I received my AVAtrix today and began setting it up. Ran into a big problem. They failed to include the power supply for the 1176 piece. Only one power supply in the box which I assume is for the 1166 portion. I have been waiting weeks for this to arrive and had planned on spending the weekend getting it going. Oh well.

Thats a major bummer! Guess you'll have to go see Apocalypto this weekend or something... :)

I'm trying to locate a 18v 1.4a AV adapter. No one carries one with that high of an amp.

RxMan,

I apologize for our mistake. I know you've anxiously been awaiting your AVAtrix. I'll be glad to get the replacement power supply overnighted to your residence. Have you contacted us to address this problem?

Please contact us at 800/322-8346 and we'll get the PS to you with all possible speed.

Best Regards,

Trent

I did call and Mitchell took care of me. Great customer service!

I received my power supply and hooked up the unit for a quick test. Everything works great! Tomorrow I will move everything into position and get all the wall plates secured.

please keep us informed .

Yes.. very interested in your opinion/insight.

Thanks.

I had the same issue. The 1176 was missing the power supply. Fortunately, I was in contact with Audio Authority about another issue I was having (nothing wrong with the AVAtrix itself). I'm in the process of cutting out a wall to centralize my AV equipment in a pullout rack from Middle Atlantic. I'm using MA's custom shelves that are laser cut to the face of the various pieces. I asked AA to send MA a sample of the AVAtrix for dimensioning so that they can make a custom faceplate and have it added to their database. So AA is sending out a unit and they are sending me a power supply. Now that's great customer service! Very hard to find that nowadays...

I am glad you guys posted this about missing power supplies. I just checked my boxes and only have one in the 1166 box. I just sent Trent an email and have confidence that he will get me one before next Tuesday when I have my wiring guy scheduled to come out.

Murray

Update:
So far I have 3 wallplates connected and working fine. I still need to get my other HR10-250 connected and my htpc, but so far so good. Although this is not recommended, I was able to pass video through a standard yellow rca plug to a standard tv via any of the component video inputs. I did this for a temporary solution to send to old tvs and will not send this signal to any of my high def sets.

Update: I received my Channel Vision IR receivers which went with some IR emitters that I already have. I have been unable to get any IR remote commands to work. I think the 1108 router is receiving the commands, but nothing is getting to the various sources. I am going to order yet another set of emitters to see if I can get it working. I'm very frustrated at this point. Has not been been an easy process so far.

MurryW,
Did you get yours working? I believe you have the same IR receivers as me.

I tried two more (a total of four) IR blasters with no luck at all.

Update: I received my Channel Vision IR receivers which went with some IR emitters that I already have. I have been unable to get any IR remote commands to work. I think the 1108 router is receiving the commands, but nothing is getting to the various sources. I am going to order yet another set of emitters to see if I can get it working. I'm very frustrated at this point. Has not been been an easy process so far.

MurryW,
Did you get yours working? I believe you have the same IR receivers as me.RX, As I stated in my PM to you (repeating here for the benefit of others) I haven't had a chance to set up my system yet. Hopefully this weekend if something called Christmas doesn't get in the way! ;)

Murray

I tried two more (a total of four) IR blasters with no luck at all.
Hello RxMan1,

Have you called tech support for troubleshooting help? Obviously some problems are hard to diagnose over the phone, but we can try to help.

It's very strange that you're having this problem, because I haven't seen it before on another system. Please let us know if we can help. Have you tried the Xantech 291-xx series of receivers/emitters? That's what we've used in testing with great success.

Trent

I ordered a Xantech 291 receiver along with some xantech emitters (282m) to try next. The bill is really starting to add up on this one.

Rx,

Another potential troubleshooting step - I can't remember, are you using plasma or LCD televisions in the rooms where your IR receivers aren't working?

You can check and see if perhaps a flat panel TV is messing with your receiver and blinding the IR path by the following methods:

Method 1: Receiver End
This is to determine if your receivers are being blinded by interference in the environment.

1) Look at your receivers. If they have blinking lights that appear when they're receiving IR signal (check the manual for this feature), that blinking light should appear when you fire IR signal at the receiver, and no other time.
2) If the light is constantly lit, or flickering, try eliminating sources of interference (such as plasma or LCD televisions).
3) If you turn the set off, and suddenly the IR light goes off, try your IR control again. (Remember that if sets in other rooms are interfering in the same way, it can block the pathway still - remember to have all sets in other rooms off when troubleshooting)

Method 2: Emitter End
Here we're going to try and see if IR is passing from your recievers all the way to your emitters.

1) Get a mobile phone with a camera or a digital camera with an lcd viewfinder.
2) Go to the emitter end and look at the emitters through the viewfinder on the camera mode of the phone, or the viewfinder of the digital camera.
3) Have someone fire a remote pulse at the appropriate receivers while watching the viewfinder.
4) You should be able to see a flash of light from the emitter if it is working.

Following these two methods, it should help you isolate the cause of your IR problems. Again, if you'd like more assistance from our end, please contact our Tech Support department at 1/800-322-8346.

Best Regards,

Trent Davis

Further testing.

IR Receiver does not flash unless remote commands sent. Tested with every tv in the home turned off and did not make a difference.

IR emitter shows flashing light through cell phone camera when wife presses remote commands at wall plate.

Everything 'appears' to be working fine, but simply does not. I tried 3 different D* receivers and a dvd player.

I will try the xantech stuff when it arrives, but I'm not too hopeful. I have over $1500 in wiring/emitters/receivers on top of the AVAtrix cost with no results at all.

Further testing.

IR Receiver does not flash unless remote commands sent. Tested with every tv in the home turned off and did not make a difference.

IR emitter shows flashing light through cell phone camera when wife presses remote commands at wall plate.

Everything 'appears' to be working fine, but simply does not. I tried 3 different D* receivers and a dvd player.

I will try the xantech stuff when it arrives, but I'm not too hopeful. I have over $1500 in wiring/emitters/receivers on top of the AVAtrix cost with no results at all.
That's very strange. It appears the AVAtrix is doing its job of delivering IR signal and properly routing it through the IR network internally, since signal is going in one end and out the other.

You may want to check your Satellite boxes and see if they're set for the proper set of remote codes - some have alternative sets in case multiple units are in the same IR beam path.

At this point, I'd recommend contacting some of the emitter/receiver companies and pursuing it that way.

Please let me/us know if we can provide further assistance.

Best Regards,

Trent

I had another question. Should the 661 respond to remote commands from the AA remote via cat5? Should I be able to stand at a wall plate and press the menu button and have that show up on the 661 display? Would the 'IR in' need to be connected or would it do this via the cat5? I ask because this is not happening right now. I can only control the 661 by standing directly in front of it. Tech support wasn't much help and ended our call saying I should read through the manual more thoroughly. Obviously, these issues are not covered in the manual.

As for the satellite boxes. I tried unplugging all of them except one and tried all 3 different models plus a dvd player alone.

I had another question. Should the 661 respond to remote commands from the AA remote via cat5? Should I be able to stand at a wall plate and press the menu button and have that show up on the 661 display? Would the 'IR in' need to be connected or would it do this via the cat5? I ask because this is not happening right now. I can only control the 661 by standing directly in front of it. Tech support wasn't much help and ended our call saying I should read through the manual more thoroughly. Obviously, these issues are not covered in the manual.
Hello,

The IR pathway is routed within the Cat-5, so any signals are transmitted to the AVAtrix through the receiver at each wallplate, down the Cat-5. If it's a command for the AVAtrix, it will do what you told it to do - switch sources, for example. There is no "overlay" menu on the wallplate video, so don't expect that - you should simply see the result of your command.

If it's a command for a source, it will be passed through the IR Out jack, into the 1108 IR Router, which will then route that signal to the appropriate connected emitter, which will fire the signal to the source.

Which remote are you using with the system?

I'm not sure how to explain the symptoms you're experiencing - our is doing the job of routing IR correctly, based on the tests you did - my feeling is that there is some sort of problem with your remote (if it isn't ours), your receivers/emitters are incompatible (despite what you paid), or another factor we haven't considered is at work.

Trent

I don't know the exact model number of the remote, but it is the one that came with the system. I know there is no overlay on the tv. Let's say the 661 is showing source 1 on the main display. I go to a wall plate and hit the arrow right key a few times, then I walk back into the component closet and look to see what the 661 is showing. Should it move to source 3 or 4? Or if I hit menu, when I go into the component closet and look at the actual 661, should it have the menu pulled up? Right now, that is not happening.

UPDATE: Finally. It works! I received the Xantech 291 receiver and everything works fine now. Such a relief. I'm going to send back the other Channel Vision IR receivers and replace them with Xantech ones. Thanks for all of the advice. Note to others. AVAtrix is incompatible with Channel Vision IR receivers, er, Channel Vision is incompatible with AVAtrix . :)

RxMan,

I'm glad you got everything figured out. Did you happen to check the pinout of the ChannelVision IR receivers to make sure it was the same as the Xantech models?

Also, if it's not too much trouble, could you please let me know the ChannelVision model's part number for the future reference of other users? Also, could you tell me if the ChannelVision pieces are 5 Volt or 12 Volt based?

Thanks! Please let me know if I can help in any other way.

Trent

I believe the pinout is the same and it is 12 volt. The model number is Channel Vision IR-2105. Let me know what you find out. Now I need to find a cost friendly plasma proof Xantech receiver.

That all sounds good RxMan. I have been following your post since it's inception as I am very interested in the AVAtrix. So please keep posting.

I am not scheduled to move until April but will be doing the wiring in a few weeks while it's still under construction. If you have any suggestions, please let me know.

One question I do have is regarding an HD-DVD player (1080p) which we will eventually purchase. Will I be able to send the HDMi signal over the cat-5 through the AVAtrix? Or will I need a HD-DVD player in every room (if I wanted to use the HDMI out for 1080p)?

If the player has component outs I should be able to do 1080i to the other rooms, just concerned about the media room and fanily room which will have 1080p displays. Is that last statement correct?

Trent, feel free to chime in as well. Are there any authorized installers in the Chicagoland area that you know of? The guy that our builder is using is really pissing me off as he never seems to have time to return my calls or gather the information I have asked for. Thanks.

Thanks RxMan,

John

One question I do have is regarding an HD-DVD player (1080p) which we will eventually purchase. Will I be able to send the HDMi signal over the cat-5 through the AVAtrix? Or will I need a HD-DVD player in every room (if I wanted to use the HDMI out for 1080p)?

If the player has component outs I should be able to do 1080i to the other rooms, just concerned about the media room and fanily room which will have 1080p displays. Is that last statement correct?
The AVAtrix only distributes Component Video to the wallplates. We can't convert from HDMI/DVI to component because that would defeat HDCP, and we'd all go to jail for violating the Digital Millenium Copyright Act :).

I wouldn't personally get too fired up about having to get 1080p - most players now take the 1080p from the disc, interlace it for compatibility reasons, then use a separate chip to deinterlace it and make the output 1080p - basically, it's not the native 1080p off the disc.

But, if you want to use our system for HD DVD or Blu-ray, use the Component Video outputs. If you have to have HDMI, you might have to go a different path.

Trent, feel free to chime in as well. Are there any authorized installers in the Chicagoland area that you know of? The guy that our builder is using is really pissing me off as he never seems to have time to return my calls or gather the information I have asked for. Thanks.
I can't find an authorized dealer in Chicago who has installed an AVAtrix, but keep in mind it's a new product and a lot of dealers haven't picked it up yet. I'd search CEDIA's website for a qualified installer in your area, then approach them about the system. We'd be glad to consider them and if they qualify, set them up as a dealer.

Trent

Thanks for the response Trent.

So, if I am understanding you correctly, b/c of HDCP issues I would not be able to plug the HDMI/DVI into the AVAtrix.

But, I could send HDMI directly from the HD-DVD player to the device and use the alternate component outs on the same HD-DVD player to send into the AVAtrix, correct?

An example would be I have a HD-DVD player in the media closet along with the AVAtrix. I use the component outs of the HD-DVD player and plug them into the AVAtrix. I then take an HDMI cable from teh same HD-DVD player and run in through the wall to the family room, which is in close proximity to the media closet.

Thanks,

John

PS. RxMan...don't forget to keep updating us. You blazin' a trail.

jkseger,

Thanks for the kind words. It's nice to know that my process is helping someone out. Everything works as advertised and I am happy with the product. My next step is to try out the Xantech Dinky Link (480-30) IR receiver. I have ordered two of them because they are smaller than the Xantech 290-XX. They should be here next week. The next step will be to find a good remote to program for each location. I'm planning on getting 4 or 5 remotes to place at various locations. I want the same ones to help the wife and kids. :)

Believe it or not, last night was the first time I really put the system to use fully. I was watching satellite in the bedroom. Wife was in the living room. One son in the kitchen watching satellite and other son upstairs watching a DVD. I clicked through all of the inputs to see what everyone was watching. :) I had the DVD ready to go, when son went upstairs (he is only 3) I clicked over to that input from my location and hit play then went back to what I was watching.

What I like so far is having everything in a media closer and the clean look at each tv location plus the ability to watch any combination of inputs on any tv.

It will really be good when I get all of the remotes going as well.

Last step would be the htpc.

Thanks for the response Trent.

So, if I am understanding you correctly, b/c of HDCP issues I would not be able to plug the HDMI/DVI into the AVAtrix.
To clarify - You can plug in HDMI or DVI (HDMI requires adapters) to the AVX-661 model of the AVAtrix, but those signals are only output through the local DVI output on the head end unit - the signal can't be converted to run out over the component jacks on the distant wallplates because that would be a protected digital-to-unprotected analog conversion, and therefore an HDCP violation.

But, I could send HDMI directly from the HD-DVD player to the device and use the alternate component outs on the same HD-DVD player to send into the AVAtrix, correct?
If you have a player that outputs via HDMI and component simultaneously, you can do what you described. The first gen Toshiba HD DVD players can't do both at once, but I think I saw that the 2nd Generation HD-A2 and HD-XA2 do have simultaneous output.

Trent

I finally got my wiring guys to come out and do enough wiring that I can start testing my AVAtrix out, so I'll update my successes/challenges I have over this weekend.

Trent,

What is carred over the A and B lines from the wall plate?

On my patio, I only had 1 Cat5e line. I am probably going to have the installers run another line, but if video and IR happen to be on one Cat5e line and audio on another, I may only use 1 line since I can get audio out there by another method.

thanks,
Murray

Trent,

One more question, that you might find kind of strange coming from a guy who asked you to custom configure a system with 4 wall plates instead of the standard 6! :D

I am thinking of setting up 7 wall plates to different locations. I know that I can buy a 1176 Cat 5 Matrix Router Expander to do this giving me 12 possible remote locations, but this is overkill for my situation. My 6th and 7th source will be used very rarely and never at the same time. If what I am proposing doesn't work, I will just manually plug and unplug the 6th and 7th source RJ45 lines into the AVAtrix when needed, but would rather avoid this if possible.

Would something like this (http://www.worldofcables.com/oscatalog/CablesProduct/UTP-4000.htm) allow me so "split" the 6th port? Or could I use 2 hubs, one connected to the A line and the other connected to the B line that took the input from the AVAtrix with the output of each hub being 2 cat5e lines to my 2 infrequently (but never simultaneously) used areas?

thanks,
Murray

MurrayW,

I hope you saw my post about those Channel Vision IR receivers not working. I think I sent you a PM as well. Good luck in your setup and let me know how it goes.

I may look into the touchscreens a bit more.

I finally got my wiring guys to come out and do enough wiring that I can start testing my AVAtrix out, so I'll update my successes/challenges I have over this weekend.

Trent,

What is carred over the A and B lines from the wall plate?

On my patio, I only had 1 Cat5e line. I am probably going to have the installers run another line, but if video and IR happen to be on one Cat5e line and audio on another, I may only use 1 line since I can get audio out there by another method.

thanks,
Murray
Video and part of the IR are on one line, and the rest of the signals are on the other cable. You must run both, however, since the wallplate reciever requires power, which is carried on the "A" line.

Trent

I am thinking of setting up 7 wall plates to different locations. I know that I can buy a 1176 Cat 5 Matrix Router Expander to do this giving me 12 possible remote locations, but this is overkill for my situation. My 6th and 7th source will be used very rarely and never at the same time. If what I am proposing doesn't work, I will just manually plug and unplug the 6th and 7th source RJ45 lines into the AVAtrix when needed, but would rather avoid this if possible.

Would something like this (http://www.worldofcables.com/oscatalog/CablesProduct/UTP-4000.htm) allow me so "split" the 6th port? Or could I use 2 hubs, one connected to the A line and the other connected to the B line that took the input from the AVAtrix with the output of each hub being 2 cat5e lines to my 2 infrequently (but never simultaneously) used areas?

Hello Murray,

There's no way to split the signals off the Cat-5 using traditional methods, for various reasons I won't go in to.

You could plug and unplug from the head end, but don't do it with power applied to the system - "hot-plugging" like that can damage your wallplate, and potentially the 1176. Such damage isn't covered under the warranty.

One option you may consider would be just doing six wallplates, and running the output of the sixth wallplate to an outboard distribution amplifier like our 985U. That would "split" the wallplate's signal, allowing you to make component runs to your seventh TV, and also run to the local set.

Trent

Hello,

The IR pathway is routed within the Cat-5, so any signals are transmitted to the AVAtrix through the receiver at each wallplate, down the Cat-5. If it's a command for the AVAtrix, it will do what you told it to do - switch sources, for example. There is no "overlay" menu on the wallplate video, so don't expect that - you should simply see the result of your command.

If it's a command for a source, it will be passed through the IR Out jack, into the 1108 IR Router, which will then route that signal to the appropriate connected emitter, which will fire the signal to the source.

Which remote are you using with the system?

I'm not sure how to explain the symptoms you're experiencing - our is doing the job of routing IR correctly, based on the tests you did - my feeling is that there is some sort of problem with your remote (if it isn't ours), your receivers/emitters are incompatible (despite what you paid), or another factor we haven't considered is at work.

Trent
Trent, I am having the same problems as RxMan1 with the 12V Channel Vision IR-2105. The 1108 IR Router is receiving a signal (it blinks right next to the active output indicator) but IT is not processing it correctly. I tried all the different combinations of monitors on/off etc. that you suggested RxMan1 try a few posts up with the same (non-working) results. I disagree that it is a problem with the Channel Vision IR receiver and think that it is an AVAtrix problem.

The Channel Vision IR-2105 receiver works perfectly when used in a non-AVAtrix application. If I plug the Channel Vision IR-2105 receiver into a Xantech CB60 connecting block (powered by 12V) the receiver gets the IR command from my remote, passes it to the CB60, the CB60 passes it to an IR emitter attached to my DirecTiVo box and my DirecTiVo responds appropriately. Since the Channel Vision IR-2105 is working correctly with a Xantech CB60 I am fairly confident that the pinout is the same as it is for a Xantech 291-xxx series receivers that work with the CB60.

Neither the internal processing of the 1166 or the 1108 IR Router are working with the Channel Vision IR-2105. For testing purposes, I have the wall plate and AVAtrix in the same room attached by 7 ft Cat5e cables. Using the AA 1105 remote control the 1166 does not respond to any IR commands sent to it via the wall plate. If I use my DirecTiVo remote control and attach an emitter to my DirecTiVo, there is no response to the signals sent through the wall plate.

The really disappointing thing is that the manual makes it sound like any standard 12V IR receiver will work and the Channel Vision IR-2105 is a standard 12V receiver. For $3000+ I wish that AA would have tested other IR receivers than Xantech's AND clearly stated that only Xantech 291-xxx receivers are compatible with the AVAtrix.

Sorry for the rant, but I am really frustrated and am out $180 for 4 Channel Vision IR-2105 receivers that I can no longer return since I waited too long to test them with my system. Does AA need any Channel Vision IR-2105 to test in their labs?

Murray

Trent,
The manual states that you can use the 1166PC Setup Application to perform a lot of the setup steps. My flash card had a bunch of .cfg files (numbered 1 to 32) and a another file named factory.pgm but no 1166PC Setup Application. Where can I get this application so I can perform most of the setup on my PC?

thanks,
Murray

MuurayW,

Sorry you had problems as well. I'm also out the money for the same reason. In hindsight, I think it would have been better for AA to test a few different companies IR devices. If ONLY Xantech was going to be tested then those should have been included in the main packaging since no other option is available anyways. I did order a couple of Xantech Dinky Link IR receivers because the 290-xx are just too big. Not being able to change channels is getting very old.

Trent,

Any possibility of being able to name the wallplates in the future in the same way that the sources are named? I would like to have 'living room', 'kitchen', 'game room', etc...instead of the 1,2,3 currently used. Hopefully, when I get working IR receivers and remotes it won't be that big of an issue.

Hello RxMan1,

Have you called tech support for troubleshooting help? Obviously some problems are hard to diagnose over the phone, but we can try to help.

It's very strange that you're having this problem, because I haven't seen it before on another system. Please let us know if we can help. Have you tried the Xantech 291-xx series of receivers/emitters? That's what we've used in testing with great success.

TrentTrent, Have you tried any other IR receivers other than the 291-xx series? Like RxMan1, I don't want to use those since they are too bulky. I hesitate to go order the Xantech 480-xx dinky link like RxMan1 is going to do for fear that these will not work either.

Can you please respond with a list of known IR receivers that work with the AVAtrix?

thanks,
Murray

Hello Murray,

I apologize that I have not been able to respond earlier - getting out to AVS is one of the last things I am able to do when I arrive at the office. If you have problems like this, it's probably best to email me or contact me directly over the phone. I sometimes miss posts here at AVS, and I can't always visit every day.

It does appear there is some incompatibility between the Channel Vision IR recievers and the AVAtrix. We do know the Xantech products work correctly with our system, having used several different series in testing and at our trade shows.

I don't have an answer for you right now, but I will pursue this issue with our Technical Support staff and our Engineering department and post back with what I learn.

Trent

Hello Murray,

I apologize that I have not been able to respond earlier - getting out to AVS is one of the last things I am able to do when I arrive at the office. If you have problems like this, it's probably best to email me or contact me directly over the phone. I sometimes miss posts here at AVS, and I can't always visit every day.

It does appear there is some incompatibility between the Channel Vision IR recievers and the AVAtrix. We do know the Xantech products work correctly with our system, having used several different series in testing and at our trade shows.

I don't have an answer for you right now, but I will pursue this issue with our Technical Support staff and our Engineering department and post back with what I learn.

TrentTrent, I wasn't really expecting a response until today, so no worry about the delay. I just sent you a detailed email.
thanks,
Murray

Murray W, you have email.

RxMan1, you have a PM.

Trent

Murray W, you have email.

RxMan1, you have a PM.

TrentI wanted to publically thank Trent for his great customer service. He has offerred to buy all 4 of my Channel Vision IR receivers that don't work with the AVAtrix so that AA can test them. They obviously don't need 4 receivers for testing purposes! I really appreciate his willingness to go above and beyond "normal" support.

Thanks Trent!

Murray

They are going to end up with more than 4! I am very grateful they decided to take these back from us.

I received my Xantech Dinky Link receivers and they work great even with my plasma! These are about the size of the Channel Vision ir receivers I had previously. I am glad that process is finally solved. Last step is to get my htpc up and running.

They are going to end up with more than 4! I am very grateful they decided to take these back from us.

I received my Xantech Dinky Link receivers and they work great even with my plasma! These are about the size of the Channel Vision ir receivers I had previously. I am glad that process is finally solved. Last step is to get my htpc up and running.
I'm glad everything worked great.

For everyone's general information, we do have reports from the field of Niles (without the fourth wire) and a few other brands of IR products working normally, in addition to the Xantech IR products. Channel Vision's products are the first we've had problems with.

Trent

They are going to end up with more than 4! I am very grateful they decided to take these back from us.

I received my Xantech Dinky Link receivers and they work great even with my plasma! These are about the size of the Channel Vision ir receivers I had previously. I am glad that process is finally solved. Last step is to get my htpc up and running.RxMan1, Glad to hear the dinky links are working for you (what a name, you would think that Xantech could come up with something better! :D ). I have 4 LCD specific dinky links on order that should be here next Tuesday. Can't wait to get them all setup and working. I feel bad for steering you towards the Channel Vision IR receivers in the first place so I am glad that Trent is able to help both of us out on that.

Trent, thanks again for working with us on this. It would be nice for future AVAtrix customers if you can get the Channel Vision IR Receivers to work. I was able to get them for about $50 a piece cheaper than the Xantechs -- for 4 wall plates, that's a $200 savings over the Xantechs.

Murray

I spent a chunk of the day trying to get my htpc to output to a resolution that all of the tvs would like. Not only did I not accomplish that, now I can't get anything on any TV at all through the htpc. A big reason I got the AVAtrix was to be able to click and play a dvd at any point in the house. I don't understand how a $40 dvd player can do it, but my $1000+ htpc can't. I'm at wits end. It seems I may have to connect the htpc directly to at least one tv again so that one tv will work. So much for distribution. Why would the standard 1080i or 720p resolutions not work? The best I could do was a 20% shrunk screen displaying black and white. Yippee.

That's not good. My LV guy is going to start wiring next week.

Please keep me informed.

RxMan, I have been asking the same thing with my HTPC. I ended up changing video cards and drivers until I finally found a good match. I ended up with an older Nvidia 5500 and Powerstrip.

RxMan, I have been asking the same thing with my HTPC. I ended up changing video cards and drivers until I finally found a good match. I ended up with an older Nvidia 5500 and Powerstrip.Lathan, what video cards did you try that did not work?

Lathan and RxMan1, How are you converting the output from your HTPC to component?

thanks,
Murray

LathanM,
How many tvs are you sending you htpc signal to through the AVAtrix? I've had each of tvs displaying my htpc 'separately' with no problems. It's getting the signal through the AVAtrix at a resolution that 'all' of them like.

Murray,
I'm using an ATI (9800 I think) with hdtv pod which is basically an adpater that plugs into an s-video looking spot on the card and has the 3 component cable connections.

I have 2 HTPC that I am using. Both are outputing via component. The first is using an Nvidia 5500 and a Audio Authority 9A60. The other is a ATI 9600 AIW with their component adapter. The problems I had were finding resolutions that looked good on 3 different displays from both sources. I should have been able to put the same settings is both and gotten the same output. It didn't work out that way. Little things like sync issue through the 9A60 to one display, another dislpay that can't go 1:1 via component or HD15 but will via DVI. All my problems were HTPC related since none of the video card manufactures expect you to connect o anything other that a monitor at the standard resolutions.

So you think getting an htpc output to several different tvs thru the AVAtrix isn't going to happen at all? This is 90% of the reason I bought the AVAtrix in the first place. What I don't understand is how a dvd player does it with ease. I'd even consider a dvd changer instead of the htpc if there was some sort of onscreen display with cover art to select the movie.

Worst case scenario is connecting my old xbox and running xbox media center on it. Connect it via component cables.

The problems I had weren't because of the AVAtrix, I went round and round with the HTPC and the displays until I found a combo that worked. Adding in the switch didn't cause any new problems. It took some time but I finally got it all working.

I was also thinking of getting the AVAtrix for the HTPC reason. I have MCE and do you think if I connected it the AVAtrix via DVI would that make a difference? I am concerned that I would have the same display problems.
Any Thoughts??

I'm not sure what to even try next. I did manage to get one of my tvs going again through the AVAtrix from the htpc. I have to find time when I have wife/kids around to yell out if anything is working on various tvs. :) Of course they just want to watch tv, not troubleshoot.

Has anyone decided what they are going to do for remotes? I need a wife/kid friendly one that can cycle through the various inputs and control the sources as well. I know I can 'learn' the AVAtrix numbers from that remote, but I'm not sure which universal remote would have the best options. I have thought about this one since it is not too expensive and I plan on purchasing several.


http://www.universalremote.com/product_detail.php?model=47

I am a big Logitech Harmony fan. The lower end units like the 659 and 676 can be had cheaply ebay. The 676 is nice since it has changable faces so you can program them for each room and not worry about them getting mixed up. To take it even farther you can combine them, or any other remote, with a HA package like MainLobby or CQC. With these you gain total control and the ability for the system to know what is happening on each screen. So if you connect up a DVD changer or other media server you can know it is in use and eliminate bumping heads when selecting sources.

LathanM,

As a HA novice, could you give a little more detail on how one would accomplish that?

Thanks,

John

In my case I am running MainLobby with touchscreens in each room and IR remotes for the basic functions. The commands are sent to IR receivers in each room then processed by ML. ML then resends the correct controls to the various components. The remotes for each room are configured to send commands specific to each room. If I select the DVD in the living room via either the touchscreen or remote ML checks to see if it is in use. If it is ML puts a message on the touchscreen saying it is in use and plays an alert over the speakers in the room. If no one else is using the dvd, it switches normally. I take it a little further since I have multiple changers so it takes the movies playing and locks out selecting other movies on that changer but still allows access to the rest of the changer.

The ML server lets me put an extra trackable layer between the devices. The server tracks what functions are being used in each room and knows the correct commands, limits access based on different rules, knows the correct volume and input settings for the various displays. So with my HTPC issues I found that 1 TV wouldn't play nice and only looked good at a resolution that none of the others could display. When I select the HTPC as the source for the problem TV ML changes the resolution on the source to the correct one automatically.

Thanks.

Are there usually consultants one can hire to help with the purchase of the equipment and software necessary to do accomplish what you are doing? I am not sure I could do all of that myself (time) and get it right within a reasonable amount of time.

Would this setup work with the AVAtrix? Do I have a basic understanding of the path correct below?

RC => ML => AVAtrix => AV device => ML => RC

John

In my case I am running MainLobby with touchscreens in each room and IR remotes for the basic functions. The commands are sent to IR receivers in each room then processed by ML. ML then resends the correct controls to the various components. The remotes for each room are configured to send commands specific to each room. If I select the DVD in the living room via either the touchscreen or remote ML checks to see if it is in use. If it is ML puts a message on the touchscreen saying it is in use and plays an alert over the speakers in the room. If no one else is using the dvd, it switches normally. I take it a little further since I have multiple changers so it takes the movies playing and locks out selecting other movies on that changer but still allows access to the rest of the changer.

The ML server lets me put an extra trackable layer between the devices. The server tracks what functions are being used in each room and knows the correct commands, limits access based on different rules, knows the correct volume and input settings for the various displays. So with my HTPC issues I found that 1 TV wouldn't play nice and only looked good at a resolution that none of the others could display. When I select the HTPC as the source for the problem TV ML changes the resolution on the source to the correct one automatically.LathanM, As an ML user, I am curious on how exactly you have the remote in each room sending commands to ML. You are a few steps ahead of me on the AVAtrix setup, so if you can help me speed up my learning curve I would appreciate it.

This is my current plan on how I want to implement it, but if you have a better way, I am all ears.



Touchscreens in each room that will control the AVAtrix through serial control and send appropriate IR commands to my DirecTiVo's through my USB-UIRT.
Use the standard DirecTiVo "peanut" remote in each room.

Use a Y-Stereo miniplug splitter coming off the AVAtrix IR out port.

One leg will go to the AA IR router
Other leg will have an IR emitter connected that will be attached to the IR window of my USB-UIRT to allow communication to ML.

Program a different TV code for each room to use as a room identifier.

Press 1 through 6 to select the appropriate source.

This IR signal will be captured by the USB-UIRT and update the MLServer AVAtrix_Source variable for that room and switch to that source through serial control.

When the remote control switch is set back to the normal DirecTiVo mode, then any remote signals sent through the wall plate in that room will be routed to the appropriate source by the IR router. When the signal is sent to the USB-UIRT, it will just capture the IR code to possibly update some MLServer variables (channel being watched, etc. -- it won't transmit the IR signal)

The USB-UIRT would only be used in the receive mode and would not transmit signals. All IR signals would be sent through the AA router. I am hoping that this would lead to faster response times and would not be dependent upon MLServer to do basic remote control functions.

Each component to be controlled through IR would have 2 emitters attached to it. One coming from the AA IR router and the other from a Xantech connecting block attached to my USB-UIRT (or I might try to set up the USB-UIRT's output as the local input for the AVAtrix).

The above would all be what I would do for the 4 DirecTiVo's that are connected to the AVAtrix...I haven't really given much thought to the HTPC control yet.
Hope all of that is clear and as I stated I would be interested in how you are doing your IR control so I can adapt/modify my plans accordingly.
thanks,
Murray

MurryW,

That should work but will limit some access to different TiVo units since each remote will only control 1 unit. The IR address on the remote and the TiVo have to match. This is fine until you want to watch a show recorded on a TiVo in a different room. I had this problem initially since my wife and I have different recording taste. So I could switch to the correct input but couldn't control it from the remote. I got around this with Harmony remotes at first them switched to running them through ML.

With the Harmony (or any macro capable remote) you would program multiple Watch TV buttons on each remote. Each TiVo would be set to a different address. Each Watch TV button would control 1 TiVo. When pressed it would send an IR signal to the AVAtrix to set the zone and source for the room. The only issue is you don't have feedback to the users if a tuner is in use but you could put a message on the touchscreen for this.

MurryW,

That should work but will limit some access to different TiVo units since each remote will only control 1 unit. The IR address on the remote and the TiVo have to match. This is fine until you want to watch a show recorded on a TiVo in a different room. I had this problem initially since my wife and I have different recording taste. So I could switch to the correct input but couldn't control it from the remote. I got around this with Harmony remotes at first them switched to running them through ML.

With the Harmony (or any macro capable remote) you would program multiple Watch TV buttons on each remote. Each TiVo would be set to a different address. Each Watch TV button would control 1 TiVo. When pressed it would send an IR signal to the AVAtrix to set the zone and source for the room. The only issue is you don't have feedback to the users if a tuner is in use but you could put a message on the touchscreen for this.LathanM, I think I am OK with using the standard remotes. This is what I will have set up:

TiVo1 -- Remote Address 1
TiVo2 -- Remote Address 2
TiVo3 -- Remote Address 3
TiVo4 -- Remote Address 4


In each room there will be a TiVo remote control set to use address 0. This will be able to control any of the 4 TiVo's. The AA IR router will only route this address 0 signal coming from a room with a wall plate to the source that is selected, so the other 3 TiVo's will be unaffected. The only problem would be if someon were to access the System page where the remote address is displayed with this "0" addressed remote which would change the remote address on the TiVo to 0 -- but this shouldn't be a problem since I am the only one that is likely to go into the system menu.

When I send IR commands from my USB-UIRT (from ML buttons on my touchscreens), the signals will go to all TiVo's since they will not be passing through the AA IR router. So for these cases, I will send the IR signal that is specific to the remote address of that TiVo.

So how are you capturing the signal from your wall plates into ML and then re-transmitting them?

thanks,
Murray

Murray,

How will you change the source in each room? Using the touchscreen only? I'm still hoping to get a programmable remote with Sat1, Sat2, Sat3, DVD and htpc buttons. When pressing a labeled button it switches to that source and then operates the source. Simple for a child. I will definitely do touchscreen, but maybe not in every room.

I'm with you RxMan1. I plan on having 4-5 Dircetv boxes, maybe a dvd changer and a NAS media streamer on number 6.

I would like to have simple programmable remotes that can not only switch my source on the AVAtrix but then also control the device (e.g change channel on the DTV box or fast forward a DVD).

I would think the above is possible. Right?

I would also like a remote that could control all the devices from anywhere, but maybe the above solution with box identifiers would work.

John

Murray,

How will you change the source in each room? Using the touchscreen only? I'm still hoping to get a programmable remote with Sat1, Sat2, Sat3, DVD and htpc buttons. When pressing a labeled button it switches to that source and then operates the source. Simple for a child. I will definitely do touchscreen, but maybe not in every room.Programmable remotes would definitely be easier, but I want to stick with the DirecTiVo peanut remotes that everyone in my house is familiar with.

There is a switch for Sat/TV, so my plan is to program different TV codes for each remote (may not even use the code for the TV in that room). Then if you wanted to switch to source 4 in that room, you would move the switch from Sat to TV then press the 4 on the remote. That would send the IR code for the 4 for that TV to my USBUIRT through the wall plate -- it would also go out to the current source associated with that room, but since that code is not specific to the source component, it would be ignored by the source component.

When the USBUIRT received the unique IR signal for that room and number, it would send the appropriate RS-232 signal to the AVAtrix to switch to that source for the given room. Then the person in the room that initiated the source change, would move the switch back into the Sat position and control the DirecTiVo using the AVATrix's IR router to get it to the correct source.

I don't really plan to have touchscreens in each room, but will have a couple of portable ones that can be moved from room-to-room. I anticipate that most of the time, the remote is going to be used to select sources and navigate through the source's functions.

I haven't really given the HTPC control much thought yet, but I am guessing that might have to be a little more touchscreen intensive to select movies and get them started. After that, I should be able to use the DirecTiVo remote to perform the basic transport functions.

This is all theory, so I hope to get everything going in the next week or two. My xantech IR receivers are supposed to arrive today so I should have everything I need other than time to get it all together. Who knows, maybe a couple of weeks from now, I wil be going the universal remote route!

Murray

I know one possibilty is the mx-500 remote. It is a large remote, but you can name some of the buttons on it. I currently have one, but was hoping for something smaller. Like jkseger said above, something that can switch and then control. I would get 4 of them so everyone would be familiar with the remote regardless of the room.

I keep forgetting about the 0 code with the TiVo remotes. This clears up some of the issues but what happens when you press a button to control a TiVo? The AVAtrix doesn't have zone outputs so how are you controling what TiVo gets the command?

I keep forgetting about the 0 code with the TiVo remotes. This clears up some of the issues but what happens when you press a button to control a TiVo? The AVAtrix doesn't have zone outputs so how are you controling what TiVo gets the command?The AVAtrix comes with the AA 1108 IR router, and from page 12 of the User Manual:
d. Audio Authority Model 1108 (sold separately) addresses the problem of controlling multiple identical sources from a Wallplate. The Model 1108, when used with individual IR emitters attached to the sources, routes the IR command from a Wallplate to the appropriate source only.

Murray

Hi all,

Are any of you using the AVAtrix for audio distribution, by using a NAS and a media streamer? I was thinking of using the 6th input for a NAS/media streamer like the TVIX. That way I could get audio and video to all rooms with a wall plate.

I guess the other option would be just to hook up a couple of DirecTV H20 HDPVRs and use their new networking capabilities.

I also thinking of just going with a Sonos for audio.

Your thoughts?

Thanks,

John

The AVAtrix comes with the AA 1108 IR router
Murray

Ah missed that part :o. Guess I will be speeding up replacement of my present switches and clean up some of the complexity.

How is the ML driver working out?

How is the ML driver working out?It is sending commands that are sometimes acted upon. I have a feeling that it is trying to send and receive commands too quickly and ends up making errors. I've sent Mario the details and am waiting for his developer to make some modifications. I am sure that it is just a matter of time before they get this working.

Murray

In each room there will be a TiVo remote control set to use address 0. This will be able to control any of the 4 TiVo's. The AA IR router will only route this address 0 signal coming from a room with a wall plate to the source that is selected, so the other 3 TiVo's will be unaffected. The only problem would be if someon were to access the System page where the remote address is displayed with this "0" addressed remote which would change the remote address on the TiVo to 0 -- but this shouldn't be a problem since I am the only one that is likely to go into the system menu.


Doesn't the TiVo reset the address when you use a remote with an address of 0 on it? I think it does.

Doesn't the TiVo reset the address when you use a remote with an address of 0 on it? I think it does.Only if you are viewing the system menu on the page that shows the remote address setting. So it is pretty unlikely that anyone else in my family would navigate to this area unintentionally and nobody else would have the desire or curiosity to do that other than me! :D

I have successfully installed an Avatrix 561/1176 wiring the cat5e myself. The transmission to my plasma from my DirecTV HR20 is flawless. Unfortunately, I am not able to get the IR to relay to my HR20. I am using a Channel Vision IR receiver. It indicates that it is properly receiving the signal (by virtue of the light blinking when the remote keys are pressed). On the 1108, I see a small light blinking to indicate that the signal has been transported but my receiver does not respond. Am I to believe that I need a Xantech receiver; xantech emitter or what? This notion that I must spend 3 times the prices for an IR reciever or emitter is a bit hard to take given the cost of the Avatrix.

Is there a rational explanation regarding the differences of different brands?

Thanks for any help.

There is/was an issue with Channel Vision IR receivers. The issue has since been resolved, but I'm not sure what can be done to make yours work. I beat myself over the head for about 5 days trying every combination of source and outputs. The problem is with the Channel Vision IR receiver. Call AA on Monday and maybe they can help.

Wondering if you would know what the issue was. Is there some setup that needs to be done to insure proper working. I have a simple setup right now. One wallplate. Only working with one source at the moment (DirecTV).

Against my personal inclination (but wife wants it NOW) I am going to BestBuy to purchase another emitter to see if that is the issue. I find it hard to believe that a silly wire with an emitter designed to emit RF can be so different from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Thanks in advance.

P.S. Avatrix rocks!

The emitters are NOT the problem. It is the Channel Vision IR receiver. Mine also showed a blue blinking light making it seem to work when in fact it was not passing the ir commands correctly. I contacted Trent at AA and actually sent my Channel Vision receiver to them to test.

The emitters are NOT the problem. It is the Channel Vision IR receiver. Mine also showed a blue blinking light making it seem to work when in fact it was not passing the ir commands correctly. I contacted Trent at AA and actually sent my Channel Vision receiver to them to test.

You have confirmed my experience. I am seeing the blue blinking light and i see a blinking light at the 1108 confirming the signal is coming from the wallplate. But I now understand you say it doesn't pass the codes correctly? Makes some sense.

And what did they say would correct it other than using a xantech receiver? Are they testing the Channel Vision to adjust? Just wondering. Would be nice.

I am having a hard time accepting the fact that I have to spend $120 instead of $40 to make this puppy work.

Thanks for your input.

You have confirmed my experience. I am seeing the blue blinking light and i see a blinking light at the 1108 confirming the signal is coming from the wallplate. But I now understand you say it doesn't pass the codes correctly? Makes some sense.

And what did they say would correct it other than using a xantech receiver? Are they testing the Channel Vision to adjust? Just wondering. Would be nice.

I am having a hard time accepting the fact that I have to spend $120 instead of $40 to make this puppy work.

Thanks for your input.It definitely is something wrong with the channel Channel Vision receiver, but AA worked with Channel Vision and Channel Vision supposedly fixed the problem. Trent sent me an email detailing what the problem was -- faulty firmware. Here's a portion of that email:

The long and short of it is that there was a mistake made in Channel Vision’s firmware implementation on the Microcontroller used inside the IR receiver. Basically, they got a batch of microcontrollers that were a bit out of spec, but due to the firmware error, the correction protocol in the microcontroller that would have compensated for the out of spec chip, was not active. Basically, your receivers were passing gibberish through the AVAtrix, which is why the IR signal could be passed, but neither the AVAtrix or your sources could understand the signal.

I asked Trent what Channel Vision was doing to recall the faulty units in the distribution chain (I think RxMan and I bought our Channel Vision receivers from different vendors) but he never got back to me on that.

I would definitely call AA and let them know of your problem. I also have the name and phone number of the person at Channel Vision who worked with AA on this problem and can give that information to you via a PM if you are interested.

Good luck!
Murray

It definitely is something wrong with the channel Channel Vision receiver, but AA worked with Channel Vision and Channel Vision supposedly fixed the problem. <snip..>



I asked Trent what Channel Vision was doing to recall the faulty units in the distribution chain (I think RxMan and I bought our Channel Vision receivers from different vendors) but he never got back to me on that.

I would definitely call AA and let them know of your problem. I also have the name and phone number of the person at Channel Vision who worked with AA on this problem and can give that information to you via a PM if you are interested.

Good luck!
Murray

Thanks Murray. I have received the same info from AA. I called Channel Vision technical support and they were unaware. However, Trent did give me the name of a person to deal with. I have left that person a message and am hoping they can come up with a reasonable solution. When I have that info, I will post it here.

Thanks Murray. I have received the same info from AA. I called Channel Vision technical support and they were unaware. However, Trent did give me the name of a person to deal with. I have left that person a message and am hoping they can come up with a reasonable solution. When I have that info, I will post it here.When you do talk to them can you ask what they are doing with defective units that are already out in the stores. I will probably be adding 2 more wall plates to my system (only bought 4 initially) and would prefer to save some money going with the Channel Vision receivers, but right now would not feel comfortable buying them without some assurance they are purging out the bad ones.
thanks,
Murray

Hi Murray - Hi everyone,

Channel Vision hasn't told me of any plans to recall units - I'm not sure if this problem exists with all of that model, or just a few units. Their general tech support is not aware of the problem, as it has not been escalated to that level yet, but anyone who needs to get in touch with someone there about the IR receiver incompatibility with the AVAtrix can contact me and I'll give them the information.

Trent

Success!

I have spoken to a Channel Vision application engineer and he has gladly provided me his contact information for you to deal directly with him. His name is Jack Urrutia and he gave me an RMA request form. When you get an RMA, you will send your units to them, they will update them and will test them with an onsite AVatrix (as soon as AA gets them the one they promised!! -- ahem!). They promise to turn this around immediately. He will gladly speak to any of you who own the product. His number is: 800-840-0288, ext. 1804.

Also, I found a source where I think I can get a group deal on the CV 2105's. It will be somewhere in the ballpark of $50 plus s/h. I will confirm the pricing shortly.

Thanks to Trent of AA for pointing me in the right direction!!

(as soon as AA gets them the one they promised!! -- ahem!)
:D I'm working on it!!! :p If you guys would just quit buying them for a minute, then maybe I'd have an extra one to send to Jack ;) :D

In all seriousness, we're going to get a unit to them absolutely as soon as we can. I'm glad CV is stepping up to help you folks out - great customer service from them.

Trent

If mine wasn't on backorder for a month I would send it back so you could send it to CV... NOT!

If mine wasn't on backorder for a month I would send it back so you could send it to CV... NOT!
Are you talking about an order through Smarthome? I'm going to check on their orders this morning.

Trent

Yes Trent... The order placed last week with Smarthome and I have been told the expected ship date is 4/9.

Obviously I can't speak for Smarthome, but I'm not sure why they would be quoting such long lead times. Perhaps just being careful not to over-promise.

Trent

This is the message I rcvd today...

"Hello -

Thank you for your email. It seems that this manufacturer has a back log of orders that need to get filled and we are also on the waiting list. When this item does come into stock we will contact you ASAP with tracking information as well as any updated information as it becomes available. We apologize for the delay and appreciate your patience. Please let me know if I can further assist you in any way.


Have a great day!

******
SmartHome Customer Service."

Update:
So far I have 3 wallplates connected and working fine. I still need to get my other HR10-250 connected and my htpc, but so far so good. Although this is not recommended, I was able to pass video through a standard yellow rca plug to a standard tv via any of the component video inputs. I did this for a temporary solution to send to old tvs and will not send this signal to any of my high def sets.

Can you elaborate a little bit. Can you use a composite video source as one of the inputs? Like a VCR, or camera feed?

This would eliminate having to switch TV inputs to view these sources.

Any plans to incorporate DVI or HDMI on the wallplates?

Any plans to incorporate DVI or HDMI on the wallplates?
It's not that simple, unfortunately. Component video has absolutely nothing in common with HDMI as far as signal transmission goes. What you describe would have to be a totally new product.

And based on how hard HDMI matrix systems are to find, you can see how difficult they are to make work.