Sony STR-DN1000 - IR Emitter Problem

[opdmike]

I just installed a Sony STR-DN1000 receiver and everything on it works great but I ran into a problem when setting up my IR emitters.

I have my A/V equipment in a cabinet with solid doors. I also have a Xantech IR emitter block with several emitters going to the devices. They all work except the new receiver.

I spoke to Sony support but the person I spoke with didn't seem too knowledgeable. They told me the DN1000 receiver will not work with IR emitters. To me this does not sound right because I thought the emitters only re-transmit the signal.

Anyone know if this is correct or have a work around?

Thanks,
Mike

 

[Adam]

Welcome to the forum, Mike!

Have you confirmed that the receiver's IR sensor works by using the supplied remote control? If it does work, then perhaps you could move the IR blaster from the repeater around to see if it is just a problem with where the blaster is located - perhaps the light from the blaster isn't hitting the receiver's IR sensor.

 

[adk highlander]

Welcome to the forum, Mike!

Have you confirmed that the receiver's IR sensor works by using the supplied remote control? If it does work, then perhaps you could move the IR blaster from the repeater around to see if it is just a problem with where the blaster is located - perhaps the light from the blaster isn't hitting the receiver's IR sensor.

Another possible issue is that the IR signal is too strong and overloading the receiver. Does you block have a high and low setting for the flashers?

 

[jostenmeat]

Another possible issue is that the IR signal is too strong and overloading the receiver. Does you block have a high and low setting for the flashers?

Interesting. I've never heard of that before . . .

I spoke to Sony support but the person I spoke with didn't seem too knowledgeable. They told me the DN1000 receiver will not work with IR emitters. To me this does not sound right because I thought the emitters only re-transmit the signal.

Anyone know if this is correct or have a work around?

What Adam said. I've encountered two culprits before, both were of my own fault.

The first was that the jack between the emitter and blaster station was barely loose. I mean barely as in 1mm or less, and so I didn't easily see it at first.

The second time was that the emitter was not properly placed where the IR receiver on the unit. (You know how it's always like a smoked tint on those displays, and it embarrassingly took me some experimentation to finally figure that out).

 

[adk highlander]

Interesting. I've never heard of that before . . .

On my Niles keypads I used to have I had to put some kind of attenuator from the keypad to the IR block. It was recommended by them and I picked it up from the shack. It has been a few years so I don't remember exactly what it was.

 

[opdmike]

Thanks for the quick replies.

The connections seem fine and the emitters operate the other devices when I change them around. There is no setting that I can see for high or low, my block is the Xantech 789-44.

The supplied remote as well as my Logitech Harmony universal remote operate the receiver fine.

I have attempted several different positions for the IR emitter without success. The manual states the IR sensor is next to the power button on the DN1000 receiver but I can't seem to find the sweet spot. I have never had this issue before. Does anyone believe that this receiver won't accept a signal from an IR emitter like the Sony tech support person stated?

 

[adk highlander]

Page 8 of your manual has the exact location of the sensor. I've only had one piece of gear that I could not get to work with IR flashers. It was an iPod dock and I think it had to do with the repeat rate of certain functions. I'm really suprised a receiver would have an issue like this. You may want to try a different tech at Sony. Heck with Onkyo you need to try 2 or 3 calls before you get someone who knows what they are talking about.

 

[opdmike]

I contacted another tech and they are adamant that this receiver will not work with IR emitters. Still doesn't sound right to me but I will be sending the unit back to Amazon soon.

Anyone have any suggestions on a nice receiver with 4 HDMI inputs, HD upscaling, 110w per channel, AB speaker ability and the ability to accept feeds from an IR emitter?

Thanks for eveyone's help,
Mike

 

[Adam]

Mike, did they say why it won't work with IR emitters? That's just very strange to me. Light is light.

The Pioneer Elite VSX-21 (very similar to my VSX-23) has what you mentioned, except that I can't say for sure if it works with IR emitters.

 

[opdmike]

They never said why. I think it might be because of the thick smoked glass front. It doesn't accept the supplied remote input very well at angels either.

I have a very strong flash light and can't see anything through the glass front when trying to find the exact IR sensor location. On some of my other devices the emitter needs to be right up against the glass to work. My guess is the glass is too thick and there is too much tint on it.

 

[trmoney24]

They never said why. I think it might be because of the thick smoked glass front. It doesn't accept the supplied remote input very well at angels either.

I have a very strong flash light and can't see anything through the glass front when trying to find the exact IR sensor location. On some of my other devices the emitter needs to be right up against the glass to work. My guess is the glass is too thick and there is too much tint on it.

Hey Mike, I just bought 2 STR-DN1000 amps for my theater and family room. I am using 2 Logitech Harmony 900 remotes on both of them using the RF receiver except I am not using the IR Mini-blasters to control my devices. Instead I wired my own IR emitters from the RF receiver to my devices. I can put my eye anywhere around the IR symbol on the front of the receiver and still control my amplifier with ease. I have both of my amps sitting side by side being controlled respectively by their remotes with no issues of the signals being crossed over to the other amplifier.

just letting you know sony is lieing to you. these amps are easily controlled by IR emitters. Not sure what to do to help you, but I hope this info helps.

 

[hobby1]

Hi all, I just bought this same receiver and I'm having the same problem. I am using a xantech ir repeater system and it controls everything else just fine. Has anyone else got theirs to work? I was thinking of trying to remove the front panel to see if that cover made a difference.

Thanks,
Dan

 

[htgeek]

Hey guys, it's possible that your recivers run above 40k infra red wich is the limit for most repeater systems,and most devices also. I know Russound makes a 56k mod for their repeater system that resolves this problem. Iv'e seen HK recievers that had the same issue also scientific atlanta cable boxes, could be same thing here.

 

[monza]

I've got the same problem!

Ok, I am having the same issues as the other STR-DN1000 owners. I have done several tests and come up with these results:

1. The supplied remote works flawlessly when pointed directly at the unit, as long as it is >2ft. from the face.
2. The supplied remote does not work with the IR repeater if the closet door is open, regardless of position.
3. The supplied remote works OK with the IR repeater very close to the "IR" logo when the closet door is closed, but response can be sluggish at times.
4. The universal remote works OK when pointed directly at the unit, as long as it is <3ft. from the face.
5. The both the supplied and universal remotes work all other gear flawlessly with the IR repeaters whether the closet door is open or closed.

Here is the list of gear in the closet:

1. Sony STR-DN1000 (Receiver)
2. Scientific Atlanta Explorer 3250HD (Cable)
3. Apex AD-2500 (DVD)
4. Magnavox NB500MG1F (BD)
5. Monster Power HDP 2400 (Power)

Here is the rest of the gear:

6. Scientific Atlanta AT8560 (Remote)
7. Knoll IR100 (IR Receiver)
8. Knoll IR55 (IR Repeater)
9. Digital Lifestyles FA2B42323 (LCD)

The IR receiver is mounted directly under the LCD. All gear is in a closet directly behind the LCD.

Hey Mike, I just bought 2 STR-DN1000 amps for my theater and family room. I am using 2 Logitech Harmony 900 remotes on both of them using the RF receiver except I am not using the IR Mini-blasters to control my devices. Instead I wired my own IR emitters from the RF receiver to my devices. I can put my eye anywhere around the IR symbol on the front of the receiver and still control my amplifier with ease. I have both of my amps sitting side by side being controlled respectively by their remotes with no issues of the signals being crossed over to the other amplifier.

trmoney24, did you make or buy the emitters? Where can I locate these useful components?

Does anyone see a pattern or know of anything else to try? I'm stumped. Two reps at Sony told me the IR sensor location was directly below the "IR" symbol, but it's not working...

 

[wideris]

Solution

I was having the same issue, and through trial and error found that the actual IR sensor is approximately 2 inches to the right of the IR symbol on the front face. Sony tech support is full of sh*t as can be expected from pretty much any global company with outsourced techs these days.

 

[highfigh]

I just installed a Sony STR-DN1000 receiver and everything on it works great but I ran into a problem when setting up my IR emitters.

I have my A/V equipment in a cabinet with solid doors. I also have a Xantech IR emitter block with several emitters going to the devices. They all work except the new receiver.

I spoke to Sony support but the person I spoke with didn't seem too knowledgeable. They told me the DN1000 receiver will not work with IR emitters. To me this does not sound right because I thought the emitters only re-transmit the signal.

Anyone know if this is correct or have a work around?

Thanks,
Mike

At the bottom of the page in the link is a section for product support and they have support forums as well as online tech support.

Look on the face for a small, white rectangle that has IR in it. That's close to the place where the emitter needs to go. If you have a bright flashlight, shine it on the face and look for a circular area behind the plexi that looks different from the rest. You may see the IR receiver there.

Which Harmony do you have? You may need to go into the Troubleshooting section of the setup to change the strength of the signal from the remote. Also, since you posted that you're using a Zantech repeater, is it CFL-friendly? If not, the TV or lights may be flooding the receiver and making it not respond. Look at the Zantech receiver and if it's always on, it's receiving IR from something else. If you need to check the emitter on the Sony, use any digital camera or cell phone with a camera by getting it ready to take a photo and pressing any command for that device. If you see the emitter flashing or if it's on constantly, you'll know that it's working.

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