Take part in a short activity and share your valuable opinion on new design concepts for AVSForum! >>> Click Here
Our native mobile app has a new name: Fora Communities. Learn more.

Harmony + RF Antenna (Directv HD)???

443 Views 4 Replies 2 Participants Last post by joevigi9192001, Dec 28, 2005

joevigi9192001

Discussion Starter · Dec 28, 2005

So I upgraded Directv to HD (receiver H20) and after screwing around with the box and manual, I've learned that this particular receiver can be remote controlled by either IR or RF. (For RF, you have to stick an antenna in the back and configure accordingly).

If I were to stick with the H20's supplied remote, I'd go the the RF route (considering I've got a huge footboard that blocks the receiver during night-time "just 10 more minutes" viewing) but I have a Harmony (676 or 680).

I know there are ways a Harmony would work with RF, but I'm wondering how this applies in my particular situation. Do I need extra equipment? Should I just stick with Harmony and IR?

Anyone out there use Directv's RF stuff with a universal remote?

Save

Status: Not open for further replies.

1 - 5 of 5 Posts

MikeSRC

· #2 · Dec 28, 2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by joevigi9192001
I know there are ways a Harmony would work with RF

Actually, there is no way for a Harmony or any other universal remote to directly control RF equipment. Universal remotes that have RF only use it to communicate to their own base station, which converts it back to IR.

Quote:

Anyone out there use Directv's RF stuff with a universal remote?

Not possible. See previous answer.

Save

joevigi9192001

Discussion Starter · #3 · Dec 28, 2005

So, basically what you're saying is: if I want to control the HD receiver, via RF, on a universal remote, I'd have to buy a RF remote, then position it's "base station" in a spot which would have a line of sight to any IR devices I wish to control?

Err... I'm confusing myself just typing this stuff. Just trying to learn more about the technology behind the H20's remote - I'm guessing it simultaneously sends out IR & RF signals, then depending on how it's configured, the box determines whether it should look for IR or RF?

Thanks for your help.

Save

MikeSRC

· #4 · Dec 28, 2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by joevigi9192001
Err... I'm confusing myself just typing this stuff. Just trying to learn more about the technology behind the H20's remote - I'm guessing it simultaneously sends out IR & RF signals, then depending on how it's configured, the box determines whether it should look for IR or RF?

Thanks for your help.

Yes, though it needs the RF antenna installed to receive the RF signal. Any RF component that also accepts IR signals (most Bose, Dish network etc.) can be controlled with a universal remote.

The RF capability of a universal remote gives you the flexibility to put all of your components in a closet or otherwise out of sight, plus the ability to control them from anywhere in the house. Many of the IR/RF universal remotes use base stations with multiple wired IR emitters that can be affixed to each component. That way, you can put the base station out of sight and control all your equipment with the remote.

See less See more

Save

joevigi9192001

Discussion Starter · #5 · Dec 28, 2005

Cool. Wish I would've known that before I dropped $120 on my Harmony, but no big deal. Thanks again.

Save

1 - 5 of 5 Posts

Status: Not open for further replies.

Top Contributors this Month