Why not just assume the worst and use flat panel friendly sensors from word go...?

Or just be prepared to replace your sensor if need be.

Any word yet on an RF version of the ONE?

Sorry, I misunderstood. I thought you already had the Niles repeater.

There does seem to be potential interference from the LCD backlight, at least at startup. One easy way to test it would be to put your DVD player next to the TV and see if the DVD remote has any problems. If not then the IR repeater should work also.

You should also be aware that RF is also susceptible to interference (although not from TVs). Probably not likely but it is possible.

RF interference can be much worse than IR interference. How often have you seen a regular remote IR remote not working due to IR interference? Probably not very often, or maybe never. However, RF interference can come in many forms. The extender functions on 900 MHz but interference (harmonic or otherwise) can be caused by many things, such as baby monitors, wireless intercoms, cordless phones (especially ones like Panasonic which use a very strong transmission signal, albeit on different frequencies such as 2.4 GHz or 5.8 GHz, or WiFi transmission though rarely), metal objects, your neighbours latest gizmo or gadget emitting strong RF signals ... since wireless transmissions travel through objects, it's much more difficult to narrow down RF interference. One time I had set up an RF extender transmitting through one wall to an AV closet; the extender would not respond. Nearby the AV closet was another closet full of clothes hanging on metal hangers and as soon as the clothes and hangers were removed, everything worked peachy. We tried moving the extender all over the place but it would not work until the metal hangers were removed.

Just $0.02

Good point... I was concerned about the IR extender being overwhelmed though, not his OEM remotes not working...(which would be quite the blunder by the flat panel manufacturer...lol)


Is this the operating frequency of the 890...?

Would you mind expanding on the exact equipment you were using xpat? I'm sure some would like to know.

Yes, that would be LOL. However, you make a good point. IR repeaters can be overwhelmed by the Harmony remotes, which is why I always say they *should* work but sometimes you need a little tweaking; since the Harmony sends out commands in sequence as per its programming, timing delays sometimes need to be increased a little or repeats adjusted. Not every time, but sometimes. I would attribute that more as a limitation of the IR repeater, since they have to receive the IR, translate it and then retransmit it ... sometimes improperly recognizing the IR sent from the Harmony, usually just because it's sent too fast (but I've also had cases where the command in the Harmony database was slightly different from the IR command sent by the original remote, and though both remotes worked fine pointed directly at the equipment, the Harmony IR command would be incorrectly retransmitted by the IR repeater -- though working fine with the original remote).


Yes, all z-wave products transmit on 900 MHz as far as I know. The 890 follows the z-wave standard.

[Link: z-wave.com]
[Link: en.wikipedia.org]

Sorry, I don't quite follow. Which other equipment were you referring to? I'll be glad to elaborate what I can.

Sorry xpat... You didn't mention exactly what brand of RF equipment you were using so i didn't want to jump to the conclusion it was indeed Harmony stuff without asking. My experience is more centered around URC and philips product, and have had no problems such as poorly place coat hangers.

Ah, yes, sorry for not being entirely clear on that point. It was a Harmony remote, the 890 series.

I believe the major cause for this problem is that the Harmony remote transmits at such a lower power level ... I've heard of even WiFi routers overpowering Harmony RF transmission. It's possible that URC, Philips, and others use a stronger RF signal (I don't have any statistics to compare the others). To be honest, I was surprised by the coat hanger incident but not terribly shocked (due to other strange RF interference problems I've seen).

Check out www.xantech.com they have great products and great support.
Having owned an 880 (basically the ir version of the 890) and a One I can tell you that the One is the best remote I have ever owned, period.
Good luck,
Phil

+1


Well considering you've only used two remotes. I'm not sure how profound your statement is. Although it's always a great to find something that satisfies your needs.

Hi Guys
This is my first post on remote central.
I am wanting to replace my Marantz RC-5400 with the Harmony One for its easy programming.
My system is in a dedicated room, with the Sony VPL-100 being overhead and behind me.
My amps are at the front of the room. The processor, HD DVD player and my Blue ray player are sitting at the side of my room. The Theta turns on the amps via the low voltage trigger.
My question is will the Harmony with its one button select option be able to turn on my gear without having to wave the remote in all of the directions of my gear or will I need to get repeater of some sort.
Thanks for your help,
Rugyboogie

It will work the same as the OEM remotes work now. If you can turn on everything by pointing the OEM remotes in one spot then you can do that with the Harmony. If you need to point it in different directions for each OEM remote then you'll need an IR repeater (or use the 890 w/ remote extender). Either way you'll have to run wires, and using an IR repeater will give you more flexibility (it works with any remote - universal or OEM). IF you go with the 890 then only the 890 will work with the RF extender. And the One with IR repeater should be no more expensive than the 890 w/RF extender.

I use a Niles system with the IR receiver in the wall just above the TV but they also make sensors you can put in a cabinet frame or in the ceiling. Then you run IR emitters to all the equipment. The only potential problem is interference from some flat screens but with a projector that shouldn't be an issue.

Also note that a reflective screen or well placed mirror might also work if the angles are correct - allowing you to point the remote at the screen and operate all the equipment. Just depends on the angles and the reflector.

Hey Rugy,

Giving a little more detail on how you have the current control system done with the 5400, would help.

-are you using RF basestations or IR extenders now?
-if so, how many?
-are you really interested in bouncing IR around the room with mirrors, mimicking some ancient egyptian room lighting?

I ask so we can determine whether or not the One will blend in nicely, or You'll have to do some rewiring.

While I can certainly understand why you'd be interested in the Harmony One. You've ran head first into the biggest complaint with this remote...no RF.

You're the only one I remember with that complaint. Not everyone wants or needs RF.

I never said he "needs" RF. Although you keep telling everyone that they don't. I asked for more info about what he is currently using so he can make the best decision, not just what you think he should do.

Now... are you trying to tell me that the number one complaint about the One isn't the lack of RF...?

If so please tell me what it is....I'm very curious about your take on it.