A/V closet information.

[de8212]

My dad is wanting to put his A/V equipment in a closet. I have no idea about what is needed to do this. Not talking about running the wires to the tv. Mainly talking about how things will be controlled. He has a very basic system which consists of a Knology DVR and a blu ray player. No receiver, no gaming consoles, etc. He does have a harmony remote but it's a basic on, not RF. I was under the impression controlling devices inside a closet would require RF. He said someone he knows says it can be done with IR.

Anyone knowledgeable care to get me started with this?

thanks

 

[sivart]

IR repeater...basically an IR signal to a box that converts it to RF sent to another box which converts it back to IR and then to each device.

Pure RF would be the simplest setup. (I.e. Harmony 890). You could still use IR for items in the room (I.e. TV for volume/power)

If he ever wants to upgrade and put a receiver, you will then need to worry about heat in that closet and may need an AC duct in the closet.

 

[RedCOMET]

For my system, I use an IR repeater system to controll my A/V gear in another room. The IR reciever sits on top of my center speaker which then sends the IR signal to the "repeater / hub". At the "repeater/hub" the signal is then sent to the Device via a little transmisster that sit on top of the IR reciever on the piece of A/V equipment.

I went this route, using an IR system, than an RF solution b/c I already had an IR universial remote ( some harmonay that use for my xbox 360) and becuase it was at the price point i was willing to pay.

IR systems and RF systems do have some drawbacks though. Some IR recievers are prone to interference when LCD / Plasmas ( i can't recall which ones) when the tv starts up. They have special recievers to over come this. RF systems can be prone to RF interference, and you might have an issue sending commands from the remote to the reciever based on envrionmental factors ( walls, locations of recievers/remotes, etc).

AVS forum has plenty of threads on the subject, and i'm sure the users their describe their equipment and needs.

 

[de8212]

Thanks for the info.

What model IR RF repeater do you have, Red?

I don't think he will ever add any type of receiver to his setup. He just wants something basic and simple. He wants to keep his current remote.

 

[RedCOMET]

Thanks for the info.

What model IR RF repeater do you have, Red?

I don't think he will ever add any type of receiver to his setup. He just wants something basic and simple. He wants to keep his current remote.

I think I may have to re-read my post. I shall edit it for clairty later on.. I was having trouble waking up this evening before starting my shift!

Well, I use an IR only system. I have the IR reciever above my center channel speaker. The IR reciever connect to an IR "repeater / hub / connecting block." Different companies it i beleive call the repeater, et el device different names.

For my set up..

IR Reicever (on top of my center channel speaker) ---Wire to equipment rack-------> "repeater / hub" -->has separate transmitter leads for each device.

I chose not to do an IR / RF systems b/c i already had an IR remote, and my current remote was designed to be used with my xbox360.

My equipment rack is in a differernt room, and i control a fios hd box, my xbox 360, and my reciever.

I'll have to get back to you.. about what i use at home and try to get you some links.

 

[RedCOMET]

Microsmith Hot Link XL Cat 5 Extendable IR Booster System
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000IBTK7U/

I use this kit. It was simple and all inclusive. Plus, i can use regular cat 5 cable to connect the two ends of the kit together. ( i have plenty of terminated cat 5 patch cables at home) It satisfied my requirements.oh it was at the price point i was willing to pay. I bought it at amazon b/c of the overnight shipping.

One company that has a wide selction of IR products
http://www.xantech.com/Infrared/
http://www.xantech.com/static_images/Xantech_IR_Brochure.pdf

You can purchase some of the xantech products at:
http://www.smarthome.com/_/index.aspx

Also, on AVS forum, some users have used Buffalo products. I don't know much about them though.


I didn't do much research on RF solutions for my apartment.. so i'm not sure what products will fit your needs.