Hi,

I recently built simple IR distribution between bedroom and media room using basic Xantech components and CAT5 run.

At the media room I have 3 components with standard Xantech emitters attached directly over IR sensors of each component.

Only one component works reliably, SA8300HD cable box, every single command is processed, no issues.

Other components are USBUIRT receiver for HTPC and CSM42 component matrix switch. Those 2 are extremely unreliable, maybe 1 in 10 commands make it, sometimes not even that.

All 3 emitters are plugged into same Xantech connecting block, so they should all work same way. I suspect that other components maybe "overpowered" by too much IR light. I tried moving emitters a little around front panel, trying to control amount of IR light passed to the sensor, but it didn't help.

Any advice from people experiencing similar issues?

P.S. I also ordered different type of emitters from Hometech ( blink type and flood type ) hoping to find a working combination. Those will arrive next week.

Thanks

Do you have a Plasma display anywhere near? Xantech sells "plasma friendly" receivers (but not $$$friendly) to minimize the interference plasmas can emit. Sony Plasmas are especially suspect for this.

After getting my new Pioneer plasma I have definitely noticed a reduction in sensitivity of my AV components to my IR commands, both emanating from remotes in the same room and via wireless transmission from my backroom. I suspected the plasma was interfering with the wireless IR receiver, hence causing it to send out sporadic IR traffic conflicting with my intended IR communication, but calvert's comments now have me thinking.

Calvert, do you have any links describing how the plasma sets interfere with the IR? (I am wondering if it is electrical/magnetic, RF, or actual IR interference).

Thanks

...do you have any links describing how the plasma sets interfere with the IR? (I am wondering if it is electrical/magnetic, RF, or actual IR interference).

Thanks

The IR interference caused by Plasma screens is strickly due to the light output from the screen "fogging up" the IR signal. If you place non-plasma IR receivers behind the Plasma bezel or above/below the Plasma screen, the effect is greatly minimized. If the room isn't very reflective, it's usually quite easy to find a sweet-spot where a less expensive non-IR friendly receiver will work just fine.

I found this on-line which shows a diagram and has a little more info:
http://www.hot-link.com/continue_3.html

Cheers,
Paul