IR distribution

[greenough1]

Hi Guys,
I'm thinking of adding an IR distribution system to my HT. my setup is a main TV (73'' mits). In a glass/wood cabinet is AVR, DVR, CD, and DVD.

When sitting directly in front of the tv/cabinet, there are minimal issues controlling the devices (8811/8910). But my wife sits on a couch off to the side and the components cannot see the IR signal reliably.

I'm thinking of adding an IR distribution system consisting of:
1) IR receiver (probably a small stick-on as opposed to a drill-hole-and-stick-the-tube-in type)
2) 4 emitters
3) control block

I've seen the common ones (Xantech, channel vision, speaker craft). Does anyone have any comments of brands to avoid? are there compatibility issues mixing and matching different brand components (assuming the connectors are compatible).

I'm finding that the small IR receivers are very expensive (see this one for e.g. http://www.homecontrols.com/cgi-bin/mai ... face-Mount).

I don't think the X10 pyramids will work for my application. Is there anything else I've not considered?

Best,
jeff

[The Robman]

If your needs are as simple as you describe, you can probably use a URC-9910 remote which has a built in RF transmitter and an RF-to-IR receiver box. It also comes with one single-head IR blaster cable.

You could probably get a control box and attach it to the command center that comes with the URC-9910 so that you can hook up 4 blaster cables.

[greenough1]

Thanks Rob. Your suggestion would be cheaper overall. The IR systems (like the speakerkraft one with 4 emitters and the ir receiver linked above) is easily over $200. The IR connection boxes are $50-80 (depending on manufacturer, emitters are about $10 (double headed for slightly more) and $40 for an 9910 (which you still have in stock). I'll purse that as an option.

Thanks,
jeff

[The Robman]

You could also try experimenting by getting a couple of double headed IR blasters and then splicing them together and plugging the result into the command center. I don't know if the signal gets significantly weakened by doing that though.

[The Robman]

I touched base with Tommy Tyler on this and he referred me to a document that he wrote up a while back which covers the broad subject of RF type IR range entenders. If you hang with the doc through to page 6 (of 8) it describes the command center that comes with the URC-9910. Apparently, the circuitry that's used for the external IR blaster is only sufficient to power one single-head IR blaster, but he goes on to describe a very simple modification that you can do to make it good enough to power 4 blasters in series. Not only that, but he also describes how to make the IR blasters yourself, which can certainly save you a few bucks!

Here's the article...
http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/dload ... le_id=1362

Just for reference, here are a few more articles on the subject of RF entenders...
http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4213
http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4221

And if you want to reduce the "babble", read this...
http://www.remotecentral.com/cgi-bin/mb ... i?3749,1#6

And, just for the record, if you want to use the base unit in a country that doesn't have a 110v power supply, read this...
http://www.hifi-remote.com/files/help/R ... 7-240V.pdf

[greenough1]

Thanks a million Rob. I've downloaded the pages you've linked and I'll read through them.

I also found a "kit" on ebay that might be a bit more expensive than your suggestion, but definitely less than $250!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0109592051

Around $100 might be reasonable. Thanks again for the suggestions of alternatives.

Best,
jeff

[The Robman]

He has this listing starting at $50, but there's a reserve price, so if the $110 BIN price is too high, you might be able to get the item for less through a regular auction.

I found one in his history that sold for $86, so his reserve is probably less than that...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0098189995