[Mycroft9x]

Sorry for the vague topic, but I really don't know what this is called. (I know it has a name and will probably instantly come to most of you guys )


What I'm wanting to do is basically stick all my Home Theater equipment in a closet running just one long HDMI cable to a TV mounted on the wall. The problem I would have with this of course would be how would I send commands to a few devices I have (i.e. Sat receiver, Audio Receiver) with their IR remotes being behind closed doors possibly in a different room. If they all were RF and worked as wonderful as the PS3 remotes it would be perfect. So my question is, what do I need to get to make this happen? I'm sure there is a device that will do this reliably either wireless or by running a cable from a sensor close to your mounted TV back to a box that sends IR commands to the other equipment. Any recommendations?


Thanks for any ideas.

 

[hagur]

So you want to use your existing remote then, which is only IR?


If that's the case, you will be needing IR repeaters.


Something like this could do:

http://www.thex10shop.com/product/0/...er_847666.html


I have those myself, they work OK for the most part. Have gotten good reviews too. I do have one Handan STB which it does not control at all though. Pretty odd.


Might also look into wired solutions such as Logitech's IR extenter system, which works with all IR remotes: http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/re.../6347&cl=us,en


There are other solutions available, cheap as well as really expensive ones. Atleast this is a start

 

[remoteshoppe]

There are 3 ways to address your needs:


1) Least expensive and equally least reliable - IR > RF Extender

Use an inexpensive IR to RF repeater like the X10 Powermids mentioned in the previous post. These are usually best when you just need to control one piece of equipment that's hidden away and want to still use the original remote that came with it. The Next Generation repeater systems are also recommended.


2) Most reliable but requires wired installation - IR Extender system

You can add an IR receiver eye by your TV and wire that to an IR extender and router in your closet to reliably control all your equipment. These systems are great because you can use any remote that send the correct IR signals including the original remote or a properly programmed universal remote. The drawback of these systems is that you will still need to point your remote at a central location... in this example the IR receiver eye by the TV, and that will require line-of-sight. Check out Microsmith Hot Link, Xantech and Niles for great IR repeaters.


3) Reliable & completely wireless - Universal Remote System with RF

My personal recommendation would be to start shopping for a universal remote that you like with a RF extender system that allows you to communicate from the remote to the extender and then route the IR commands to your equipment. Recommendations here would include the Logitech Harmony 900, Monster AVL300 with Omnilink, Universal Remote Control (URC), Universal Electronics Nevo, Philips Pronto, RTI, and the list goes on. Some of these systems may require installation and programming by a custom installer.


I wrote a little FAQ a while ago (that could probably use updating) but may help answer some of your questions - http://www.remoteshoppe.com/index.php?itemid=267

 

[Mycroft9x]

Cool beans, thanks so much fellows for quick roundup of options. I like that last RF option, it sounds like the most convenient way to go, possibly more expensive, but that's the trade off you deal with.


Again thanks much, you guys are awesome.