Remote control extenders

[idchafee]

Sorry, didn't know where else to put this. Feel free to move as needed.

My DTV reciever is behind a wall. So obviously the IR remote isn't getting it done. I was looking at this as a possible solution. Anyone else have a similar issue? How did you solve it?

[Nutmeg]

Obvious question is why is it behind a wall?

[just brew it!]

Crazy thought: If you're willing to drill a hole through the wall maybe you can do something with fiber optics?

[idchafee]

Obvious question is why is it behind a wall?

Because I dont want all the equipment out where I have to look at it. The wall the tv is on is opposite the laundry room soooooo all the equipment is in there.

Jbi: there's already a hole in the wall, how can I use fiber optics?

[FireGryphon]

That looks like the obvious way to solve it. Just make sure you're not using anything that will interfere with the RF band used by the device.

Why behind a wall, though? I can't think of how that setup comes to be...

[MJZ82]

Another option you might consider is to use a wired repeater system instead of an extender.
Pros: Less complicated system, may avoid some issues you might have setting up the RF system. May be stealthier and the receiver unit might look better.
Cons: Depending on the model, it might not be easy to pass the wire through the wall (Does the receiver disconnect from the unit? Is the wire long enough?

http://www.amazon.com/Smarthome-59501-H ... 301&sr=1-2

[just brew it!]

Jbi: there's already a hole in the wall, how can I use fiber optics?

Well, I'm not sure if it's actually practical. But the first thing that popped into my head was some sort of flexible fiber optic light pipe running through the wall to the IR receiver on the equipment. Aim the remote at the appropriate spot on the wall, and the IR receiver should still be able to see it?

Caveat: I may in fact be full of crap on this...

[idchafee]

Why behind a wall, though? I can't think of how that setup comes to be...

Because I dont want all the equipment out where I have to look at it. The wall the tv is on is opposite the laundry room soooooo all the equipment is in there.

Another option you might consider is to use a wired repeater system instead of an extender.
Pros: Less complicated system, may avoid some issues you might have setting up the RF system. May be stealthier and the receiver unit might look better.
Cons: Depending on the model, it might not be easy to pass the wire through the wall (Does the receiver disconnect from the unit? Is the wire long enough?

http://www.amazon.com/Smarthome-59501-H ... 301&sr=1-2

This has promise

[notfred]

Well, I'm not sure if it's actually practical. But the first thing that popped into my head was some sort of flexible fiber optic light pipe running through the wall to the IR receiver on the equipment. Aim the remote at the appropriate spot on the wall, and the IR receiver should still be able to see it?

I have only played with fiber optics in terms of plugging cables in to routers, but I don't think your idea will work. There would need to be some very fancy lens type thingummy on the end to get the light that was hitting at all angles to go down the pipe and I suspect the area of the end is so small that you wouldn't be collecting enough light.

To the OP. I think you should be able to back-to-back an IR receiver and IR blaster on a cable through the wall with suitable power supply. I'd probably put one together myself using the ideas at for the separate circuits at LIRC http://www.lirc.org/transmitters.html and http://www.lirc.org/receivers.html

[thill9]

I have the exact situation. I've got my Tivo and a surge suppressor in my bedroom closet that is located directly behind my living room TV. For my wife, it was either a clean install or no TV at all. Put the IR receiver on top of the TV, and run the single wire back to the IR transmitter. Then run a single emitter out to whatever devices you want to deliver IR to. This one has all the wires that can be plugged in as necessary.

http://www.amazon.com/Sewell-Infrared-Remote-Control-Repeater/dp/B004FJV8EE/ref=pd_cp_hi_2

[Nutmeg]

So you have to get up and go into a different room to put a new dvd in? Seems pretty retarded.

[idchafee]

So you have to get up and go into a different room to put a new dvd in? Seems pretty retarded.

No worries, I have no plans to invite you over. So you've got nothing to worry about.

Anyway, its like 4 steps. Maybe you're too out of shape to make that trip without resting, but I can manage.

[Nutmeg]

You seem mad.

Also, how do you fast forward or select a different menu option?

[idchafee]

You seem mad.

Mad isn't the right word. You seem like a douche, and I'm not fond of douches. Maybe that's just a first impression, although I have this vague memory of having you on my ignore list at one point. Maybe not though, since I also don't remember taking you off my ignore list.

Also, how do you fast forward or select a different menu option?

My DVD player is a PS3, and the PS3 remote works through the wall. Again though, not your concern since you've already passed your judgement on my setup.

[Hance]

I used one of these for a few years and it worked fine http://www.radioshack.com/product/index ... Id=2049642

[liquidsquid]

Over at Ramsey Electronics, check out the hobby kits:
http://www.ramseyelectronics.com/cgi-bi ... n&key=RR1C
http://www.ramseyelectronics.com/cgi-bi ... key=RRW1AC
http://www.ramseyelectronics.com/cgi-bi ... key=RRW1BC

I developed these about 10 years ago, but they should still work just fine! That is if you don't mind soldering a little and learning some electronics.

[mikehodges2]

I bought a set of these for the girlfriend a while ago, worked pretty well for accessing the cable box in her parents room, with the display feed split and sent to TV's in their, and her room: PowerMid XL Remote Control Extender PM10C. This is the UK amazon link, I guess you can get them your side...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/PowerMid-XL-Con ... 774&sr=8-2

[Captain Ned]

Since this is all about TVs, I'm chucking it over to the Visual Haven like I should have done earlier.

[DLHM]

http://www.smarthome.com/83715/Channel-Vision-IR-5010-Plasma-Proof-IR-Kit/p.aspx

I have used a few of these and love them.. right now I have only two cable boxes and 3 LCD tv's . The TV in my garage is fed from the cable box in my bedroom. This allows me to change the channel without running to the other side of the house an hoping that I hit all the buttons right.It works without a problem,except i didn't get the plasma proof model and when the garage door is open the natural IR from the sun floods the reciever and it won't work.

edit: Oh yeah, and it's very discrete, it's not some Butt-Ugly pyramide. trying to make a statement...