Hey everyone, getting close to finalizing our custom built in for living room. We deciding not to go with glass and have wood panels. Unfortunately, that poses a problem to turn on components (DVR, PS4, etc) Don't want to have to open the doors every time we play a game or have to use the remote. I heard there is some infrared radar or "eye" you can buy to install and that way you don't have to open the cabinets everytime to use the remote. Anyone tried this or know where/what to buy? If it was easy to install?
radar eye to connect all components
- Thread starter shadyoc
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And are really picky about line of sight.
You're looking for an IR blaster. If you need a universal remote look into the Logitech harmony system, there are several models. I like the one with the simple remote. You can also use your iPhone or iPad to control your system. Pretty easy install using the iPhone app. If you have components in different cabinets you may need to buy a second blaster for the harmony.
irvinehomeowner
Well-known member
For your PS4 (and this also applies to the PS3), they use Bluetooth... so you don't have to worry about line of sight / IR.
irvinehomeowner
Well-known member
IR = Infrared = requires line of sight which is why you need glass or an IR blaster
RF = Radio Frequency = doesn't need line of sight but may not work with thick obstacles between the transmitter and receiver depending on the power of the transmitter (like walkie talkies). You usually see this used to extend WiFi signals.
Bluetooth (what the PS3/4 uses) is like RF, doesn't require line of sight, you can actually turn on your PS3/4 from another room or even a different floor. Not compatible with an RF extender unless it's a BT extender (so yes... it will "read" behind a cabinet door).
RF = Radio Frequency = doesn't need line of sight but may not work with thick obstacles between the transmitter and receiver depending on the power of the transmitter (like walkie talkies). You usually see this used to extend WiFi signals.
Bluetooth (what the PS3/4 uses) is like RF, doesn't require line of sight, you can actually turn on your PS3/4 from another room or even a different floor. Not compatible with an RF extender unless it's a BT extender (so yes... it will "read" behind a cabinet door).
Have you considered wire mesh doors?
http://www.houzz.com/photos/media-room/orange-county/wire-mesh-cabinet-doors
http://www.houzz.com/photos/media-room/orange-county/wire-mesh-cabinet-doors
irvinehomeowner
Well-known member
The ones I have are.lovingit said:
And are really picky about line of sight.
aquabliss
Well-known member
Yes *all* Cox is IR and nothing on the horizon from what I gather. Cox is so far behind and I don't get why. Any TV you want HD cable on you need a huge freakin' box that has to be plugged into coaxial.
I was hesitant at first to switch to DirecTV after being with Cox for 10 years but service so far has been fine, and I love the Genie Mini boxes with RF remotes and small wireless boxes that I can take out to the garage, in the backyard, or in the office.
I bought extra AC adapters for all my frequent box locations on eBay (about $10 ea) so it's literally 1-2 minutes to unhook the box from location 1, leave all cables there and just move it to location 2/3/4 where I have cables waiting, connect and power on.
If you want to stick with Cox, I did use this with my hidden components and it worked well for the most part. Not perfect but good enough:http://www.amazon.com/Next-Generation-Remote-Control-Extender/dp/B000C1Z0HA/
I was hesitant at first to switch to DirecTV after being with Cox for 10 years but service so far has been fine, and I love the Genie Mini boxes with RF remotes and small wireless boxes that I can take out to the garage, in the backyard, or in the office.
I bought extra AC adapters for all my frequent box locations on eBay (about $10 ea) so it's literally 1-2 minutes to unhook the box from location 1, leave all cables there and just move it to location 2/3/4 where I have cables waiting, connect and power on.
If you want to stick with Cox, I did use this with my hidden components and it worked well for the most part. Not perfect but good enough:http://www.amazon.com/Next-Generation-Remote-Control-Extender/dp/B000C1Z0HA/
remote access
New member
Sounds like you're looking to control a few devices in that cabinet, as well as your TV. As others have mentioned, an IR repeater system is the simplest and most comprehensive solution. I've seen many systems like that. The problem with line-of-sight systems is that they can (and will) miss occasionally. If you program your harmony remote or comparable universal remote with macro commands, there is a greater chance of some of those commands missing.
I would look for an RF system that sends the rf to a converter in the cabinet, which then converts the signals to IR. This covers many devices and is easily expanded. If you plan ahead, you can wire the TV to also receive the IR command through the converter. If done in this fashion, you don't have to worry about people, pets, etc. blocking your IR path to the repeater system. It's relatively bulletproof.
I would look for an RF system that sends the rf to a converter in the cabinet, which then converts the signals to IR. This covers many devices and is easily expanded. If you plan ahead, you can wire the TV to also receive the IR command through the converter. If done in this fashion, you don't have to worry about people, pets, etc. blocking your IR path to the repeater system. It's relatively bulletproof.