Plex HTPC app on Mac Mini using Denon AV receiver - volume control on single remote question

Plex Players
1

Mac Mini m4 (2024)
Denon AVR-X2300W (HDMI-CEC enabled)
Server Version#: Version 1.41.2.9200
Player Version#: Plex HTPC 1.68.1.256
I’ve been a Plex user for over a decade now, and my setup has always been a Mac Mini running as a Plex server and HTPC app. It’s connected through a Denon receiver/amplifier to home theater speakers and a Sony TV. For a remote, in the past I’ve used a Logitech Harmony remote, which still works but is discontinued and no longer receives software updates.

Recently, I upgraded to the latest M4 Mac Mini, which has caused some issues. The new Mac Mini no longer has an IR receiver, which in turn broke compatibility with my Harmony remote. I’ve found a partial solution by pairing a 3rd-gen Siri Remote with my Mac using Remote Buddy. This allows me to control Plex’s video playback perfectly, but audio control is still managed through my Denon receiver using IR when using the HTPC app.

I’d really prefer not to use two remotes—one for Plex and another for the Denon receiver’s volume control—but that’s where I’m stuck now. Is there a way to control volume via macOS sound controls or Plex’s volume commands? I can adjust the volume on the web app, but not on the dedicated HTPC app (which offers a much better playback experience). On Apple TV, the Siri Remote can control Apple TV functions while simultaneously adjusting the Denon receiver’s volume via IR, so I’m sure there’s a way to achieve this, but I haven’t found a good solution yet.

I’m also exploring third-party sound control apps like SoundSource to see if I can control the output volume to my receiver while using the HTPC app, but so far, no luck. HDMI-CEC is enabled on my receiver.

Additionally, if anyone knows of a universal remote solution that can handle both Mac Mini HTPC Plex app controls and Denon AV volume control in a single remote, I’d love to hear it!

To clarify: I’m not looking for advice to switch to Apple TV or Nvidia Shield—I’m only interested in solutions that work with the Plex HTPC app and my current setup. Thanks!

2

Which kind of harmony remote? Is it a very early one that’s IR only or one that supports Bluetooth? If the latter, then you can control the mini via BT. The computer will see the harmony as a BT keyboard. This is by far the best method if you can use it.

There are input maps in HTPC where you can customize what each key does. Though I’d suggest changing the volume in the app would not be a good experience.

I believe the mini will not support CEC out of the box. It’s uncommon to have CEC support in computers. There are addon devices which add CEC support by connecting the HDMI though it and it communicates with the computer through USB. I know some have used the Pulse Eight versions before.

Also, there are IR receivers you can add to a computer via USB. Years ago I knew people used flirc devices for this task.

3

Thanks for the reply. I’ll see if I can get the harmony software running again on it. Is there no way to control HTPC volume though via MacOS or other software? I can control the volume on the both the web app and Plex for Mac app. Just not on the HTPC app sadly. Would love to find a work around as the siri remote is by far the most responsive remote on Plex.

4

Working now! I actually got a response from Remote Buddy too and was able to get my old Harmony Ultimate remote up and working again through their software over bluetooth. The siri remote unfortunately isn’t mapped by default to control the denon receiver. I need 3rd party software to remap the volume buttons via IR. Apparently remote buddy can also do IR playback, but I’ll have to pick up a Flirc as well. Hoping flirc works through usb c to usb converter since the new mac mini only has usb c/thunderbolt ports now. Ordering one now!

Here’s a response from the remote buddy dev incase it helps anyone else with the same issue:

you can record and play back IR commands with Remote Buddy by adding a supported IR transmitter:
Record and send IR commands with your Mac using Remote Buddy

You can then map the actions created that way to buttons on the Siri Remote - and also run them from Remote Buddy’s iOS companion app.

Also worth mentioning: if you pick f.ex. Flirc USB as IR transmitter, Remote Buddy also gains the ability to receive IR commands and react to them.
And Remote Buddy has support for Harmony remotes baked in. If you’re interested in what that takes, you can select your Harmony model on this page:
Remotes | Remote Buddy | Apps
Then, on the page for the respective model, you can find the setup instructions for that model.