Hi folks,

I'm wrapping up my basement family room/theater build -- just have to install the speakers, hang the PJ, and build the screen... oh, and figure out how to control my A/V eqiupment!
My space is laid out such that all the equipment is going on a rack behind the screen wall, so there will be no direct line of sight to it. I'm planning to start off using the individual remotes that came with each of my devices, then picking up a universal remote (probably Harmony 670) later. I'd like to minimize spending on my control solution.
Should I go with an IR extender setup, or try for RF? Any suggested units/packages I should look at? Thanks!

A budget would be helpful.

Sure -- I posted this message quickly, and glossed over some details.

For budget, I'd like to keep it under $100 if possible. That budget is just for the IR/RF setup... the universal remote would be in addition to that (since it's coming along later).

Also, a little more detail on my equipment/setup. The room is approx 18'W x 19'D x 8'H. Seating is ~15' back from the screen wall. Display is a Mitsubishi HC1500 projector, ceiling-mounted at ~14' back. Behind the screen wall will be a rack/shelf holding an A/V Receiver (Sony STR-DG910), DVD player (undecided), Cable STB, and possibly my XBox 360. Planning to add an HD-DVD player and OTA ATSC tuner later this year.
The way the components will be stacked up may preclude using a single IR blaster, so individual emitters might be required.

Sure -- I posted this message quickly, and glossed over some details.

For budget, I'd like to keep it under $100 if possible. That budget is just for the IR/RF setup... the universal remote would be in addition to that (since it's coming along later).

Also, a little more detail on my equipment/setup. The room is approx 18'W x 19'D x 8'H. Seating is ~15' back from the screen wall. Display is a Mitsubishi HC1500 projector, ceiling-mounted at ~14' back. Behind the screen wall will be a rack/shelf holding an A/V Receiver (Sony STR-DG910), DVD player (undecided), Cable STB, and possibly my XBox 360. Planning to add an HD-DVD player and OTA ATSC tuner later this year.
The way the components will be stacked up may preclude using a single IR blaster, so individual emitters might be required.I bought this. (http://www.hot-link.com/)
I had a little trouble with mine due to plasma interference but you don't have that problem with a projector. Without the plasma interference it works REALLY well. No delay or interference. You don't even know it is there, it just works.

Thanks for that link! This seems to be just what I'm looking for, a "kit"-type solution with enough emitters to handle my current (and immediate future) needs. Price fits the budget. This might just be a winner. :)

With any repeater, the emitter is placed over the component's IR receiver? Does this block the line of site to the component's sensor? Does it matter?

Trying to decide between RF vs. the IR extender setup.

With 4 separate cabinets behind 5 doors, I think the RF solution is expensive!

Thanks!

Update -- ordered the Hotlink Pro, looks like UPS delivered it today! I'm planning to hook it up this weekend.

Update -- ordered the Hotlink Pro, looks like UPS delivered it today! I'm planning to hook it up this weekend.Good, hope you find it to work as well as we did.

I don't know much about IR Extenders but I'm looking to put my center channel speaker in front of my tv (it's got just enough room around the bezel to fit it) but it blocks the IR signal from my remote.

Is there something cheap I can get to fix this problem? I've seen cheap extenders but they seem to be for audio equipment as they have mini jacks on one end.

Any help is appreciated!

Edit: I don't know if it matters but I am using a Harmony 880 remote. Thanks!!