[meeotch]

Thanks for the replies. Some quick responses: @quacked - I think the Intel NUC i5/i7's have slightly upgraded graphics, but I don't see a reason to buy anything beefier than the i3. @deaerator - yes, the IR port seems like a plus. The Intel NUCs also have IR (CIR) ports, but don't come with a remote.

Does anybody know how easy it is to get either the Beebox or Intel IR ports working with an arbitrary remote? I'd like to use the existing remote that came with my t.v. if possible. (Would rather not have to buy a second remote, even if it replaces the one I already have.) I'm pretty sure I read that Kodi has a remote keymapping feature, but I don't know if it works with any old remote. And I think the CIR port on the Intel box requires a remote that adheres to a particular standard?

I'm not sure whether it'll be a bigger hassle to try and figure out an existing port, or just go with a flirc, which is well supported. (In which case, there's no point choosing a box with an IR port.)