Return to the CurtPalme.com main site CurtPalme.com Home Theater Forum
A forum with a sense of fun and community for Home Theater enthusiasts!
Products for Sale ] [ FAQ: Hooking it all up ] [ CRT Primer/FAQ ] [ Best/Worst CRT Projectors List ] [ Setup Tips & Manuals ] [ Advanced Procedures ] [ Newsletters ]

 
Forum FAQForum FAQ   SearchSearch   MemberlistMemberlist  Photo AlbumsPhoto Albums  RegisterRegister 
 MembershipClub Membership   ProfileProfile   Private MessagesPrivate Messages   Log inLog in 
Blu-ray disc release list and must-have titles. Buy the latest and best Blu-ray titles to show off in your home theater!

I need an IR repeater system for 16+ devices what do I do??

 
Post new topic   Reply to topic   Printer-friendly view    CurtPalme.com Forum Index -> Home Theater Accessories
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
Jeremy112




Joined: 28 Sep 2006
Posts: 2645
Location: Fond du Lac, WI


PostLink    Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2012 6:05 pm    Post subject: I need an IR repeater system for 16+ devices what do I do?? Reply with quote


        Register to remove this ad. It's free!
New to this infrared repeater stuff... never used it, never had a need to, but the 21 remotes on my coffee table are getting really annoying to have around, along with the fact that I have to go to the equipment room to control everything.

So in an effort to minimize remotes and make remoting a lot easier on myself, I have been looking up infrared repeaters and extenders.

I am curious to know what the difference/benefits are of a IR repeater over an extender?

I have also seen that repeaters can be individual flashers per device, or a larger "flooder" for all devices... whats the best way to go?

I know they seem like dumb questions, they do to even me, but Im sure some dont mind answering my dumb questions Embarassed

One final query; what is the best IR repeater system for performance/$$ or does someone have any good recommendations? Need to keep in mind that I have over 16 devices in my racks to control.

Any help appreciated!

_________________
When I'm asking for a Model number, that doesn't mean I'm asking for a nude photo with your number on it Wink
Back to top
Curt Palme
CRT Tech



Joined: 08 Mar 2006
Posts: 24296
Location: Langley, BC

TV/Projector: All of them!


PostLink    Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2012 6:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Xantech. Not cheap knockoff crap, but it works, and they have anything and everything you need.

www.xantech.com, then see if someone here is a dealer, or go to eBay. It never fails (so far) so buying used is fine.

Canadian distributor marks stuff up over the US, so I won't be competitive.
Back to top
ecrabb
Forum Moderator



Joined: 13 Mar 2006
Posts: 15909
Location: Utah

TV/Projector: JVC RS40, Epson 5010


PostLink    Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2012 8:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Jeremy,

The terms repeater and extender are sort of used interchangeably, and I don't know if there is any official document somewhere that says one most refer to one thing, and the other, another. But generally, I've always considered IR repeaters as the class of device with a small box with an AC adapter, and IR receiver dongle, and either a blaster or emitters, designed to get IR into a cabinet, probably not more than 6 or 8 feet of cable total, just 'repeating' the signal into the cabinet.

An IR extender OTOH, I've always considered a device that could receive an IR signal, and then extend that IR signal over dozens or hundreds of feet via RF or hard wire, 'extending' the IR signal. If it can come from, or go multiple places, then it's IR distribution.

I agree with Curt - Xantech isn't cheap, but it's good. Niles and Xantech are both good stuff.

But, you could also kill two birds with one stone: Eliminate the IR and get a better control system at the same time. That's what I did over 3 years ago, and I've never looked back. I don't miss IR one bit. Expense is probably comparable to a good IR extender like Xantech or Niles. It takes some time investment to get setup, but it's SO worth it in terms of usability. End result is similar to a mega-buck control system like Crestron or AMX. Let me know if you're interested.

SC
Back to top
View user's photo album (10 photos)
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic   Printer-friendly view    CurtPalme.com Forum Index -> Home Theater Accessories All times are GMT
Page 1 of 1
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum