I am a little confused as to what I need. I have a Vizio Plasma tv in our family room. My Directv box and HTPC is located in the bedroom right on the other side of the wall. I want to be able to control everything from my Harmony One and know I need some sort of IR repeater system. I have tried the cheap Radio Shack pyramid things and they work OK but sometimes are hit or miss probably because they are cheap and I have a Plasma TV...just enough to make the wife not want to use it :). Right now I am able to control the DTV receiver with the RF remote I bought with it but want to switch everything over to the Harmony. I think a wired IR system would be much better and reliable but I was hoping not to have to spend to much. $150 was enough to make my wife roll her eyes for the Harmony.

The way I see it is I need an IR receiver and the emitters and I guess some sort of "distribution block". Can someone give me some examples that wont break the bank :)

Also is there anyway to have some sort of RF setup so I don't need to point the remote directly at the IR receiver...I assume not since the remote is IR but figured I would ask...and no I am hooked on the Harmony One so I would not want to trade it out for one of the RF models:D

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!!

Thanks,
Scott

I am a little confused as to what I need. I have a Vizio Plasma tv in our family room. My Directv box and HTPC is located in the bedroom right on the other side of the wall. I want to be able to control everything from my Harmony One and know I need some sort of IR repeater system. I have tried the cheap Radio Shack pyramid things and they work OK but sometimes are hit or miss probably because they are cheap and I have a Plasma TV...just enough to make the wife not want to use it :). Right now I am able to control the DTV receiver with the RF remote I bought with it but want to switch everything over to the Harmony. I think a wired IR system would be much better and reliable but I was hoping not to have to spend to much. $150 was enough to make my wife roll her eyes for the Harmony.

The way I see it is I need an IR receiver and the emitters and I guess some sort of "distribution block". Can someone give me some examples that wont break the bank :)

Also is there anyway to have some sort of RF setup so I don't need to point the remote directly at the IR receiver...I assume not since the remote is IR but figured I would ask...and no I am hooked on the Harmony One so I would not want to trade it out for one of the RF models:D

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!!

Thanks,
ScottSince your HTPC is right behind the wall, you could use a USBUIRT http://www.usbuirt.com/

I am a little confused as to what I need. I have a Vizio Plasma tv in our family room. My Directv box and HTPC is located in the bedroom right on the other side of the wall. I want to be able to control everything from my Harmony One and know I need some sort of IR repeater system. I have tried the cheap Radio Shack pyramid things and they work OK but sometimes are hit or miss probably because they are cheap and I have a Plasma TV...just enough to make the wife not want to use it :). Right now I am able to control the DTV receiver with the RF remote I bought with it but want to switch everything over to the Harmony. I think a wired IR system would be much better and reliable but I was hoping not to have to spend to much. $150 was enough to make my wife roll her eyes for the Harmony.

The way I see it is I need an IR receiver and the emitters and I guess some sort of "distribution block". Can someone give me some examples that wont break the bank :)

Also is there anyway to have some sort of RF setup so I don't need to point the remote directly at the IR receiver...I assume not since the remote is IR but figured I would ask...and no I am hooked on the Harmony One so I would not want to trade it out for one of the RF models:D

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!!

Thanks,
Scott
I had the same problem with my Harmony Ones ... I love the remote, but would kill for an RF solution. Unfortunately, none currently exist.

Here is a breakdown of my system components. I have multiple IR targets spread across 6 different rooms around the house. These are the cheapest I could find. I've run into a couple of defective units, but A1components has been pretty decent with replacements.

plasma proof IR targets (http://www.a1components.com/itemdisplayn.aspx?item=11779) for $28

IR 4 emitter hub (http://www.a1components.com/itemdisplayn.aspx?item=11763) for $27

Dual IR emitter (http://www.a1components.com/itemdisplayn.aspx?item=11726) for $6

You could also gamble and give this cheaper $11 keystone target (http://www.a1components.com/itemdisplayn.aspx?item=11768) a shot. I've never used them, so I'm not sure how well they'll work with the plasma. If you do get one of these, report back and let us know if they work!

I am very interested in the solution you list here with regard to the remote components.

I am about to embark on just such a solution myself in the near future, could you perhaps take a few pictures of how you have laid it out?

I envision for myself having the remote sensor sticking up through the floor vent or something.

Since your HTPC is right behind the wall, you could use a USBUIRT http://www.usbuirt.com/

I have a USBUIRT but wouldn't I have to leave the computer on?? I usually leave the HTPC in standby while not using it...would this still work??

I had the same problem with my Harmony Ones ... I love the remote, but would kill for an RF solution. Unfortunately, none currently exist.

Here is a breakdown of my system components. I have multiple IR targets spread across 6 different rooms around the house. These are the cheapest I could find. I've run into a couple of defective units, but A1components has been pretty decent with replacements.

plasma proof IR targets for $28

IR 4 emitter hub for $27

Dual IR emitter for $6

You could also gamble and give this cheaper $11 keystone target a shot. I've never used them, so I'm not sure how well they'll work with the plasma. If you do get one of these, report back and let us know if they work!

This is exactly what I saw on A1. Is there a limit to the length of the run for the emitters? If I am going to do this I think I want to run an emitter to to my other HTPC located in the Livingroom. I saw something about running Cat5 somewhere, would that be for running the emitters and targets??


Thanks,
Scott

This is exactly what I saw on A1. Is there a limit to the length of the run for the emitters? If I am going to do this I think I want to run an emitter to to my other HTPC located in the Livingroom. I saw something about running Cat5 somewhere, would that be for running the emitters and targets??


I'm not sure on using CAT5 with the emitters, somebody else may be able to comment on that. I use CAT5 to connect all of my IR targets to my IR hub. Since all of my components are in a single media closet, I have no need for long emitter runs. You should be able to splice into the emitter cables and use CAT5 for longer runs, but I've never actually tried that.

Thanks Ed,
Were you able to use a single cat5 cable?? Can you spice all of the target together or do the each need there own wire?

Thanks,
Scott

I have a USBUIRT but wouldn't I have to leave the computer on?? I usually leave the HTPC in standby while not using it...would this still work??

Thanks,
ScottDepending upon your motherboard settings and options, you may be able to have the HTPC wake up when the USBUIRT receives a signal (I'm not 100% sure about this). I leave my PC on all the time, so I have never had to deal with this. I briefly scanned the USBUIRT forum and it looks like some people are having luck getting the PC to wake up from the USBUIRT and others are having problems. If you can get this to work for you, this would definitely be the most cost effective solution for you since you already have the USBUIRT and I assume are using some software to control it already. You may only need to buy an emitter to plug into the USBUIRT and attach it to your DirecTV box.

Another option, depending upon what model your directv box is, would be to use serial control from your HTPC to your DirecTV box triggered by an IR signal received from the USBUIRT.

Thanks Ed,
Were you able to use a single cat5 cable?? Can you spice all of the target together or do the each need there own wire?

Thanks,
Scott

On that particular hub, there is only one input for the targets. I have 5 different locations, all with a single CAT5 cable carrying the IR Target signals to the media closet. I then pigtail all of the target CAT5s together to a single CAT5 cable which is connected to the actual hub. So in summary, yes, you can splice all of the targets together and run on a single CAT5.

I'm not sure on using CAT5 with the emitters, somebody else may be able to comment on that. I use CAT5 to connect all of my IR targets to my IR hub. Since all of my components are in a single media closet, I have no need for long emitter runs. You should be able to splice into the emitter cables and use CAT5 for longer runs, but I've never actually tried that.

How did you use CAT5 for your IR Targets?

I need to run about 40-50 ft from my primary target via conduit to my AV closet where an IR Repeater would be installed. I could then use emitters with the standard 10ft cables to get to all devices except for my projector, which would require a ~15ft run for the emitter.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

How did you use CAT5 for your IR Targets?

I need to run about 40-50 ft from my primary target via conduit to my AV closet where an IR Repeater would be installed. I could then use emitters with the standard 10ft cables to get to all devices except for my projector, which would require a ~15ft run for the emitter.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

The Choice Select Plasma Proof IR Targets that I linked above have a 4 wire scheme. Just pigtail, or connect via any means you choose, the 4 wires to 4 of the CAT5 wires and then run the CAT 5 to your IR hub. I combined the CAT5e twisted pairs just for the sake of keeping it simple and getting a thicker gauge wire.

As a follow up, this is the IR Repeater system that i am looking at getting, but struggling with one thing...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Uniqueproductsonline/IR%20Repeater/IRSystemBNOBackGroundCompressed.jpg

There are 4 inputs under the plug for the IR Receiver labeled +12VDC, GND, Status, & Signal. Do these appear to be an alternate input for the IR Receiver?

There are 4 inputs under the plug for the IR Receiver labeled +12VDC, GND, Status, & Signal. Do these appear to be an alternate input for the IR Receiver?

Yes, those are an alternate IR receiver input allowing you to hook up multiple targets to the same hub.

I had the same problem with my Harmony Ones ... I love the remote, but would kill for an RF solution. Unfortunately, none currently exist.

Here is a breakdown of my system components. I have multiple IR targets spread across 6 different rooms around the house. These are the cheapest I could find. I've run into a couple of defective units, but A1components has been pretty decent with replacements.

plasma proof IR targets (http://www.a1components.com/itemdisplayn.aspx?item=11779) for $28

IR 4 emitter hub (http://www.a1components.com/itemdisplayn.aspx?item=11763) for $27

Dual IR emitter (http://www.a1components.com/itemdisplayn.aspx?item=11726) for $6

You could also gamble and give this cheaper $11 keystone target (http://www.a1components.com/itemdisplayn.aspx?item=11768) a shot. I've never used them, so I'm not sure how well they'll work with the plasma. If you do get one of these, report back and let us know if they work!

Ok I got everything from A1 and hooked it up. I hooked up the target with a Cat5 cable and at first crossed two of the wires and the target go really hot :eek:
Wired it up right and it started working.

One problem I am having is my computer and directv receivers not catching every command. I did some testing and noticed the test light on the distribution hub. From my test I could see the target (which has a light) caught every command and the hub caught every command but my devices did not, it was sporadic as to what it caught. So this leads me to the emitters. I have them stuck directly on the ir eye of the computers receiver and the DTV's reciever.

One thing I noticed is I was using the Dual emitter and I bought a single emitter from something else. Should I try the single one to see if that helps or is that a waste of time.
Another thing, is it possible that the code being transmitted is being corrupted on the way to the emitter.
What else can I try???

Thanks!!!
Scott

Ok I got everything from A1 and hooked it up. I hooked up the target with a Cat5 cable and at first crossed two of the wires and the target go really hot :eek:
Wired it up right and it started working.

One problem I am having is my computer and directv receivers not catching every command. I did some testing and noticed the test light on the distribution hub. From my test I could see the target (which has a light) caught every command and the hub caught every command but my devices did not, it was sporadic as to what it caught. So this leads me to the emitters. I have them stuck directly on the ir eye of the computers receiver and the DTV's reciever.

One thing I noticed is I was using the Dual emitter and I bought a single emitter from something else. Should I try the single one to see if that helps or is that a waste of time.
Another thing, is it possible that the code being transmitted is being corrupted on the way to the emitter.
What else can I try???

Thanks!!!
Scott

Don't stick the emitters directly on the eye. Stick them directly adjacent to the eyes with the tip of the emitter pointing at the eye. Also, the Directv receivers can be a bit tricky. I've noticed that on only one of my HR-20s, the IR sensor is more sensitive, so I needed to move the emitter about 1 foot away from the eye... just move the emitters around until you find a good spot.

Don't stick the emitters directly on the eye. Stick them directly adjacent to the eyes with the tip of the emitter pointing at the eye. Also, the Directv receivers can be a bit tricky. I've noticed that on only one of my HR-20s, the IR sensor is more sensitive, so I needed to move the emitter about 1 foot away from the eye... just move the emitters around until you find a good spot.I had problems with my HR20 and HR21 DirecTV DVR's. I tried placing the emitter 6 to 12 inches from the IR window (not very convenient in my setup) and also tried covering most of the IR window with black tape and just left a pinhole opening for the emitter. Both cases were hit and miss with control. About 1 month ago, I bought $0.20 resistors from Radio Shack and modified my emitter per link below and have had no problems since then. The modification was super easy. I used a 1000ohm resistor for the HR20's and a 10K ohm resistor for the HR21.
http://www.xantech.com/files/app_advisories/23_App_Advisory_DTV_AA16.pdf

Good stuff guys...THANKS!!!

I will post back my results.

I had problems with my HR20 and HR21 DirecTV DVR's. I tried placing the emitter 6 to 12 inches from the IR window (not very convenient in my setup) and also tried covering most of the IR window with black tape and just left a pinhole opening for the emitter. Both cases were hit and miss with control. About 1 month ago, I bought $0.20 resistors from Radio Shack and modified my emitter per link below and have had no problems since then. The modification was super easy. I used a 1000ohm resistor for the HR20's and a 10K ohm resistor for the HR21.
http://www.xantech.com/files/app_advisories/23_App_Advisory_DTV_AA16.pdf

MurrayW,
Why did you choose 2 different resitors and how did you know which one to use for each?

Thanks,
Scott

MurrayW,
Why did you choose 2 different resitors and how did you know which one to use for each?

Thanks,
ScottI don't remember where I read it (maybe the remotecentral forums), but someone else had problems using the 1000 ohm resistor on the HR21 and they contacted Xantech and they recommended a 10K resistor for the HR21. I didn't try switching emitters between the 2 different model DirecTV DVR's to see if one worked and the other one didn't, so it is possible that the 1K ohm or the 10K ohm resistor would have worked equally as well for me on either DVR. I just know that they work a lot better than the pinhole tape method I was using. Also, my HR21 was worse than my HR20's when using the pinhole tape method, so they may be more sensitive.

Update....

First off thanks MurrayW but hopefully I wont need it, I am running an r16 DVR.

I moved the emitter where edpowers said on the DTV DVR and it works great :D:D:D
On the computer I removed the emitter from the receiver and put it in front of it on the TV. This worked alot better but I was still getting some skipping.
I had bought a USB-UIRT a while back but never got around to hooking it up. I was using an old MCE remote and receiver so I replaced it with the UIRT and put the emitter in front of it, not on it, and it seems to work flawlessly:D

Now I have to buy some more targets and load up the house:cool:

Thanks for all of the help!!!!