I'd love your recommendations on my remote setup options, both in concept and in actual products. Christmas is coming up and I am making my Christmas list (trying to avoid shirts & ties). I currently have 4 DTV boxes (2 HR21 HDDVR boxes, 1 HD box, 1 SD box). These four boxes are all located at TVs throughout my house. I want to locate all of the DTV boxes in my basement and send the AV signals throughout the house over my CAT5e network.

DTV boxes: I have confirmed that my boxes send signals through all outputs at the same time (HDMI, component, composite). So one box can drive 3 TVs at the same time with the same signal. Also, even if you are watching an HD channel, the composite will still output a SD signal. So even if I DVR the big game in HD, I could re-watch it on the patio on my SD TV.

Remote options: Obviously a big challenge to my goal is getting the remote signals from upstairs to the boxes downstairs. I see 4 options:

1. Use DTV remotes/boxes on RF. I've turned my bonus room box to RF and went downstairs to my future equipment room with the remote to test the signal. It was hit & miss. If I stood in the right spot in the basement it worked well, if I moved it worked poorly (wife on phone telling me the results of my key strokes from upstairs).
2. Next Gen Remote Extender + Harmony 550 remote: I ran the same test as #1 and it worked almost flawlessly. I'd have to buy more NG transmitters & 550s to give all rooms their own remote control, but these are good Christmas ideas:)
3. Next Gen with transmitter in DTV remote: I have had no success here. Even when I'm in the same room, the NG transmitter cannot get a signal through to my box from the DTV remote. The DTV remote IR will still work with the NG transmitter in place, but the DTV remote w/ NF RF transmitter => NG IR emitter path does not work for me. I move the transmitted to both battery locations. Has anyone else had this issue?
4. Wired IR remote extenders: In theory no new remotes would be needed, but I'd have to dedicate wires in each room to get the remote IR signal from receiver to the repeater in the basement. Plus, I'd have to add/move the receivers as I move TVs (multiple TVs for gameday weekends, guest bedroom TVs when in-laws visit, etc...).

I think I'm leaning towards #2 because it appears that it will work well. Plus, I love my 550 and this option would give me great universal remotes in every room. Thoughts? Has anyone programmed the 550 to control multiple DTV boxes? Meaning choose DTV1, DTV2 or DTV3 and the IR signal only talks to the intended DTV box.

My next question will be balun recommendations (more Christmas gift ideas!). But I wasn't sure if this is the forum to review baluns.

I included a sketch of the setup that I'd like to have. Again, I really appreciate any input anyone has.
Thanks, Ed

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce33b3127ccef80cffd1a6f300000030O02BatWjJmyYg9vPhQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

550 will control different D* addresses fine, although you may have to teach it all the commands from code 2 on your D* remote. 1 and 3 are already in the database (just do a confirm IR step in the harmony software when you do the other addresses). IMO, the harmony xbox 360 makes a better D* remote. It's nearly identical to the 550, but has an additional row of colored buttons. Also consider refurbs. They're much cheaper and as good as new. I got several of them a few months ago for $30 each.

http://media.teamxbox.com/dailyposts/hardware/logitech_harmony.jpg

Excellent. So you agree that option #2 (multiple Hamonys + Next Gens) is a the best plan? I will look into those remotes ASAP.

Thanks a lot for the reply.

Excellent. So you agree that option #2 (multiple Hamonys + Next Gens) is a the best plan? I will look into those remotes ASAP.

Thanks a lot for the reply.
I'm sure others will have some different ideas. #2 is a good plan. #1 and 3 aren't working for you, and #4 is PITA and messy.

Personally, I don't see the need for harmony's everywhere. I'd put radio shack 15-134's (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3064079) and next gen's where you have just a TV. (PM me if you'd be interested in getting some of those half price and pre-programmed to work will all directv addresses). I'd also use Directv RF remotes wherever I could get them to work reliably.

FWIW, today I share 2 DTV boxes among 5 tv's using existing coax, and a couple of RF modulators and diplexers for a total cost of about $50. I just use the directv RF remotes in most rooms. But my greatest distance is only about 50 ft.

Also be aware that multi-room viewing over ethernet is coming soon (you can try it out today if you join the cutting edge forum at dbstalk.com). It does require at least an H21 or higher for each tv. Doesn't really fit your architecture, but I thought I'd mention it.

I'd also use Directv RF remotes wherever I could get them to work reliably.


I would like my Hamony remotes to communicate with all DTV boxes. To enabled a DTV remotes to trasmit in RF, the DTV box also has to be set to receive in RF. When that happens, the DTV box can no longer receive IR signals from the Hamony/NG transmitter setup. The DTV box does not accept the RF signal from the NG transmitter even when it is in RF mode, only the IR signal from the NG flying saucer when it is in IR mode. Right???

Personally, I don't see the need for harmony's everywhere. I'd put radio shack 15-134's (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3064079) and next gen's where you have just a TV. (PM me if you'd be interested in getting some of those half price and pre-programmed to work will all directv addresses).

Very interested! Have these Radio Shack remotes have had good success with the Next Gen RF system? I chose the Hamony 550 because many had already has success pairing it with the NG.

I'd like 3 total Hamony remotes (1 currently for bonus room, and 2 more for my great room & bedroom where I have DVD & Stereo). I'd love to use the less expense remote option for the guest rooms or patio areas where I would just have a TV.

I'll PM you shortly. Thanks again!

I would like my Hamony remotes to communicate with all DTV boxes. To enabled a DTV remotes to trasmit in RF, the DTV box also has to be set to receive in RF. When that happens, the DTV box can no longer receive IR signals from the Hamony/NG transmitter setup. The DTV box does not accept the RF signal from the NG transmitter even when it is in RF mode, only the IR signal from the NG flying saucer when it is in IR mode. Right???Yep, you can't mix IR and DTV RF on the same box. It's one or the other, not both. I forgot about that. Come to think of it, one of my boxes is strictly DTV RF and the other is IR plus a an RF extender.

I haven't tried these particular ones with next gen, but they use AAA batteries like the 550. So it would be easy to test. I'd put the next gen battery in first so it would be closer to the transmitter end of the circuit.

Yep, you can't mix IR and DTV RF on the same box. It's one or the other, not both. I forgot about that. Come to think of it, one of my boxes is strictly DTV RF and the other is IR plus a an RF extender.


What is an RF extender?

Sorry. Didn't mean to cause confusion. Just another RF base and remote I've had forever, which has been off the market for a long time. Equivalent to next gen.

why not look into nevo's new c300....

You need to rethink your drawing, b/c it really doesn't make any sense and it's really going to work against you...i don't understand why you want to use all 3 outputs from the back of one DTV box b/c they are just going to be transmitting the same thing....why not just use an HDMI splitter then...?

This is how my house is setup:

Octava 4x4 HDMI/Ethernet Matrix (http://www.octavainc.com/HDMI%20Ethernet%20matrix%20switch%204x4.html) with 4 receivers
- 4 HDMI sources / 4 outputs (all set to use cat5)
- I have 2 HD Dish Recievers and 2 HTPCs connected
- Any room can watch any source at any time
- Has IR passthrough so you don't have to worry about how to control your sources

It will accomplish what you want, I have cat6 runs throughout my house and am using this unit for 4 locations..I have NO equipment in any of my rooms, which gives it a very nice/clean look.

Also, harmony remotes already have codes in their database for this unit, so it makes it easy to control and change sources.

Take Care

You need to rethink your drawing, b/c it really doesn't make any sense and it's really going to work against you...i don't understand why you want to use all 3 outputs from the back of one DTV box b/c they are just going to be transmitting the same thing....why not just use an HDMI splitter then...?

This is how my house is setup:

Octava 4x4 HDMI/Ethernet Matrix (http://www.octavainc.com/HDMI%20Ethernet%20matrix%20switch%204x4.html) with 4 receivers
- 4 HDMI sources / 4 outputs (all set to use cat5)
- I have 2 HD Dish Recievers and 2 HTPCs connected
- Any room can watch any source at any time
- Has IR passthrough so you don't have to worry about how to control your sources

It will accomplish what you want, I have cat6 runs throughout my house and am using this unit for 4 locations..I have NO equipment in any of my rooms, which gives it a very nice/clean look.

Also, harmony remotes already have codes in their database for this unit, so it makes it easy to control and change sources.

Take Care

This is a very cool product! However, I do not have $1000 to spend on this right now. Also, 2 of my 5 TVs are old tubes (guest room, patio) and do not have HDMI inputs.

Because of the cost of baluns (whatever you call the AV over Cat5/6 devices), I am probably going to leave my boxes where they are and deliver HD signals to my 3 primary HD TVs. I plan to buy RF modulators to send the low def AV signal throughout the house. I will also buy a Next Gen transmitter for each box to control the boxes from anywhere in the house. I have one NG already, and it works very well.

This will keep my cost down (<$200), and at least allow low def signals anywhere in the house. It will accomplish guest room TV, as well as masterbed room access to the DVRs.

When I get the money, I will upgrade to a system like the one you recommended. Thank you very much for the input.
Ed

Or a component switcher - there are 4 output versions available at Best Buy under the Dynex brand for about $50. I use one at my main TV - works well...

Routing SD around the home obviously can be done with modulators like channel plus, but if you want control as well you need to add the wireless remotes or rely on the built in direcTV wireless (which in my humble opinion are really bad range wise) - note that you can order them individually for about $12 each from a variety of distributors. What I don't know is if you can program multiple direcTV wireless remotes to work the same box...

You should also take a look at www.bocsco.com/virtualbocs (Clear disclaimer here as this is the company I work for - see other BOCS thread)... But it looks like it might really fit your needs.

DF

Oh sorry - one other thing, if you end up going a matrix, I'm really fond of the avatrix matrix - there is also a thread discussing that over in home distribution.

...What I don't know is if you can program multiple direcTV wireless remotes to work the same box...You can.

You can.

Ever seen a repeater for DirecTV remotes? I have real range troubles in industrial settings... Seems like a good product idea.

DF

Or a component switcher - there are 4 output versions available at Best Buy under the Dynex brand for about $50. I use one at my main TV - works well...

Routing SD around the home obviously can be done with modulators like channel plus, but if you want control as well you need to add the wireless remotes or rely on the built in direcTV wireless (which in my humble opinion are really bad range wise) - note that you can order them individually for about $12 each from a variety of distributors. What I don't know is if you can program multiple direcTV wireless remotes to work the same box...

You should also take a look at www.bocsco.com/virtualbocs (Clear disclaimer here as this is the company I work for - see other BOCS thread)... But it looks like it might really fit your needs.

DF

If I go with the component switcher, how do I get the signal to other rooms? If I use my Cat5 network, I have to purchase several balun pairs which is costly. I also want a way to control the box I am watching. My current plan is to connect two cables to each TV carrying the DTV signal from the other two boxes. Then I can just switch through the TV inputs to watch the other box.

I've tried the built in RF function with my DTV remotes & boxes. It does not work well at all. Once you put a solid door in the path between the RC64R and the box, I had very little success.

However, the NG transmitter in all of my DTV remotes or Harmony remote is able to transmit RF to the receiver flawlessly. This gives me complete control anywhere I locate the receiver. Therefore I just need to purchase a few more NG receivers (1/DTV box). At $40 each, it is a pretty low cost way to have remote control through the entire house. It also allows me to work with any universal remote control. I guess I will have to buy a few transmitters to equip extra remote controls throughout the house. I think those are maybe $20 each.

You can.

Yes, and I have you to thank for showing me how. Thanks again.

Ever seen a repeater for DirecTV remotes? I have real range troubles in industrial settings... Seems like a good product idea.

DFI don't think they exist, but it is a good idea. I have gotten better reception by putting a longer antenna on my older D* boxes that have external RF antennas (just a piece of coax stripped down to the center conductor). If you knew the RF frequency, you could calculate the proper length. Unfortunately, newer D* boxes have internal antennas. I guess you could make them external somehow, but I haven't tried that.