Question for Avcast users

[bonnie_raitt]

I am using the Avcast system to distribute my 2 Tivos from my entertainment center downstairs to my upstairs kitchen. I am using the setup described on Crossbar's web page describing a room with 2 video sources

http://www.crossbarmedia.com/html/room_with_two_video_sources.html

I have one Tivo on channel 75 and the other on 77. Both work great except that periodically one of them will stop responding to the Tivo remote signals. At first I thought I might have a bad mediacaster so I switched one of the units with a spare. I thought this fixed the problem since it started working right after I did it. However, the problem reappeared a few days later. Now I am suspecting that the two-way splitter/combiner in my media room is the source of the problem. I am using a simple two-way splitter/combiner (no amplifier or power). I suspect that the IR signals are not making it through the splitter reliably.

My question is for any Avcast users out there that have a similar setup. Have you seen these types of problems? Do you use a simple splitter or do you use something else? Thanks

[navyman]

I also use the AVCAST distribution system with an in/out splitter to accommodate a fourth electronics device (the DVD/VCR). The problem you describe has happened to me before, and is usually attributed to one of two problems: Either the infrared emitter has peeled away from the infrared receiver window on the directivo box(es) or the batteries are low in the remote control. I hope it's as simple of either of these problems on your system, as it's obviously easily remedied. Good luck.

-navyman

[bonnie_raitt]

Thanks for replying.

So you are using a 4-way passive splitter with 4 video devices?

I have checked the obvious things in your list as well as others. It seems I can get the troublesome mediacaster to work when I plug the network cable directly into it, bypassing the splitter.

Anyone else using these things?

[ZeoTiVo]

I used to use my extensivley and had splitters before the IR emitter device with no problem. The media caster was outside at my cable entrance to the whole house though. as a better place for the main unit.

I don't use it as much now that I have a TiVo for every TV

[navyman]

I took a quick look at my splitter behind the entertainment center. What I am using is a 3-way Channel Vision (Part no. HS-3) In/Out splitter/combiner with all ports passing DC. I remember reading how it was important to use the proper kind of splitter, especially where DC passing capability was present because it allows remote signals (via DC-powered units) to be passed, not filtered. Channel Vision does sell a 4-way splitter/combiner..(probably part no. HS-4). You may want to order that to replace your splitter if it doesn't have that DC passing capability.

In my particular setup, I control 4 devices in three different rooms and have had no problems other than the obvious ones previously described.

-navyman

[bonnie_raitt]

I just have a standard splitter that I bought from Radio Shack. Would you have any idea if it is designed to "pass DC"?

[navyman]

I just have a standard splitter that I bought from Radio Shack. Would you have any idea if it is designed to "pass DC"?

Bonnie_Raitt:

I remember trying the standard splitter from Radio Shack too and had problems with it. If it doesn't say "DC passing" on the splitter, it's very unlikely that it does. Also, make sure it is described as a input/output splitter/combiner, meaning it allows signals to pass both in and out from each port. Standard splitters typically only let signals out, not in, so it will block remote control signals being sent.

The following link takes you to the exact 3-way DC passing in/out splitter/combiner that I use on my Avcast system:

Channel Vision 3-way splitter/combiner (http://www.allegroelectronics.com/products/shop-by-category/cables/electronics-installation/rf-technology/rf-splitters$402881d103c8524e0103c85c945b2fa5.html)

The crossbar media technical support webpage provides the following information for ideas on how to resolve remote control loss. I've underlined the suggestion mostly likely applicable to your situation:

Remote control does not work
Normally caused by lack of suitable IR signal being received by the IRCaster/IRDetector or MediaCaster. Verify that the coaxial cables are connected to the proper ports of the IRCaster/IRDetector. The TV port should be connected to the coaxial cable going to the TV. The NET port should be connected to the cable going the CableCaster.

Verify that the coaxial cables are connected to the proper ports on the MediaCaster. The TV port should be connected to the coaxial cable going to the TV and the NET port should be connected to the cable going to the CableCaster

Verify that there are no bright lights (sunlight or fluorescent) in the path between the IR remote controller and the IR Detector attached to the IRCaster/IRDetector or MediaCaster. Reposition the IR Detector as appropriate.

Verify that the IR Emitter is properly positioned near or attached to the device being controlled.

Verify that you can see the LED flashing in the IR Detector when you operate the remote controller. Reposition the IR remote controller or IR Detector until you can see the LED flashing. Vary the distance between the IR remote controller and IR Detector until the flashing LED can be seen.

Verify that the IRCaster/IRDetector is located before the input ports to any coaxial splitter to insure the optimum signal level is received and transmitted by the IRCaster/IRDetector.

Verify that your IR remote controller is working properly by going to the remote device and testing for proper operation of the remote controller.

Hopefully you'lll get this resolved soon. Few things drive me batty more than malfunctioning multimedia products.

-navyman

[bonnie_raitt]

Thanks. I've almost memorized that list.

I just ordered the Channel Vision 3 way splitter. Hope it works better that the RS one. Thanks for the help