Ir remote extender

Types of IR remote extenders

An IR remote extender, also known as an infrared remote control extender, comes in several types, including an IR receiver/transmitter hub, an IRB, and cabling options that include using a CAT5 cable or coaxial cable.

• IR Receiver/Transmitter Hub

  This is a system made up of two main components, the receiver and the transmitter. The receiver is usually a small device with a sensor that captures the signals from the remote control. It is mounted in a visible location where the remote control will be used. The captured signals are then sent to the transmitter, usually mounted in a concealed location. The transmitter translates the remote control signals and sends them via infrared to the device being controlled.

• IRB

  An IRB is an infrared receiver block that combines a receiver and a transmitter in one sleek package. It has a receiver eye installed in an area where remote controls will be used and a transmitter that sends out infrared signals to the controlled device.

• Using a CAT5 Cable

  In some instances, users may prefer to use a CAT5 cable instead of coaxial cable. This type of IR remote control is also known as a series connection. The devices that will be controlled are connected to a central point using the same cable. Each device has a connecting block that translates the IR signals into commands understood by the electronics. This connection type is ideal for controlling devices in rooms where CAT5 cables have already been installed.

• Using Coaxial Cable

  Coaxial cable IR remote extenders are also called dual coax models. They use coaxial cables to connect to the audiovisual equipment. The system consists of a receiver unit and a transmitter unit. The receiver unit captures the signals from the remote control and sends them via the coaxial cable to a splitter located in the AV room. Each output from the splitter connects to a device, allowing control via one remote. This setup is beneficial for systems where multiple devices need to be controlled from a single remote in a location connected via coaxial cable.

Function and Features

An infrared remote control extender has several features that help to extend the range of regular IR remotes and improve user experience. Here are some of them:

• Receiving Unit (Remote)

  The receiving unit is an IR sensor. It detects infrared signals from remote controllers. The unit is usually small and shaped like a dome. It can be placed in an area where the user wants to transmit the remote's IR signal. The receiving unit captures the signal and sends it to the emitting device.

• Transmitting Unit (Blaster)

  The transmitting unit is also an IR LED. It takes the signal from the receiving unit and shines it to control the device that receives the remote's signal. The blaster can be placed in different positions to ensure that it can control all the target devices. Some IR extenders have multiple blasters to control multiple devices.

• Direct Line of Sight Not Required

  IR signals travel in straight lines. So, they need a clear line of sight between the remote and the controlled device. But an IR extender can work with no direct line of sight. It uses cables or wireless transmission. This way, the installer can hide the extender units behind furniture. The benefit of this is – beautifying the space and avoiding damage to the extender units.

• Compatibility with Various Devices

  IR remote control extenders work with many electronic devices, including older models not made for remote controls. Some IR extenders use learning technology, where the user records commands from remotes into the extender. Where an extender has broad compatibility, a single unit can control many devices. These include gadgets like TVs, audio systems, DVD players, projectors, and soundbars.

• Enhanced Control

  Some advanced models of IR extenders work with other control methods. These controls include bidirectional/ two-way RF and digital CEC (Consumer Electronics Control). Bidirectional IR gives feedback to the user. It tells the user if the command went through. Digital CEC allows control of multiple devices with a single remote. A good example is controlling a TV and a connected HDMI device with the TV remote.

Scenarios in which an IR remote extender can be useful

An IR remote extender is helpful in many scenarios where remote controls face line-of-sight obstacles in accessing equipment that they control. Here are some common situations where IR remote extenders are useful:

• Hidden or Enclosed A/V Equipment:

  As explained earlier, when the devices to be controlled are stored in cabinets, racks, or behind closed doors, direct line-of-sight access with the remote is not possible. An IR remote extender solves this problem by allowing the remote to operate the device even when it's not directly visible.

• Multiple Zone Audio/Video Systems:

  Some households have distributed audio/video systems where a central system feeds multiple zones or rooms. IR extenders let users control the main system from any zone or room without needing separate remotes or cabling.

• Beam and Bloke Systems:

  In more complex installations involving beam and bloke configuration (using multiple IR emitters and a receptor), IR extenders are essential for transmitting remote control signals to different areas of a large space seamlessly. They allow the user to send commands to the desired device, even if it's out of reach of a direct remote control signal.

• Discreet Installations:

  In some cases, aesthetic considerations may require keeping all electronics and wiring hidden from view. IR remote control extenders enable continued remote control operation of these devices while maintaining a clutter-free appearance.

• Ceiling-Mounted Projectors or TVs:

  Restaurants and commercial establishments often have entertainment systems installed in inaccessible locations, such as behind high-definition glass or flush-mounted in-wall displays. IR extenders facilitate control of these installations from a distance.

• Inconveniently Located Controls:

  Sometimes, equipment controls may be located in hard-to-reach places or behind obstacles like furniture. An IR remote control extender allows users to operate said equipment without having to move things around or stretch awkwardly to reach the control.

How to Choose an IR Remote Extender

Before stocking IR remote extenders, it is essential to consider important features or factors that will meet the target customer's needs;

• Signal transmission: Investigate how the information is communicated through the gadget. Only some organizations favor the RF design, while others pick Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Whatever the decision of the client, guarantee it upholds the model.
• Range: The range of a remote robot must be within agreeable limits, and it must work with a simple understanding of the remote robot's transmission reaches.
• Compatibility: To avoid things not working together, guarantee the robot vagabond is viable with client gadgets and frequencies.
• Multiple Device Control: Ascertain whether [prefer] or arbitrary robots to control various gadgets are to be procured. Investigate if dull remote robots can be mixed or single.
• User Interface: Consider the simplicity of getting everything rolling and arranging the robot trade.
• Budget: Like any other customer, evaluate and categorize the remote IR extender according to its budget relevance.
• Energy Sources: Make sure you know what extent it supports optional batteries and non-removable batteries so that batteries are never again a weight for clients.
• Product dimensions: Consider compactness, guaranteeing it aligns with room prerequisites and resembles related contraptions.

Q & A

Q: What is the range of an IR remote extender?

A: The range of an IR remote depends on the model. Most affordable models offer a range of around 30 meters, while more sophisticated models offer a range of more than 60 meters.

Q: What type of batteries do IR remote extenders use?

A: Various remote extenders use different battery types. Nonetheless, many of them use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Some models come with a rechargeable battery, while others require users to purchase the batteries separately.

Q: How is the remote IR device installer configured?

A: Configuring an IR remote is a straightforward process that users can do themselves. The steps may differ depending on the model. However, in most cases, users will need to connect the IR receiver to a power source, link it to the controlled device, and then place the IR transmitter in line of sight with the remote control. Users may need to download an app to set up the extender.

Q: Is it possible to control multiple devices with a universal remote?

A: Yes. Universals remotes are designed to control multiple devices. They have the capability of sending signals to different devices.