IR "extender" - need advice

It would help to know exactly what you bought. Link? "IR Extender" usually means something like a Terk Leapfrog system that turns IR into RF, beams it some distance, and then the receiver unit converts the RF back to IR at your equipment rack.

Your manual says to use an "ir repeater". The diagram does seem a bit over simplified. The IR input should be connected to some sort of IR distribution system such as those intended for multi zone/room operation. This will include some sort of power source for an IR target(s) since IR targets/repeaters are not passive devices. I doubt the Sony is providing power over the IR ports. The outputs are probalby intended to be used with IR emitters/flashers/bugs (same thing, different names) to control other equipment located nearby by "repeating" the IR commands the Sony receives, either through its front IR sensor or the IR repeater input.

-Brent

The beauty of the Terk Leapfrog is it extends all of your remotes - not just the AVR. Very handy unit. I use one for controlling the sat box in the living room when I'm in the bedroom.

The typical IR distance specification is about 15' within an angle of +/- 30 degrees from the hand-held controller to front panel sensor. The brands can make the distance longer but then they risk some false triggering by external devices such as a flouroscent lite.

If you want more distance, I would suggest adding an independent IR sensor and positioning it closer to the user.

Just my $0.01...

Yep, love the LeapFrogs.

In my theater room, the gear is located in an armoire at the back of the room. IR target sits on the floor near the center speaker stand below the fp screen. Works perfectly beaming the signal to the RF receiver located inside the armoire with doors closed. Used for similar purposes at my parents house where I retrofitted their 4:3 fireplace TV nook for a HD flat panel and tucked the receiver/sat box/dvd/vcr behind the TV with no direct line of sight to the room.

-Brent