I had a recent email exchange with a customer who was remodeling her video room, and she was interested in keeping her system looking good. Sometimes, as we all know, what that really means is keeping system components hidden from view, because even careful “cable management” can get out of hand in a modern video set up.
Given the fact that most remote control devices require “line of sight” access to components to work properly, hiding the components from view introduces its own set of problems. While one can leave doors open while viewing, that isn’t an aesthetic solution to the problem either.
Enter an IR Repeater System. Simply explained, these are systems that are designed to receive remote signals, usually via a tiny, visually innocuous receiver, amplify the signals, and retransmit via small optical transducers fastened to the components hidden behind closed doors. Thanks to SMARTHOME for use of this explanatory graphic:
A typical IR Repeater Set-Up
There are, however, some caveats as one contemplates setting up a system like this:
1) Historically, most remote control devices have operated in the “infrared” frequency band of 30kHz~60kHz. However, as remotes have proliferated out there (Ever seen a high end Japanese toilet? Yes, it does have a remote!), some manufacturers have extended the IR band to 100kHz for their devices. Some Scientific Atlanta/Cisco equipment (including some settops), Bose sound systems, and other recently manufactured components do indeed use the extra 40kHz associated with the extended IR frequency band. Some IR repeater systems are designed to support the “traditional” frequency band of 30kHz to 60kHz, and others are designed to support the extended IR standard of 30kHz to 100kHz. If the specification is not published, generally you can assume support for the traditional standard only. The point is, it’s important to ask this question of your vendor. My general advice on this point would be to make sure that the repeater you purchase supports the extended standard. That will future proof your set up as newer components are purchased and changed out over the course of time.
2) Some LCD and plasma panels have been shown to interfere with remote systems. This problem isn’t as manifest when pointing the individual remote to the individual component (in the cabinet below your monitor, for example), but it can be a problem when placing the small IR repeater receiver unit right next to your flat panel display. Some IR repeater systems are specifically designed to minimize interference from flat panel displays, particularly plasma based systems. Again, if the spec sheet doesn’t mention this specifically, the likelihood is that the device has no special engineering to minimize this potential problem. One can always place the IR receiver away from the monitor, but depending on your set up, that may not be desirable. Again, ask questions and expect straight answers from your vendor.
While I’m not endorsing any particular vendor, the links below show the contrast in features (and price) between a “basic” IR repeater system and a system that supports both extended frequency response and interference blocking technologies. While more expensive, the latter system would probably provide better service and cause less frustration in the long run, particularly if your set up has newer componentry.
Extended frequency/Interference blocking IR repeater system
Until next time….
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