Hide A/V equipment in closet?

[babybull]

Ok, here is the deal...got this big ol' plasma tv and I want it on the wall (which it is already there). Now, I want to wire my DVD, VHS, cable box...what ever to it but not have anything visible.

Now, here is the problem....most of these items are controlled with IR remotes but I would like to have them controlled with RF so I could put them away.

Is there anything out there, that is inexpensive, that would do this? I have a closet that is directly behind the TV and I would like to put everything in there with a simple "eye" or something that could control everything....possible?????

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Just go to partsexpress and look for the IR receiver/repeaters. That's all you need and a complete kit only runs a hundred bucks or so.

Ok, here is the deal...got this big ol' plasma tv and I want it on the wall (which it is already there). Now, I want to wire my DVD, VHS, cable box...what ever to it but not have anything visible.

Now, here is the problem....most of these items are controlled with IR remotes but I would like to have them controlled with RF so I could put them away.

Is there anything out there, that is inexpensive, that would do this? I have a closet that is directly behind the TV and I would like to put everything in there with a simple "eye" or something that could control everything....possible?????

 

[babybull]

could you give me an exact...nothing comes up when I go there under "IR receiver/repeaters"

 

[adk highlander]

I used a similar system when I have my HT in my living room. I used Niles IR products and they work great. I will let others comment on RF as I don't have much experience:

IR sensor: MS110 http://www.nilesaudio.com/product.php?prodID=MS110&recordID=IR Sensors&categoryID=Ingenious IR&catcdID=5&prdcdID=FG01409

Main system Unit: MSU-140 http://www.nilesaudio.com/product.php?prodID=MSU140&recordID=Main System Units&categoryID=Ingenious IR&catcdID=5&prdcdID=FG01002

IR Flashers: MF-1 http://www.nilesaudio.com/product.php?prodID=MF1&recordID=IR Flashers&categoryID=Ingenious IR&catcdID=5&prdcdID=FG01019

They also sell kits that may have all of this together.

 

[babybull]

Out of curiosity...are the plasma proof? I called that place and they said that I could have problems if I have a plasma tv in the room.

 

[adk highlander]

Yes the MS110 is plasma proof and the flush mount alternative the MS210 is also plasma proof.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Try this
http://www.partsexpress.com/webpage.cfm?&Webpage_ID=3&CAT_ID=55&ObjectGroup_ID=531&SO=2&CFID=12162535&CFTOKEN=25956433

They have a lot more in their catalog but seem to hard to find online.

could you give me an exact...nothing comes up when I go there under "IR receiver/repeaters"

 

[babybull]

Wouldn't something like NGHP ATH-433 RF Remote Control Extender 433.92 MHz work?

It just seems that then I wouldn't have to cut any holes in the wall.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Wouldn't something like NGHP ATH-433 RF Remote Control Extender 433.92 MHz work?

It just seems that then I wouldn't have to cut any holes in the wall.

Yes, it should. I had an indoor/outdoor thermometer with that frequency and it created a RF interference on Ch 59, analog, every time the outdoor probe would transmit, about 32 second intervals.
In your case though, it may not be an issue if you are not watching ch 59.

 

[babybull]

Thanks.

Also, I read something on their web site about sometimes they don't always get all the IR ranges...anyone heard anything about that?

 

[Phil Taylor]

You could get a Harmony 659 remote and the Next Generation Remote Extender -- its sending unit replaces one of the batteries in your universal remote, is very inexpensive and really works. I've installed a few for clients and they actually work as advertised.

 

[babybull]

Fantastic...I am going to give this a try! Thank you to everyone for the help.

 

[Phil Taylor]

Oops - please excuse me babybull - I didn't realize the NGHP ATH-433 you were asking about was the same thing as the Next Generation that I recommended until I googled the "NGHP ATH-433". I think you'll like it.

 

[babybull]

Thanks Phil...I googled it myself and found it to be the same thing and even cheaper in price!!!! Thanks!

I saw that they sold these at Home Depot so I think that I am going to go take a look at them.

 

[AUtiger]

???

So if I understand correctly - get rc, then remote extender for RF, then you need to buy an IR repeater also, correct? ( I have no way of putting the extender in front of my equip. so that it can trnsmit IR directly to the equip.)So I put the "extender inside the entertainment center along with the repeater and the remote transmits RF to the extender which in turns transmits to the repeater to equip, correct? Would the extender and repeater be to close together if both are housed in a built in entertainment center?

 

[Phil Taylor]

So if I understand correctly - get rc, then remote extender for RF, then you need to buy an IR repeater also, correct? ( I have no way of putting the extender in front of my equip. so that it can trnsmit IR directly to the equip.)So I put the "extender inside the entertainment center along with the repeater and the remote transmits RF to the extender which in turns transmits to the repeater to equip, correct? Would the extender and repeater be to close together if both are housed in a built in entertainment center?

The Next Gen's RF receiver unit retransmits signals as IR via a "blaster" and also comes with cabled stick-ons.

 

[babybull]

But if you already have a universal controler all you need is the remote control extender.....right?

Comcast digital boxes come with a universal remote and I am pretty sure that will work with it but I think that you need to make sure that you have a universal remote with AA's....is that also correct?

 

[Phil Taylor]

They supply a sleeve that adapts the AAA size battery and transmitter to AA - also Scientific Atlanta cable boxes work on a different frequency range - I don't know what Comcast uses but Cox here in OKC uses SA -- but the Harmony was able to use the SA codes and convert all into "cosmic Harmony"... The SA remote alone would not allow all devices to be controlled "harmoniously".

 

[babybull]

Comcast uses Motorola boxes...I bought the extender 2 days ago and hopefully it will work. I will let everyone knows how it goes.

 

[AUtiger]

Please do

Please do post how it works because I'm considering the same thing and want an end users opinion Pm me if you get a chance. Thx