Re: [RFC] Should we create a raw input interface for IR's ? - Was: Re: [PATCH 1/3 v2] lirc core device driver infrastructure

[Jarod Wilson <jarod@wilsonet.com>]

On 11/26/2009 04:14 AM, Gerd Hoffmann wrote:
> On 11/26/09 07:23, Jarod Wilson wrote:
>> Well, when mythtv was started, I don't know that there were many
>> input layer remotes around... lirc was definitely around though.
>
> lirc predates the input layer IR drivers by years, maybe even the input
> layer itself.

That was my guess, but I didn't have a timeline in front of me. :)

> The main reason for the input layer IR drivers appearing was lirc not
> being mainline. A in-kernel driver (bttv in that case) which depends on
> a out-of-tree subsystem for IR support was simply a pain in the ass for
> both maintainer (/me back then) and users.
>
> At least for IR hardware which allows access to the raw samples it
> certainly makes sense to support lirc, additional to the current (or
> improved) input layer support.

I'm liking the idea of a hybrid approach, where IR devices can support 
both lirc and input device interfaces. I think its the most 
regression-proof for end-users, if done correctly, which is one of my 
biggest concerns.

>> The lirc support in mythtv actually relies on mapping remote button
>> names as defined in lircd.conf to keyboard key strokes. As mentioned
>> elsewhere in this beast of a thread, mythtv doesn't currently support
>> things like KEY_PLAY, KEY_VOLUMEUP, KEY_CHANNELUP, etc. just yet, but
>> I intend on fixing that...
>
> lircd can handle the input layer as input as well, so you actually can
> remap things via lircd even for pure input layer drivers. mythtv
> handling KEY_VOLUMEUP directly would be more elegant though.

Yeah, no, I know lircd can attach to an input device. But even if you do 
that, you have to have a mapping that converts KEY_VOLUMEUP as captured 
by lircd into (iirc) right-bracket (]) for mythtv to actually consume 
it. Directly handling definitely needs to be added to mythtv.

-- 
Jarod Wilson
jarod@wilsonet.com