IrRepeater
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Ask Engadget HD: Setting up IR repeaters?
As your home theater setup grows, for many a problem is moving components out of line of sight, and still being able to control them. While for a few a Bluetooth or other RF technology takes care of remote control issues, the majority of devices still rely on IR control, and making that work is what our friend Keith is trying to figure out: "Hopefully you can help me out. My father in-law had a custom entertainment cabinet made that has no windows. Obviously in order to work the components, the doors have to be open. He currently has a Comcast DVR and Blu-Ray player (Magnavox), all connected to a 60" LG LCD TV; which he would like to control with the doors shut. Naturally he is looking at me to solve his problem. Never having set up a I.R. repeater, I've done a little research on the good ol' web. I was surprised to find a range of products and prices to be able to set this up. Secondly, some look easy and some look complicated. I need help. What is the best, fairly cheapest, and easiest way to set up a repeater for the components listed? Do I have to buy 2 repeaters to be able to control both components or do they make one that branches off." We've talked about setting up IR blasters before and how to shift your components to an out of the way cabinet or similar, but for this specific request we're wondering what you're relying on to keep those little bursts of light headed in the right direction. As usual, drop any recommendations in the comments. Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Engadget HD explains: Where to put your DVR when you wall-mount your HDTV
With CableCARD enabled HDTVs being a complete bust and the crazy popular trend of mounting HDTVs on the wall, many wonder what they can do with their DVR or cable box. As you might expect, the crew over at Engadget HD is more than familiar with the options and lucky for you they actually wrote them down in an easy to digest format. So if you are the do-it-yourself type and are looking to relocate your HD DVR or noisy Xbox 360, then by all means what are you waiting for, click on through.
How to relocate a HD set-top-box and still have it work with an HDTV
We know how it goes, you pick up a nice big HDTV and a wall-mount only to get it all setup then realize you still need a place to put your HD set-top-box. Or maybe you have a nice piece of furniture nearby to hide the box in, but since it is out of sight you need to get the IR remote working. Or you could even be like us and refuse to have any equipment with a loud fan in your home theater -- yes we're talking about you Mr. Xbox 360. Luckily there is a workable solution and with a little money and some elbow grease, you can hide that box in a place that will be out of sight and out of mind.
