I'm getting to the point where I need to install my Low Voltage raceways, and an IR Control System is going to be necessary. For the IR Repeater, I'm currently looking at the Buffalo IR-350 tube repeater, pictured here.
http://www.buffaloelectronics.com/images/ir-350_300w.jpg

I would like to install it in the ceiling at center screen, or directly below (or above) the screen on the screen wall. How's that for decisiveness? ;)

So my questions are:
1) Where are you guys putting your IR repeaters?
2) Are you running smurf tube to that location? (I'm assuming yes, but confirmation is always a good thing)
3) Anyone have good/bad experiences with the various models out there?
4) Will the projector cause any kind if interference with the IR signals? I know they sell various "plasma proof" models for about 4 times the price, so I'd like to know if this is necessary or not for front projection.

Just FYI, I will be treating the screen wall for absorption, but it will not be an AT screen (not enough room...stupid stairs). Shouldn't really make a difference, just wanted to put it out there in case someone says "put it behind the false wall!" :)

Thanks in advance everyone.

I did all of the above, smurf tubes, etc, then I turned around and got the Harmony 890 controller. RF, not IR. Pretty much solved all my problems with remotes.
One "small" note: I had to set up all my projector uses with an IR code also for the projector. It bounces off the screen, works like a champ.

Thanks for the input chinaclipper.

I've been using the Harmony One since it came out, and unfortunately (in this case), I love the button layout and configuration. I've heard a broad range of opinions on the 890, but the RF just might be worth it in the long run.

At this point I'll probably wire for IR distribution and see how well it works out.

Anyone else have some experience with IR Repeaters and placement issues?

Direct sunlight causes a lot of interference with IR. Fluorescent lighting does sometimes as well. The projector shouldn't affect it.

CJ

I am in a similar situation but am using an AT screen with a screen wall covered with GOM. Will IR go through the GOM?

The Xantech Dinky Link will mount on the screen frame and is virtually invisible. They will work behind an AT screen but not as effectively. Plasmas will affect IR as well as sunlight and FL.

HDvids4all.

I use that Buffalo IR receiver in my HT in the way that you mention. It is combined with a Xantech IR block and it works great. It is directly above my screen in the soffit facing down. No interference from the projector light. Use cat 5 to wire it up, this will leave you an extra pair, I recommend that you take that pair and ground the actual tube. Simply strip the wire and wrap it arond just in front of the nut as you tighten it up. Pretty much has worked flawlessly as part of a 4 point IR network. Good luck.

Great info from everyone here, thanks for all the input.

Oman, that is exactly what I wanted to hear! Thanks for the tips. When you mention grounding with the extra wires in the CAT5 cable, where are you connecting the ground on the back side (the part that runs to the connecting block)?

Another question while we're on the topic...I was planning on using the stick-on flashers for my gear, but I've seen threads where people are cracking open their cases and installing the flashers inside, right next to the sensor. Are there special flashers for this purpose somewhere, or are they just using/modifying the standard ones? Don't know if I'll actually go this route, just curious at the moment.

Glad it helped. As far as grounding on the backside I just twisted together the regular ground with the tube ground and inserted the one combined ground on the blocks ground.

Some folks do what you say with the emitters if the equipment will be visible and you want a very clean look. Some equipment have IR receievers or ports in the back where you might be able to connect to also. If you get a kit which has the regular emitters you can crack it open carefully if you want to go that route. You can also buy emitters without the casing. I believe SmartHome has them available.

I don't know if anyone makes them, but it would be very easy to just grab some infrared LED's from radio shack and make the leads yourself using a 2.5mm mono plug and some wire you have laying around. I haven't done it recently, but have in the past and will again when I get my next theater project rolling. I'll be using them in conjunction with a logitec RF extender and Harmony 1100, but the concept is still the same.

The Xantech Dinky Link will mount on the screen frame and is virtually invisible. They will work behind an AT screen but not as effectively. Plasmas will affect IR as well as sunlight and FL.

Great suggestion...I used to specify Zantech IR systems all the time. There was another big vendor for IR in the commercial market too, but now I can't remember the name...:confused:

+2 on the florescent warning...

Frank

Great suggestion...I used to specify Zantech IR systems all the time. There was another big vendor for IR in the commercial market too, but now I can't remember the name...:confused:

+2 on the florescent warning...

Frank

You could be thinking about Niles.

Here is a document about wiring IR receivers with Cat5. I downloaded it from a thread in the forums, but I can't remember who posted it.

You could be thinking about Niles.

Yep, that's the one...I had "Giles" in my head.

Frank