Sometimes the placement of all the equipment that we need for a perfect Home Theater set up, goes totally against what we had in mind… but fear no more! With the purchase of these Remote Control Extenders, you will be able to place the AV equipment wherever you need and been able to control them from anywhere you want.
Single IR Emitter from Cables To Go
Now you can place all your equipment in a closet or remote location and control all the functions with a single multi-unit Infrared Remote Control. These great kits will provide all you need to extend or repeat equipment control from one or multiple locations, depending on your requirements. Starting at $6.99. You'll still need to buy the $39 extender box to make this cable work.
Terk Leapfrog Remote Control Extender Kit
These extenders can control virtually any household device that is operated via infrared remote control, including satellite receivers, personal video recorders, VCR's, CD players, stereo receivers, tape decks, and other components. They allow owners of satellite systems to control a single receiver from any room in the home, creating an instant multi-room solution. Simply network any TV set in the house to the receiver, set up the appropriate remote control extender, and enjoy the show. Remote control extenders put the full functionality of your satellite remote control right at your fingertips, at a fraction of the cost of a new receiver and multi-satellite dish.
Kinamax ADS IR Blaster
This is a more complex set up. Starting at $19.99, they connect to your PC allowing to run software capable to read and send IR signals for a total control over your devices. Using software like SnapStream Beyond TV, you can use your computer as a central hub for remote control your components. For example, you could tell your TV to switch to an specific source, instead of having to cycle thru the endless list of inputs.
Apple Remote App
Now, you don't need an IR extender for the Apple TV. The solution couldn't be simpler. Just use your iPhone with the free App "Remote". It will let you control the whole device and all that, via WiFi,so there is no need to point the remote at the box!
[Top Image from Sewell Direct's "IR Emitters and Receivers Guide"]
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Anyone who's using an IR extender system with a plasma TV should be sure to get one that's listed for use with plasma sets -- many can interfere with the receiver's ability to read the IR signal.
Time for another monoprice.com shout out. They have one of the cheapest extenders I've seen. I bought it for a credenza conversion I'm almost finished with. I've hit a snag with a hinge issue but should have it resolved soon.
@adventrising - I absolutely adore monoprice too, but the extender I bought from them stopped working after a week. :(
This is a great idea when implemented properly just remember to make sure the devices have good reviews and are compatible with all your tech before you buy. Some cheap ones don't resend the signals as well as others especially if they are wirelessly connected between the receiver and the retransmitter.
I'm using an IR emitter (love it) but have not been able to move the components as far away from the TV as I would like. I'd appreciate suggestions for installing HDMI cables (owner, not renter) from the TV to the components over a distance of about thirty feet. I've already installed the wireless Wii sensor bar and wireless speakers. Just one HDMI cable is limiting the setup options.
We use a Universal Remote Control (URC) MX-880 Remote with a MRPH Base Station. We have had a few remotes from URC. We love it. Our media rack is in our garage for better ventilation etc. We have no problems with the RF signals and walls etc.
My husband is in the home theater business so he is trained in programming these remotes.
He also suggests Harmony Remotes with their RF Extender.
I've used other brands, etc at friend's houses and I've become somewhat of a URC snob.
Yes these extender app's are very useful.