This is a follow-on to an earlier thread ('Where can I get long-range IR emitters?').

I have just bought a Powermid IR extender, but some components operate less reliably than others via this RF link. If I use a remote control directly in front of any of my kit then the response to IR signals is virtually 100% even if I just give one of the remote keys a very brief stab. However, to get my VCR to work via the extender, I have to press the keys in a much more deliberate fashion - holding down for about a quarter of a second. Quick presses seldom work at all.

The Powermid Receiver (IR re-transmitter) is directly in front of the VCR. The Powermid Transmitter (IR receiver) is well within range so I assume it can't be an RF reception issue. I get the same results with a variety of remotes, including my Pronto RU980.

I temporarily taped one of the Powermid's optional stick-on emitters directly over VCR's IR receptor but the results were no different.

My satellite receiver is more reliable with the Powermid but it still sometimes misses signals unless you hold the remote key down that little longer. In contrast, my stereo pre-amp only works via the extender when it feels like it! Holding the keys down longer doesn't help in this case.

Any suggestions?

This message was edited by David Anderson on 02/23/05 10:35 ET.

Has no one out there got any experiences to share on Powermid IR Extenders, or any similar products?

Yes, their mostly not reliable!

We very much try to avoid them because of their unreliability. Standing on one leg seems to help the best but they are still very cumbersome and ugly. There are reliable alternatives at a higher price.

If you're just trying to penetrate a cabinet or you can run a wire to the extended location, the Xantech Xtra link kit works perfect - around $125. Speakercraft, Niles and Sonance also make a wired kit - these are not RF.

If money is less of an object, several remote controls will do both RF and hopefully simplify your AV system - Universal remote control MX-350 ($175?), 600 or the PC based 800 and 850 ($375). We mainly setup the 800 & 850. We generally get around 70 - 115 feet depending on what's in the walls.

I'm arranging to return the Powermid units. I need confidence that each and every IR code will be transmitted correctly - especially as I want to create macros on my Pronto. A sequence of commands, only some of which work, will not make the AV system easier for my wife to operate! However, to be fair, I haven't actually tried it while standing on one leg ........

The Universal range of controls is not widely available in the UK and the prices seem to have a dollar-pound equivalence, i.e. a price uplift of 1.8 times the US price! Since hard-wiring is no problem for me, that seems by far the best and most economical solution. I just have to get over my aesthetic objections to stick-on emitters or find a way to mount them inside the equipment cases.

Lots of secret spaceman ways of hiding emitters. You might consider a blaster mounted inside the cabinet. Most of the companies mentioned carry these as options.