Need help with setup

[johnnynine]

In this case I'm trying to figure out if an IR repeater distribution block would work for me.

I have my home theater components in a media cabinet with glass doors. I also have several sources of video: directv, old tivo, playstation, dvd player - all of which currently plug into a separate input on an lcd hdtv (hdmi, svideo, hdmi, component; respectively).

I use a Harmony 880 remote control which used to work well with a quicker crt tv and all the video sources switched through a receiver and connected to the tv via svideo (the exception was dvd which was connected via component). In any case this setup was fairly easy to use since the video source rarely needed to be changed and the tv didn't take 7 seconds after turning on before it would respond to ir signals.

My wife hates our new hdtv setup with the harmony remote since we commonly switch between hdtv and tivo (which are connected to 2 separate tv inputs). Since the TV takes 7 seconds before it can receive ir signals, my wife usually sets the remote control down before everything has been set appropriately. To make things work the Directv ir receiver is terrible... you have to point the remote directly at it for it to work (not sure if it's the glass or just he unit). Then we also have audio to the tv and to a receiver.

You can see where this is going... When my wife tries to watch tv, things are almost always out of whack... direct tv on the screen with tivo audio and the combinations go on. I'm fairly technical and remember to keep the remote pointed in just the right locations at the right times so I don't have as many issues, but I need it to work for everyone.

1. I think there are several things that would help... If I had all the audio and video plugged into an hdmi capable receiver that would help a lot with things getting out of sync. Unfortunately it looks like a decent hdmi 1.3 switching receiver costs $600+. Any suggestions?

2. Then there is the issue with the directv weak ir receiver. Tivo is also behind the glass and responds quite well, but the directv box is very touchy... you have to really be pointing the remote almost right at it. I'm wondering if an ir receiver that plugged into a an ir block would help. If I did this would I need to completely block the component's ir receiver from the remote's ir signal?-- ie, would it receive overlapping ir signals, one from the remote and one from the repeater?

Johnny

 

[AnthonyZ]

First, I must state that I personally have an intense aversion to the entire Harmony line. I dislike their wizard based programming just as much as the layout of the remotes. With that said, I would urge you to drop the straight IR and use a combo of new remote with an RF base station. then run IR emmiters from there to the appropriate components. This way, you can build 'on' macros that account for the TV´s blind spot. Once programmed, simply press the button and drop the remote. No more 'point and pray'. An added benefit is the ability to add addt'l RF base stations in other areas (like your HA closet) to avoid pulling miles of IR emmiter extensions as you add components/capabilities. I personally use and sell Universal Remote Control. Especially popular are the MX3000 and MX900's. As for the base station, I can't recommend anything below the MRF350. The line (and more specifically the software) is dealer only but many of us will provide the software to the right clients. Best of luck...

 

[Waynedb]

First, I must state that I personally have an intense aversion to the entire Harmony line. I dislike their wizard based programming just as much as the layout of the remotes.

I use a URC remote for my living room remote but I thought I would try a a Harmony 550 for a bedroom remote, long story short a 550 can be snapped in half with very little effort.

 

[AnthonyZ]

First, I must state that I personally have an intense aversion to the entire Harmony line. I dislike their wizard based programming just as much as the layout of the remotes.

I use a URC remote for my living room remote but I thought I would try a a Harmony 550 for a bedroom remote, long story short a 550 can be snapped in half with very little effort.

Not to mention, you practically need a stylus to operate the thing...

 

[CollinR]

SageTV client and it's all over HDMI + decent RF remote is $50. This would also add web browsing into the mix so SD TV and DVDs can be watched in a window and you can do whatever you like with the rest of the display.

This is actually one of my biggest reasons for being such a big SageTV fan, you get everything from anywhere on your system with basically a single cable either Cat5 to the area and HDMI to the display if you like.

 

[twilo123]

i know it was mentioned that the harmony line is horrible but they do have rf in their 890 which is just like your 880 but with a rf base station and 4 ir ports to use your boxes including tivo. i agree that there are much better remotes on the market but pricing/programming may be an issue in some cases. + you can do some basic z-wave lighting control on the 890 for wireless lighting control in your home which tends to be a bit cheaper than going the typical rs232 route with say lutron control.

 

[johnnynine]

SageTV client and it's all over HDMI + decent RF remote is $50. This would also add web browsing into the mix so SD TV and DVDs can be watched in a window and you can do whatever you like with the rest of the display.

This is actually one of my biggest reasons for being such a big SageTV fan, you get everything from anywhere on your system with basically a single cable either Cat5 to the area and HDMI to the display if you like.

Doesn't this require a pc with a video card, etc?

 

[johnnynine]

First, I must state that I personally have an intense aversion to the entire Harmony line. I dislike their wizard based programming just as much as the layout of the remotes. With that said, I would urge you to drop the straight IR and use a combo of new remote with an RF base station. then run IR emmiters from there to the appropriate components. This way, you can build 'on' macros that account for the TV´s blind spot. Once programmed, simply press the button and drop the remote. No more 'point and pray'. An added benefit is the ability to add addt'l RF base stations in other areas (like your HA closet) to avoid pulling miles of IR emmiter extensions as you add components/capabilities. I personally use and sell Universal Remote Control. Especially popular are the MX3000 and MX900's. As for the base station, I can't recommend anything below the MRF350. The line (and more specifically the software) is dealer only but many of us will provide the software to the right clients. Best of luck...

Is there a way for a pc to receive the rf signals? (other than sniffing the IR line using a global cache)? If so I could control lighting etc.

Can you recommend an online authorized dealer who can give me pricing?

Thanks

 

[twilo123]

i use the 890 for rf to the extender and then IR to the pc with pinnacle for wmc. you could do the same with the 1000, nevo, or any other rf based remote that does IR on the head end.

prontos use 802.11 so you might be able to get away with straight rf on that end. only wep encryption though.

ricavision is supposed to put out a bluetooth a/v remote but it keeps getting delayed. supposed to support windows sideshow for vista gadgets. see mcontrol for a ha example of this.