I am in the process of setting up my Home Theater System. It is going to be a pretty basic system. 1 Receiver, 1 Digital HD Cable Box, 1 DVD Player and the Plasma TV. My equipment is going to be located on a different level from the TV. I want a single remote that will control all of the equipment and to be able to control the equipment from a different level from the TV. What is the best way to set this up? I am guessing a universal remote and a way to extend the signals? How do you suggest hooking this up all together?

Distance from equipment to TV? Reciever, DVD, plasma model?

Off the cuff, I would use component video thru reciever and implement a MX-850 with MRF-250 RF unit. This will be the easiest/cleanest connection method. You can run all video sources directly to plasma IF set has sufficient inputs, discrete IR codes, etc. Run quality RG59 for component cables. We use MIT silver mini RG59. Liberty and others also make quality cable.

The distance from the Plasma to the reciver is 25'. I plan on using a DVI cable for my DVD player and a component cable for the Digital HD Box to the TV. My receiver, DVD, and Cable Box are only 1' away from each other.. The only long distance runs are the DVI and Componenet cable. Will the setup you described still work? I am in the process of learning and don't know a whole lot.

Also how does RF compare to IR? It is know problem for me to run a CAT 5 Cable as I am running my Component and DVI Cable. Does the MRF-250 RF have to be in the room with the plasma? I just have a plasma on the wall with in wall speakers and dont have any shelves or tables. I would like to hide a very little transmitter near a speaker or on the side of the Plasma.

The MRF-250 would be located with the other components(out of site)
With the MX-850,MRF-250 setup, not only do you get one of the best remotes to date,( you'll wonder how you ever got along without it!!!) you also won't have to deal with the plasma 'flooding' the IR reciever that would be required if you use the 'IR extender' method.

How hard is it to program a MX 850? I have never done such a thing and I want one remote that the whole family can use including the kids and wife when I am out of town.

Programing the 850 is a joy!
I can't say that about a pronto.
The learning curve is pretty short if you are familiar with windows in general.
Since it is your first time, it will probably take 3 hours or so.
At least it won't be a frustrating 3 hours! Once you start to discover the 'power' that you have to do almost anything to make it a simple remote to operate, you might become enthralled with it.

The best part is, if you find that you made a mistake, it's easy to make changes. You never have to 'start over'!

As far as family usability, They will love you for buying this remote!!!!
Mine did!
My grandma 'house sits' on occasion and has no problem at all!! Her only complaint is that her "TV" doesn't sound as good as mine! She has no idea that she is running an entire system (the equipment is in a closet)!

Best money I've ever spent.

I personally use a mx-800 in my house which is the old 850. My wife uses it confidently, my 4 year old, and any guests. Its one of the best in the price range. I would consider doing the main page items like this
WATCH TV-->
WATCH DVD->
LISTN CD-->

You get the point. Its more descript than dvd or cd or tv. It helps eliminate the guess work for noobs picking up the remote for the first time. I actually have mine setup as the button associated with WATCH is surround sound and the buttons getting pointed at uses the sound within the TV.

oex brought up a valid point.The 850 is VERY flexible.
Use your imagination and set it up in a way that works for you!

Customization at it's finest !

And you won't lose your mind trying to get it 'right'!!!

Another question. Since my equipment will be located on a different level from the Plasma and the remote will work off of RF singnal, will I need to run an Ir wire or RF wire from my tv to the equipment, or will the remote do both RF and IR? How would you handle this setup?

the remote will do both. if you are running wires it would be advised to run an additional cat5 for future ir if needed

oex,
You seem to be recommending the use of Cat5 cables for extending control signals to IR emitters. Is this normal practice? Is Cat5 suitable for IR cable runs of up to 30 feet?

I am doing some work on my house at present and now is this time to run any cables that might be needed in future. I happen to have Cat5 cable already available, but I want to use the correct cable for the job. However, I have no idea what cable specification is appropriate for IR use - hence the question.

Hi David,

We have been doing custom installs for 2 years using cat5 for runs over 100' for ir transmission. It works fine and i cant think of a more cost effective way of running that distance with no comprimise on quality.

Just for clarification, let me explain that I want to extend the leads for both IR receivers and one or two emitters, but Xantech tech support told me yesterday that they don't recommend Cat 5 for extending emitter leads. However, extending receivers with Cat 5 is not a problem.

To quote the tech rep, "When extending the emitter output ports on the 791-44 Amplified Connecting Block do not use CAT5 wire. Use 18GA copper stranded wire. You can go approximately 100 feet".