Equipment will be in the back of my media room

[kpierce]

Hello all:
I am going to be setting up a home theater shortly and I think I know everything I need with the exception of one item.

All my gear is wired for the back of the room.

I understand I would probably need a logitech type remove to be able to control everything. However what is the best way/device to sit in front of the room so I can point my remove at the front and still operate the equipment at the back?

Also the equipment will probably be in a closed cabinet so that might add an extra wrinkle...

any help is greatly appreciated.

thanks

 

[adk highlander]

Getting all your gear out of site and having full control will require an RF (radio frequency) remote system. This usually begins with the remote, base station and IR flashers. The remote sends RF signals to the base station that converts the RF to IR then sends the signals to the components via flashers that stick over the IR eye on the piece of gear.

This will be just the beginning as you can then create macro's on the remote to turn on all the gear and get you ready for a movie. Logitech does offer some of these functions but do not offer true custom macro capability. I use equipment from Universal Remote Control. Some of the higher end remotes will require software that may be tough for a consumer to acquire and if you have not programming experience you may want to talk to your local professional installer to get the best system.

What is your budget? Also I see this is in the HTPC sub forum. Are you going to have a HTPC as well? Depending on the setup this may require keyboard emulation witch will also put you into a more complex setup.

 

[BMXTRIX]

Also the equipment will probably be in a closed cabinet so that might add an extra wrinkle...

The above response was accurate that you need/want a RF remote from either Logitech or from Universal Remote Control.

But, this statement worries me...

Also the equipment will probably be in a closed cabinet so that might add an extra wrinkle...

You can't stick A/V gear into a 'closed cabinet'. It's like sticking a plastic bag over your head and seeing how how long you can run around for.

After you suffocate, you will find that it just isn't the way to do things.

Likewise, you will suffocate your A/V gear without proper airflow. You must use an A/V cabinet to hold your gear. This doesn't mean it can't be an enclosed space, but it does mean that it must have proper airflow through the space. Cool air in, hot air out! Most credenzas do NOT properly do this. Almost no furniture builders know how to make A/V furniture properly either.

Typically, a enclosed piece of furniture should have some sort of fan mechanism in it to properly remove hot air. The fans can be quality quiet fans to just draw air out, but they should be there... Likewise, there must be a way to draw cool air in.