Yes I can put a traditional IR repeating system in, in fact there is already one in there. I would just have to plug the emiiter into it. But I really want everything to be RF if possible. If we can get URC to get involved here, perhaps thay can come up with a solution. I have emailed Eric Johnson and gave him the link to this thread. Perhaps he can visit here and comment.

Within a few days I will try to plug the emitter into the Xantech connecting block and see if how things work. I will aslo try the Russound 56K remod too. I will surely report back my findings.

If the customer decides to get another HD (non TIVO) sat receiver, are there any out there that have discrete power commands and do not have these IR issues (related to the MX850/MRF300 hardware)?

I have perfect functionality of 3 DTivos (1 HD) with Xantech emitters and the MX-500 remotes. One Tivo has 2 emitters operating it. I do not put the emitter on the Tivo since I had similar problems with that method, I put it directly in front of the sensor taped to the shelf with the standard 2-sided tape Xantech provides. As long as the Tivo isn't moved, it works 100% of the time. The Xantech stuff is a 490-Kit and a 291-Kit with standard 283M blink emitters.

Actually, one of the Tivos has the emitter not taped to the shelf. We don't want it always in place so it simply sits there loose. When control is needed through the wire, we slide it over in front of the IR sensor and it works fine.

Tivo issues such as slowness and occasional failing to respond to commands is outside of the HTM/Xantech setup. I hate when it starts "thinking" and doesn't respond for several seconds. Happens more on the HD version, its processor really is not up to snuff.

BTW, the new sat boxes are all Hughes branded, but that doesn't mean the other mfgrs have stopped making them. The Tivos are still the same as always, made in the same factory. I believe LG will be making the new DVR hardware (not software), there was a news story earlier this week somewhere. Don't know about others, but Hughes has always contracted this stuff out, I believe.

Hey guys,
Heres the link to the 56k IR Remodulator.
[Link: russound.com] Products
Must register with Russound to get on the site. Registration is free though. It is found in the doc center under infared products

Unfortunately, you cannot plug the power portion of the remodulator in, it only comes with a set of flying leads, so you have to splice into a 1/8" stereo plug. Easiest way I have done that is to keep the plugs from old IR emitters that are DOA and use them.

Any questions, let me know.

Wire Nuts,

I should be getting this any day. Does it come with an instruction sheet? I can't download the pdf because it is an executable to pdf. I have something wrong with being able to read pdfs inside a browser so I have to right click, save and then open them. But Russound's site doesn't allow this becasue there is no direct link to the actual pdf. . It is an .htm that executes opening the pdf - which I currently can't do. Or if you already have the pdf, could you email it to me? Thanks.

I sent you an email with instruction sheet. Hope it helps

Wire Nuts,

Yes that is very helpful. I hope Trunk is wrong and this makes a difference. I will be sure and post my results here. Thanks!

what ever happened here? did the remodulator take care of this problem or not?

I have not had a chance to go to the job and try it. I don't think it is going to help but I want to keep an open mind. I will have to go to this job within the next 10 days - and plan on trying it then. Currently, I have the emitter placed in the upper right quadrant of the IR window and it IS working nearly 100% of the time, so I am reluctant to "disturb" it. I also talked to Joe Spinelli at URC and discussed the problem with him. They were trying to get their hands on a unit to do some testing. I emailed him my file, and he looked at the IR carrier with a IR utility that he has. Based on what he saw, he also felt that the remodulator would not help - but hope springs eternal.

Maybe they're open to feedback from us, and now's the time to find out. They certainly must realize that their long-term sucess can depend largely on custom installers.

This thread might make a good opening letter, along with a sort of petition from this and maybe other forums, expressing what we feel will make a new device a winner.

The ir code set transmission has not changed since the inception of the directivo boxes for directv. I have several jobs with multiple monitors in the same room (8 on one job) with 8 discrete code sets. As I have transitioned this job to HD over the last 3 years there are now 5 HD and 3 SD boxes in the same room and after assigning the remote code set to the new boxes the codes programmed into the the TSU7000 work without a hitch. This comment is limited to DirectTIVO boxes and includes HR10-250.

I can work my HD TiVo from down the street with a RTI RP-1 and a T2. I also have a couple of 7000 and 3000's working as well, only one of those with the Philips RF though.

I think this is my 2nd post. What's up y'all. Name's Mark, custom installer from LA. Jumping right in...

So is RTI or direct IR emitters (xantech/russound/niles) the only way to really fix this problem? I have an 850 set up with a mrf300 and have been called back to a fairly simple home theater job 3 times. And again today. If I was to go with RTI, anyone have programming tips? I've just begun selling RTI, and I've programmed a T3 with an RP6, but I would like to use a T2+ with an RP1 for this job.

Also, for this HR10-250, does the IR in that's located in the back of the box work for anyone?

I have been using an HR10-250 for almost two years and I do not have any issues with IR. I have a SpeakerCraft IR repeater going, with a high-power, whole-cabinet blaster. Fine with Pronto and fine with the Nevo SL.

Dave