IR Repeater Systems

[johntofva]

With the growing popularity of LCD and Plasma's, there is an increasing demand to hide AV components and wires associated with them. After all, with the sleek lines and sharp looks of these TV's who wants to see all those distracting items.

The "in" thing these days are AV equipment rooms and cabinets to help keep a clean look. Years ago affluent home theater enthusiast could purchase and have installed high end IR repeaters. Today the consumer has a wide range of products to choose from for between $100 -300.

These systems are a little new to me, so it is my hope with this thread to help clarify the different products as I search for one that fits my needs. Hopefully if anyone is using these systems they will share their experience.

The first system is 'Hidden Infra-Red remote control system (part #59500)' made by SmartLabs, Inc. Smarthome.com a division of Smartlabs is selling it for $109.99.

Included in the box:

Hidden IR Repeater Box
8 IR emitters
IR receiver
Confirmation LED
Power supply
2 pieces of Velcro for mounting
Instructions

*It should be noted that most IR systems will have a problem with interference from Plasmas and LCDs. To solve this, simple place the IR receiver behind the leading edge of the TV. Although there are systems designed to reject this interference, this is not one of them.*

**When hiding your AV equipment it is important to add a cooling fan to help circulate the air. Heat is the destroyer of all things electronic.**

The pluses of the system:

Emitters for 8 devices
Confirmation LED

Emitters made of material that's transparent to IR light, so commands can still pass directly to individual components if desired.

Cost

Negatives:

No rejection for interference
one color - black
no mount for IR receiver - tends to roll
cables can be a little short


So far this seems like a winner .

Smarthome.com

Hidden IR Repeater System - Home Theater Infrared Distribution System - Smarthome

Amazon.com (Always has an informative review section)

Amazon.com: Hidden IR System - Hide Your AV Component Clutter: Electronics



As always, looking forward to any advice you can give.