Greetings All,

I apologize if this has been answered. I couldn't find anything helpful.

Several months ago I bought a SpeakerCraft IR repeater system from the magnolia room, in Best Buy. It's not been the most reliable thing in the world, and I guess that's because I don't have it setup properly. I got the Shelf-Top Mini IR Receiver, Amplified Terminator (AT1.0), and several IR emitters.

I'm using it with the following devices:
Sony XBR2 LCD
Denon 1707
Comcast cable box
windows MCE pc

With most devices, it works great. The problem is with the Denon receiver. I have to constantly play with the remote to get it to work, particularly with the volume control. If the volume doesn't work, I have to release the button and wait a few seconds before trying it again (and even then, it only sometimes works). I've gotten into the habbit of just getting up and adjusting the volume knob myself.

I have tried sticking the IR emitter right on the Denon's IR port, but lately I've just been connecting a 3.5mm cable from the IR amplified terminal block straight into the Denon's 3.5mm IR port on the back. Is there something special I need to do to get it to work like this?

I have this problem with both my programmable remote and the original denon remote.

My equipment is in a TV stand behind doors that are made to let IR signals pass through (yeah, technically I didn't need the IR repeater system in the first place, but I got sick of having to point the remote in different places to get it to work). I've tried covering up the IR receiver port, on the Denon, with black tape, and using the 3.5mm port on the back, but I still have troubles.

Are IR repeaters normally this troublesome? Any tips? I'd eventually like to get an MX-850 or 950 and use RF, but not if the IR->Component part is going to be such a pain.

Are you using a universal remote? If so, how well does that remote work pointing it directly at the Denon? Over at Remote Central (http://www.remotecentral.com), they may have some better tips with setting up a universal remote, or may know if the Denon is using a non-standard frequency that is causing your IR repeater system to be unreliable.

Or, your LCD might be causing some interference with the IR receiver. Does reliability with the Denon improve when the TV is turned off?

The remote I use is a One-for-All URC 8910, programmed using a JP1 cable. I have the same troubles if I use that remote, or the Denon factory remote. I've never thought of turning the LCD off. Do they normally cause interference? I thought I only had to worry about that with Plasmas. My URC 8910 works fine with the Denon if I take the IR repeater out of the equation and point it straight at the stereo.

I had thought it was only plasmas as well, but I've heard anecdotally about some LCDs causing problems with IR receivers.

If that's not the source of the problem, then it sounds like it's the IR system. I'm not familiar with the Speakercraft IR repeater (I have a Buffalo system), but IR repeater systems in general are pretty simple and reliable. You may have a bad emitter; try swapping emitters and spots in the connecting block. You can also try reconnecting/re-wiring between the receiver and connecting block.

I did some experimenting last night. It looks like there is interference coming from my LCD TV and some floresent lights in the room and nearby kitchen. I've put masking tape over the IR receiver and it seems to be working much better now. I'll give this a shot for a few days. I'll also try repositioning the IR receiver, as it is currently directly underneath the TV, sitting on the TV base.