1. I used the plex screen saver out of commodity, as it was simpler to set up than system prefs (with never any mouse or keyboard attached to my mac, that is). Plus, I was unaware of the un-public API they use :-) 
Turns out, however, that the screen setting on or off doesn't change anything regarding my problem mentioned above.

2. Yes, I pretty much use defaults everywhere, ans and I use the default behavior of PHT. I know that this is still beta software, but I have the same issues with the latest release version. So: all mappings are default.

3. Candleair is installed.

4. this is what the Candleair diagnostic check brings up. I assume it's the same as the one you mentioned. If not I am happy to download and run the other one as well.

PlexHTHelper (PID 1221) is using the Apple® Remote in exclusive mode 
While PlexHTHelper accesses your Apple® IR Receiver exclusively, no other application or OS X will receive Apple® Remote button press events. This can give you the impression that your Apple® Remote doesn't work. In that case, quit PlexHTHelper (located at /Users/macmini/Library/Application Support/Plex Home Theater/PlexHTHelper). 
Testing exclusive access 
Can't get exclusive access 
RCD's attempt to get temporary, exclusive access failed (error: The operation couldn’t be completed. (Mach error -536870203 - (iokit/common) exclusive access and device already open) (3)). This usually means that another application is already having exclusive access to the Apple® Remote. Neither OS X nor other applications will be able to respond to your Apple® Remote at the same time. This can give you the impression that your Apple® Remote doesn't work. Quit the application that exclusively accesses the Apple® Remote to make it available to OS X and other applications again.

Thanks, Oliver.

Last edited: 19.11.2013 00:08:00