Well, I received the IRF-6 this morning and wasted no time installing it and modifying my remote to accomodate the RF. I'm controlling 4 different components using RF--Faroudja DVP-2200, Denon DVD-5000, TiVo and DTC-100. All of them worked almost flawlessly at the first try.

One word of advice however, the antenna positioning is VERY touchy. I found moving the antenna only a few feet could totally disable reception. I've got it about 5' off the ground and about 3 feet from my component shelf. I'm somewhat surprised at how critical this seems to be. But, since I've found the "sweet spot", I've had totally reliable control.

Jim:

What is the range of the unit??

I have had no problem within a perimeter of about 20 feet. I have a full graphics/video studio I operate within my home, so the competing RF from tape machines and several computers could be a limiting factor. My only requirement for the RF was complete reliability within my living room and I now have that.

Thanks Jim.

Boy 20 feet does not sound like a lot. I am hoping to have it in my basement and use it in my bedroom.

Yikes!

Will

I agree with Will. I am considering the T2 for my whole house distributed audio and video system. If the IR range is not at least 75 feet this remote will be of no use to me. Any comment from RTI?

I would like re-state that antenna placement is absolutely critical. It's very possible that I could extend the range by experimenting further with the antenna. My only concern was getting it to work in my living room. Also don't underestimate just how much RF interference emanates from my studio.

I don't have this remote, but in the past I have tried a number of RF solutions to "extend" the range of IR. Long story short, RF is never going to be as reliable as a hard wired solution, which I've now done throughout my house. I've had RF solutions work great, then for some reason quit working for a day or two, then start working again. These days, there are too many sources of radio interference that can come and go. I guess what I'm saying is if reliablity is important, hard wire it! Just my opinion.

I agree that hard wiring is the most reliable system. However, for some of us it is very difficult if not impossible. I don't want to debate which way, RF or IR is better. Both have pro's and con's depending on your individual situation. What I NEED to know is what is the stated and real working range of the T2 in RF mode. 20', 50', 100'? This will be a critical factor for those of us trying to control equipment from throughout our house. For my application the T2's RF capability is it's key feature. If it doesn't operate my equipment from 50-100' away its just another cool universal remote that won't work for my application.

Very odd -- I stuck the antenna in what I felt was a horrible position and had great reception throughout my house.

I am getting about 50 to 60 feet rock solid on the unit I am testing which I think is very good. I have installed many RF remote systems from different manufacturers and the first thing you have to remember is there is no such thing as a whole house remote no matter how much you spend.

RF is a black art, just like grounding audio. There is no guaranty that that you will get the range the manufacturer states, they measure in a perfect world with no interference and on top of that the FCC regulates how powerful the remotes can be.

There are all kinds of limiting factors such as if you live near a radio or TV station, the neighbors cordless phone, the other neighbors baby monitor, computers, high end A/V gear, microwave ovens, pagers, light dimmers, etc. all emit RF noise that can mess up ANY RF system.

Bill H.