to the back of the VFD module.
Sorry Syrilion – I’ve never actually tried using the iMon software to process IR signals. So no idea what’s going on there.
Ok, I have an Antec Veris Fusion 430 and am running iMON 7.40.0806.
As per the last UPDATE in Trent’s blog above, he writes “The latest version of the iMon software has an option to disable the IR Sensor all together.”
But how to do this?
I went under OPTIONS -> SYSTEM but I saw no option labelled “Do not process IR signal” … what gives, why can’t I see this choice?
I would like to run some kind of software that will read my remote control IR signals and allow me to say:
1) turn on / off the computer
2) adjust volume
3) control playback
I have a sony bravia remote.
If someone could tell me how to accomplish that I would be very grateful.
Thanks in advance!
Hi Tarrant,
I suspect you need to first install the ANTEC version and then without uninstalling it, install the iMon software – or, just use the file permissions fix I posted about.
Johnny5 – If you have an Antec Fusion case with the iMon IR/VFD module, you can use the iMon software to program the IR codes from your Bravia remote