Hi,

I'm sure lot's of you have a similar problem.

My TV is in front of me and my A/V kit is behind me. I'd like to use my Pronto to control the whole lot by just pointing at the TV.

I've bought an extender from Keene (in the UK). Whilst the unit itself works it doesn't quite solve my dilema. The unit can only output to 4 low power wands and 1 high power wand.

I have 5 units to control in my A/V rack. I was hoping to point the high power wand at the rack but the wand appears to be too directional, only controlling the particular device it's aimed at.

Solution 2 is to tape the low powered wands directly to the units. The problem with that is I have 5 units and the extender will only power 4 low power wands. Plus I'll have a whole fistful of extra wires all over my neat A/V stack.

What have you guys done to solve your control problems?

Thanks, in advance,

Phil

Phil,

A strategically-placed mirror would work. My drop-down screen reflects IR to all of my units, as do most white walls.

Larry

Larry, thanks for the reply.

Unfortunately there is a wood-burning stove and associated fireplace in the way of the AV stack, so it would need a whole raft of mirrors arranged persicope-like to work. Not something that the wife would agree to - me thinks.

ATB,

Phil

Try a leapfrog- they are great at carring the signals from point A to Point B. They are intended for AV, but the remote capabilities are suberb and they can keep up with IR macros at a very fast rate.

http://www.terk.com

Greg

The best solution would be a hardwired IR distribution network such as those made by Xantech. I'm not sure about Xantech in the UK but since all it needs is one 12VDC power input I'd imagine that it would be compatable.

You'd build a system consisting of a receiver (near your screen) and a connecting block and multiple stick-on emitters at your AV rack. The two would be connected via a 2-pair twisted pair wire (phone wire, Cat3/Cat5, etc.) which could be easily hidden under carpet or pulled through the walls.

The whole system would be less than US$200 and, being hardwired, reliability would be as good as it gets.

You can see the Xantech products at [Link: homeautomationnet.com]

Greg & Larry,

Thanks for your posts. The Xantech system looks similar to what I have, only more flexible. I'll be in the states a few times next month (MIA, LAX, JFK), I'll have to see whether anywhere stocks these things 'off the shelf'.

On another, 'totally unrelated' note, I became a father yesterday for the 1st time. Thomas Charles was born at 10:42 BST and boy does he have a good pair of lungs. Anyone got a set of discrete codes for him?

ATB,

Phil

We have an 18 month old boy who quickly figured out that the Pronto had something to do with getting Barney and Teletubbies up on the TV so he'll get it and start punching buttons. The remotes, calculators, and anything else that looks similar, must be kept out of reach or we'll soon be hearing "where's Barney" fits.

I'll do my best.

My wife said yesterday 'Thank goodness that's over!', to which I said 'Actually, I think it's only just beginning!'

ATB,

Phil

Phil: Congrats

Hey, Phil, believe me, it IS only beginning. My 'baby' boy is 14 now, and I wouldn't change a thing. He was adept at using my VCR, including adjusting the tracking (!) at two. Seems he was motivated.

Congratulations!!

Larry

They learn fast...

Here's a short MPEG of our then 16-mo old trying to play the Barney DVD.

[Link: members.home.net]

I have the magnetic door latch plunger's wired in the compressed position as he quickly learned that he could open the doors by pushing on them. He'd apparently watched us pry the doors open. His Barney movie is on DVD and he's watched us put it in many times. Here he's taken a audio CD from it's jewel case, uses CD to pry open the doors, hits eject on the DVD player, removed the old DVD, inserts the CD and pushes the door closed. The movie runs out but he then stood back watching the TV waiting for Barney to start.

I've realigned the glass doors to eliminate the gap between doors. So far he hasn't figured out another way in.

Thanks everyone.

I hope I'll learn as fast as he will. Changed my first nappy today - the first of 2000 apparently - nice.

I see why my colleagues say they come to work to get some rest!

Going to get some sleep now - well, after I've taken the skirting board off and laid some more co-ax to the next room. Must get everything shipshape before the weekend when the new arrival makes his entrance.

ATB,

Phil

ps About the original thread - anyone know of Xantech suppliers in either Miami, LA or NYC that might carry stock?

Have you checked with Bill at HomeAutomationNet.com? He can probably work something out so you can pickup your stuff while in the US.

Not yet. I'll send him an email when I'm a bit more compus mentus. LA would be best for me as I get a day off whilst there.

Thanks,

Phil