YouTube TV does all the local sports here.

I think the reasons to stick with a cable box is for channel surfers, or heavy NFL watchers. Those are the only reasons I can think of.

I tried the 3 big streaming services. (Youtube TV, Hulu and Directv stream). Had the trials all at the same time using them on Roku and AppleTV. Biggest issue is that you cannot go straight to a channel. huge issues for me and alot of my clients. When I want to go to ESPN. I press the favorite ion the remote (or tell Alexa to turn on ESPN) and it shows up immediately

Weve been using IR repeaters for a few years now on rooms that just get a cable box. The OEM remotes work so much better than expensive RF remotes. A lot of out customers are just doing AppleTVs now. We velcro them to the back of the TV, hand them the ATV remote, and done. Only complaint is when they forget to charge the remote.

We have still been doing RF remotes if there is an AVR or multiple sources, but like you mentioned, those are less and less. Earlier this week I did a fairly nice system with an ARCAM AV10, a Sony 85", some JBL's, a BDP, and ATV. A problem Ive found with ARCAM is finding an IR driver where the volume will ramp. During the initial setup of devices, I played with CEC control, and it worked pretty well, and had some bugs too. But by turning on CEC control and using the TV volume codes on the pro control remote, I got smooth ramping on the Arcam. I think though, if a system is redesigned and use the TV for source switching, and ARC for audio to the AVR, then CEC control would work well. I want to set something up at home and give it a good test.

So in the end, yeah, Im with you about reconsidering IR repeaters as the right solution again. But I do think CEC control works well now and may be a better solution.

Everything in my home automation system is IR. It never fails (especially if you know how to mount emitters). Works 100% of the time perfectly.

I simply launch the apps from RTiPanel (via URL scheme) for Nest, Arlo, or anything else that is not supported, or used to be (like Nest, until Google decided to break it on purpose).

I've done home automation for years - Crestron, RTI...etc.. I used to laugh at people who used IR repeaters. Now, near the end of my career, I rarely do any kind of automation and don't do much IR repeating either. It's simply Sonos speaker bars/Amps for TV sound using HDMI ARC and stock bluetooth remotes supplied by the TV company, if the customer even uses one. I will do RTI for bar systems and ProControl for theatres with surround receivers. I seem to be doing more with just stock TV remotes and HDMI ARC implemented for volume and power control.

Honestly, I have a feeling there are still some old school guys out there still doing a lot of URC controllers and multi-room amps the same way they've been doing it for years. Or maybe there are newer guys drinking cool Aid fed to them by automation companies. Many are in denial that the Googles, Apples and Sonos are making better products with solutions that approach problems in more clever, efficient ways. If you are installing custom home automation, it's you against the most talented engineers at these giant companies and you have to ask yourself if you are adding value to people's' lives or adding more to their frustration with technology.

I'm getting old and I don't care about fancy solutions any more that do more to create problems than solve them. I am in and out of jobs with Sonos and TV installations. Making more money than ever. Leave thermostats and light switches for Home Depot. It's just the way it is now

I'm doing more with stock remotes and Sonos or other sound bars as well. Just the way of the world. No need for many to get a remote as they typically only have a TV, soundbar and maybe cable/sat or streaming box. They are also pricey so many customers have sticker shock with them. Of course, that was before they could buy a 65" at Costco for $400

I have gulped and used ARC for Sonos amps and sound bars.  It works the majority of the time, can be a little dicey with ARC extenders.

One thing I have not done is used ARC from an AVR to a television. How many of you are doing that and not getting trouble calls?  😳😳😳

And following that question, would you only use it on an AVR less than maybe 3 years old? Or trust anything that says ARC on it?

I would say if you are using arc on a receiver, connect video sources to the TV and treat the whole thing as a speaker bar. I wouldn't trust older receivers to be reliable with automatic switching and power. I think it really works best if you are just using the TV as a streamer or just a cable box with built in streaming.

Many of our customers who had a control system (not installed by us) will never opt for a control system again -- especially if the control system was mostly used for watching TV and playing music.

With respect to A/V receivers and CEC, I've had mixed results and generally end up defeating CEC either by turning it OFF or using a dongle. The risk of mayhem increases when multiple devices are on CEC. A cable box update in the middle of the night can trigger system startup -- as can starting up a DVD player shared between rooms. CEC is sometimes tied to enabling advanced audio formats, such as ATMOS. Turning OFF CEC in these devices is not an option, but the CEC defeaters will usually work OK. Unfortunately, the CEC defeaters that I've seen do not promise to support high video bandwidth.

As mentioned prior, I'm debating about investing some time brewing up a Raspberry Pi accessory that monitors and corrects spurious CEC interactions. At best this would be a clunky solution because I could not prevent devices from issuing their CEC commands and other devices from responding, I'd need to monitor this and issue counteracting commands that may trigger reactions.

Reviewing my post, it looks like nobody is really using IR repeaters, as none were recommended. Don't know whether to go to Snap or Amazon.

Some of the IR receivers on Amazon have limited range. You have to be 15ft away from the receiver. Xantech is still available and works well

Sorry Tom, just noticed this post.

As mentioned, Xantech is still the best. Here is a link to their kit they currently sell:
[Link: bhphotovideo.com]

Xantech has it in stock for dealers.

Thanks, Brad and MRT you guys are great!

(Never thought I’d be considering IR repeaters lol)

May I suggest our Ethereal IR components (ok, I am shilling).

IR Connecting Block Kit
[Link: metrahometheater.com]

IR Connecting Block Kit w/ double throw code learning relay
[Link: metrahometheater.com]

IR Interface cable (3.5mm Mono to 3.5mm Stereo)
[Link: metrahometheater.com]

IR Receiving Target
[Link: metrahometheater.com]

IR Emitter (Single)
[Link: metrahometheater.com]

IR Emitter (Double)
[Link: metrahometheater.com]

IT Emitter (single) with visible flashing emitter
[Link: metrahometheater.com]


And some great accessories!


3.5mm Keystone Inserts - 2 Conductor
[Link: metrahometheater.com]

3.5mm Keystone Inserts - 3 Conductor
[Link: metrahometheater.com]

3.5MM Stereo Mini Breakout
[Link: metrahometheater.com]

IR Emitter Adhesive Pads - 25 Pack
[Link: metrahometheater.com]

IR Emitter Covers - 10 Pack
[Link: metrahometheater.com]

Oh yeah. I always forget that Ethereal has IR products as well.
I used their IR kit a few years ago and it worked fine. I didn't like the bright LEDs on top and on the power supply - I remember putting a piece of black electrical tape over them. Other than that, it was fine and worked well.

I haven't tried the CS-IRKITCCUS with the IR controlled relay yet. That looks really cool.