AV control systems

[brissleboy]

If I were to hide all my kit underneath the stairs (Sky boxes, Apple TV, PS3, etc), what is an effective way of controlling these devices without breaking the bank?

[belleair302]

iPhone with apps.

[anonymous-user]

Obedient wife or good butler.

[brissleboy]

garyhun said:

Obedient wife or good butler.

I was actually thinking of training the dog...

[heisthegaffer]

Infra-red extenders? Never used them so other more qualified people will prob be better at explaining but that's my first thought.

[JimbobVFR]

There's many different ways of achieving what you want.

If you're happy with the existing method, I.e. I presume you currently have a selection of remotes for each device, then an infrared extender of some sort would transmit the Infrared from your remotes to the cupboard, something called a Powermid could do the job here. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Marmitek-PowerMid-XL-infra...

The next step would be to look at replacing the multiple remotes you already have with something else to control everything. Something like certain Logitech Harmony remotes have the ability to emit IR and also transmit wirelessly to a base station which emits IR for your hidden devices. Additionally a Harmony will automate everything and make day to day use much more pleasant.

You could also look at using an existing device, I.e. a smartphone or tablet to duplicate this functionality. An app like iRule let's you setup multiple remotes on screen, you'd then need a piece of hardware to connect to the network and emit IR signals to your kit. www.globalcache.co.uk are one option.
Logitech recently launched a similar product called the ultimate hub, this uses an app on your phone/tablet but is also available with a dedicated remote so the best of both worlds.

I've been tempted to use a phone/tablet based system to replace my ageing Philips Pronto system but still prefer having a dedicated handset that doesn't get nicked to play CBeebies and is always on its charging base when needed.

Don't forget some of your devices may not actually need any help with this.
PS3 - the controllers are Bluetooth with a very good range. Mine work anywhere in my house, the genuine Sony remote is also the same
Sky - The Sky+ app gives control of the HD box (apart from selecting iPlayer content annoyingly)

[brissleboy]

JimbobVFR said:

There's many different ways of achieving what you want.

If you're happy with the existing method, I.e. I presume you currently have a selection of remotes for each device, then an infrared extender of some sort would transmit the Infrared from your remotes to the cupboard, something called a Powermid could do the job here. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Marmitek-PowerMid-XL-infra...

The next step would be to look at replacing the multiple remotes you already have with something else to control everything. Something like certain Logitech Harmony remotes have the ability to emit IR and also transmit wirelessly to a base station which emits IR for your hidden devices. Additionally a Harmony will automate everything and make day to day use much more pleasant.

You could also look at using an existing device, I.e. a smartphone or tablet to duplicate this functionality. An app like iRule let's you setup multiple remotes on screen, you'd then need a piece of hardware to connect to the network and emit IR signals to your kit. www.globalcache.co.uk are one option.
Logitech recently launched a similar product called the ultimate hub, this uses an app on your phone/tablet but is also available with a dedicated remote so the best of both worlds.

I've been tempted to use a phone/tablet based system to replace my ageing Philips Pronto system but still prefer having a dedicated handset that doesn't get nicked to play CBeebies and is always on its charging base when needed.

Don't forget some of your devices may not actually need any help with this.
PS3 - the controllers are Bluetooth with a very good range. Mine work anywhere in my house, the genuine Sony remote is also the same
Sky - The Sky+ app gives control of the HD box (apart from selecting iPlayer content annoyingly)

This is really helpful, thank you. The plan is definitely to get rid of all the remotes and replace them with one that will be out of reach of those pesky kids, something like a Logitech Harmony sounds perfect, does it work okay i.e. smoothly and responds to touch quickly? I had a Squeezebox system before Sonos and it wasn't very fluid at all, even quite clunky.

[Too Late]

Keene ir receiver is what I use.
Great bit of kit.

Siple receiver in the lounge and I ran it about 12 metres to my kit under the stairs

[JimbobVFR]

brissleboy said:

This is really helpful, thank you. The plan is definitely to get rid of all the remotes and replace them with one that will be out of reach of those pesky kids, something like a Logitech Harmony sounds perfect, does it work okay i.e. smoothly and responds to touch quickly? I had a Squeezebox system before Sonos and it wasn't very fluid at all, even quite clunky.

Well I'll disagree on the Squeezebox comment so you may not agree with my views anyway ☺ to be fair there were many different varieties of SB and they were dependant on the server for performance.

Anyway yes the Harmony's are nice to use. I had one for a short while but decided on adding the RF extender and 2nd Pronto to the Pronto I had instead and sold it. Nothing wrong with it at all but not wasn't quite as flexible as my Pronto. I did however spend many hours programming the Pronto at the time, I'd never have the time or patience to do that now.

I've not tried any of the newer Harmonys but the new Hub with either a smartphone and/or the appropriate remote does look intriguing.

When I do eventually replace my prontos though I reckon I'll probably end up going for a 2nd hand iPod touch to iPhone as a dedicated device with some combination of globalcache devices. That way the iPod/iPhone will have a dock and be able to run decent squeezebox apps and be a SB playback device in conjunction with a portable airplay speaker.

[Bullett]

IR extender + harmony works well for me. For the PS3 you need the add on IR to bluetooth dongle if you have an IR only controller.
Go for a dedicated device, and iphone/tablet is a terrible idea. I don't even really like the touch screen bit on my Harmony.

Want to change channel?
Find phone.
Unlock phone.
Open app.
Change channel whilst looking at the app

or

Find controller
Change channel by feel alone

[h0b0]

I have a Harmony 900 in my lounge and an ultimate in my basement. The 900 feels like a better quality product and has buttons for the numbers. The ultimate has touch screen for numbers and you can swipe to a screen with favorites as well.

The advantages of the ultimate is that it controls everything out of the box including PS3. The 900 needs another box for RF control. The ultimate can also be controlled by the iPhone app.

Overall I prefer the 900 for looks and feel. But, the 900 is no longer made so you may have to go second hand.
I also had an 1100 which wasn't sold in the UK. I hated it and sold it straight away. It had issues with the set up which meant whenever you pressed a command it was 50/50 if you got what you wanted.