IR Extender Suggestions

[prisk]

I need an simple, cheap, short-range IT extender.

In our bedroom, the DTivo is on a shelf that is directly below the TV. Unfortunately, it also means the IR sensor is below the line-of-sight when I'm in bed, forcing me to hold the remote over my head at a downward angle (even if sitting up).

The IR->RF->IR extenders seem like overkill just to shift the TiVo IR sensor up about 2 feet. Is there any kind of simple, cheap wired IR extender that would allow me to put the IR sensor up near the TV and an IR emitter down on the TiVo?

In an older post someone suggested using a mirror or old CD as a reflector, but they also reported mixed success with this. Plus I'm not sure I could use a reflector the way the TV sits relative to the TiVo.

[pilotbob]

I've heard this is awesome.

http://www.smarthome.com/8225P/Hot-Link-Pro/p.aspx

Not cheap though. It was also highly recommeded in this video.

http://on10.net/blogs/larry/Show-us-your-tech-Sandquist-edition/

BOb

[JWThiers]

If you are that close to being able to get an IR signal to your tivo you could also experiment with bouncing the IR signal off of things. Sometimes my 90 lbs dog will stand between me and the IR sensor on my Tivo and I have been able to bounce the signal off of a picture that has a reflective surface. A decorative mirror strategically located could be all you need. Also try putting something under the front edge of the tivo or even 2 or 3 magazines under the whole tivo raising it up some.

[Allanon]

Prisk, to do your suggestion you would need an IR sensor, IR flasher and an IR hub to power the sensor and flasher.

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Photos/Default.aspx?i=190MF1&tp=2448


It's probably cheaper to just buy something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Terk-Technologies-LF-IRX-Leapfrog-Extender/dp/B000069EV0

[pdhenry]

Be careful if you have a flatscreen HDTV. I have a 52" Samsung LCD and it drives the sensor module on my IR repeater crazy for about a minute after the TV is turned on. After everything warms up it works fine but if I'm up early in the morning I try to hit the Mute button before the TV comes up because I know I won't be able to use the remote to adjust the volume for about a minute.

IIRC thngs are even worse with a plasma set.

[JeffRapp]

I've got this one installed:

http://www.smarthome.com/59500/Hidden-IR-Repeater-System-Home-Theater-Infrared-Distribution-System/p.aspx

It works really well, just as long as it's away from the plasma screen. Also, mounting's a little difficult as the receiver end is rather ugly. Otherwise, it works like a champ.

[caddyroger]

You can use this type also.

http://cgi.ebay.com/PM5900-X10-X-10-POWERMID-REMOTE-EXTENDER-IR-RF-SENDER_W0QQitemZ310135355442QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDom ain_0?hash=item483581f832&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

[Kit_C]

I have installed several Xantech setups to control equipment that is inside closed cabinets. These use a sensor/hub/emmiter setup that is extremely reliable. Cost is about $100 for a small setup, more if you need the "plasma-proof" sensors, which can usually be avooided by placing the sensor above or below the display.

Xantech selles a number of pre-configured kits that will give you everything you need. Here's an example:

Link (http://www.xantech.com/Infrared/Infrared/DLPCRTIrKits/480BKIT/)

They sell receivers in many different form factors. Table top, J-box, micro (or "dinky" in Xantech-speak), in-wall, etc...

Worthington Distribution is a good source of Xantech equipment (www.worthdist.com)

Good luck!


Kit

[jrm01]

In my main TV viewing room I have a similar situation. My S3 kept rebooting when I turned the TV on, and I finally realized it was due to the DLP lamp start-up causing interference. I moved the TiVo to the bottom shelf of my system, buffering it with the AV Receiver. All work fine now, except I have no line of site for the remote due to a coffee table.

However, I just use the side wall or the ceiling to bounce the signal and never have a problem.

[krusir]

There is Tivo network remote control program in iPhone (itouch would work too) .... It control the Tivo via your home TCP/IP network .... You might need to jailbreak your iPhone or iTouch to be able to install the program, google is your friend for how to.


I need an simple, cheap, short-range IT extender.

In our bedroom, the DTivo is on a shelf that is directly below the TV. Unfortunately, it also means the IR sensor is below the line-of-sight when I'm in bed, forcing me to hold the remote over my head at a downward angle (even if sitting up).

The IR->RF->IR extenders seem like overkill just to shift the TiVo IR sensor up about 2 feet. Is there any kind of simple, cheap wired IR extender that would allow me to put the IR sensor up near the TV and an IR emitter down on the TiVo?

In an older post someone suggested using a mirror or old CD as a reflector, but they also reported mixed success with this. Plus I'm not sure I could use a reflector the way the TV sits relative to the TiVo.

[JWThiers]

You might need to jailbreak your iPhone or iTouch to be able to install the program, google is your friend for how to.

Installs and works jut fine thru itunes. The only downside is having wifi on all the time eats the battery like a starving man at an all-you-can-eat buffet.

[jlobello]

I've been using the Hot Link Pro (http://www.smarthome.com/8225P/Hot-Link-Pro/p.aspx) for several years & love it. I keep all the equiptment in a closed-door cabinet & use the Hot Link Pro unit to rely remote control commands to Tivo & my other AV equiptment. When I first got the unit, I did have some trouble getting it to work with my receiver, but after I e-mailed them, they called me back the next day. The person I spoke with (might have been the owner) was very knowledgeable about integrating Hot Link Pro with my specific receiver & gave me good instructions as to where to place the lead. Awesome product & great support, too.