Hey there. I am trying to find the best solution for our situation. I'm not tech savvy, but my DH has deferred this decision to me since I am internet savvy.

We have all of our A/V components behind a closed cabinet. That includes our cable box, ONKYO home theater receiver, and Blu-ray player. They are on individual shelves. We have been leaving the cabinet open and using a combination of remotes. This is very unsatisfactory to me as it is so unsightly.

Initially, I thought the Harmony 900 was a perfect solution, albeit a pricey one. Then I read a review that said it was only good for less than 3 pieces of hidden equipment. Not sure it that's the case universally. I also read that it doesn't really have the range it promotes, but we will be in the same room less than 20 feet away.

Then I read about the Next Generation Remote Control Extender which works with remotes without RF technology. It has overwhelmingly positive reviews on Amazon. I'm confused about how you would place it in a cabinet so it would have a line of sight with each of the components separated by shelves.

Are either of these good options or is there something better that I am missing?

I've been checking in daily hoping for a response. Have I not provided enough information? Is this the right place to be asking? If you could just refer me to a link which might help me arrive at a decision on a remote, that would be useful too. Please.

You could use the Harmony 890 or the 900 for this. I believe the 900 rf package comes with 1 main rf to ir blaster with 2 mini blasters that plug into it. This is probably where you read that it was only good for 3 pieces. Not the case however because these blasters flood the area with IR where emitters would connect directly to the face of your equipment. So, if the components are stacked on 3 separate shelves, just put a blaster on each facing the door and it should back-splash the components.

The 900 is capable of controlling 12 devices according to the literature I read.

You could also go with the xsight touch and rf extender listed below.

[Link: remotecentral.com]

edit: I found the ARRX18G at Amazon for $142.76 and the extender for $59.99
Seems like the best bang for the buck!

[Link: amazon.com]

Thanks so much. Checking these out and I'll let you know what we decide on. I appreciate your help.

No prob, sent you an email because I had originally posted a link to the ARRX15G with the RF base station but it isn't capable of RF......only the ARRX18G will work if you go with Acoustic Research. Just edited before your reply and want to make sure you don't go with the wrong remote.

Also depends on cost and how much your willing to spend. One of the best solutions I've found so far after months of research is the RTI or Pronto TSU9600 (Been told Pronto is going bust.. true or not?!).

However both dont support customers and you do need to be tech savvy. Someone on here I bet would be more than willing to program one for you at an hourly rate of £30 and they could be all day on it at that!

OR

You could trace some Cat5 network cable with an IR blaster and use Harmony one! Probably the cheapest route if you can get it to work!

Hey Valleykat,

Just stumbled upon this thread and thought you may be interested if you were still looking or considering the Xsight Touch.

[Link: remotecentral.com]