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?

[brissleboy]

garyhun said:

Obedient wife or good butler.

I was actually thinking of training the dog...

[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.