We recently set up a system with a HTM MX700 over RF, and a Russound controller. Both are controlling the same stack of equipment, so we ended up with IR emitters from both systems on the same devices.

However as soon as the Russound emitters are placed anywhere near the equipment, it stops the RF emitters working. We tested with a normal Xantech IR block, and proved as soon as you introduce the Russound emitter, it blocks the other system - HTM or Xantech.

When I say Russound emitters, I mean any plugged into the Russound - we tested, it wasn't the actual emitter itself. Does anyone know if Russound systems have some sort of strange IR output, and how to get around this?

is it a russound system with in wall ir keypads?

Yes, the basic keypads that allow you to select sources.

I know in dealing with russound systems in the past the keypads were passive, they would pass ir whether the system was on or off. if you have any interferance where you have a keypad it could over power the other ir system and and cause the problems you are experiencing. a way to test this is to find a flashing emitter and plug it in to the russ system if it is glowing red then you have interferance.

We tried a flashing emitter on there, it wasn't glowing that I remember, but maybe I just didn't notice.

We also tried it in conjunction with a Xantech IR, and it affected that in the same way it affected the RF IR. So it must be outputting something, and yes it did happen all the time - without any input or the Russound even being on.

The Russound emitter didn't even have to be on the equipment to cause a problem, just within 6 inches or so.

doesn't sound right to me I've used russound emitters and never had this problem. Is the system in standby or is the power cord unplugged from the wall ? if the system is in standby the keypads are still on and may be causing interferance.

The system was in standby, not unplugged. I'm sure there's some signal coming through, I'm just interested in how I can shield the other emitters from it, or how to stop it broadcasting that signal.

I've never seen this issue before either, which is why I'm asking. :)

lol

call xantech. you may be able to put a small resistor in line with the russound emitters

Just a thought...I recently had similar problems with my Russound IR products. So I bought some Niles products. Same problem. I have never had that sort of problem with that same equipment in the past. Only one thing changed in my system. I now have a Plasma. I had to get a device from Russound to filter Plasma noise and Niles has a Plasma proof IR reciever. Is there a Plasma source that may be affecting the Russound IR recievers?

No plasma source, although that's a good idea.

In terms of the resistors, which would you suggest, and where from?

Not sure of the value resistor but the inline fix (a circuit all wrapped in heat shrink that will require the same power as the IR Block) that Russound sent me was to drop one of the frequencies. The IR block will send out and "blast" two ir frequencies and according to Russound it is like two people yelling at eachother. You aren't going to pick up the conversation very well. You may want to call the Russound Tech Support, they were very helpful with my dilema. (603)659-5170