Alternatives for IR transmitter / receivers

[vxsmithers]

I have a 4 x 2 HDMI matrix which uses IR over HDMI for the remotes, and frankly the thing is ste. I have to reboot it every couple of days, the tx and rx cables have repeatedly died and worst of all i'm getting it in the neck from the mrs as it was sold as something that should just 'work'.

Is there an alternative to the hdmi IR pass through that I'm currently using, and if so, what sort of price do I have to pay for reliability?

I think the problem is the pass through, but it could be the matrix, either way any help appreciated!

its one of these if that helps with my explanations!

http://www.hdconnectivity.com/hdmi-matrix/4x2-hdmi...

Thanks

[ASK1974]

Welcome to the woes of IR... It's only practice application is direct 'remote to device' and even then it's pretty fallible. There are lots of options available but they all work on a similar principle; you have a controller located with your matrix and source with IR emitters connected directly to each device (same as you have now) and a remote (handset or App) that talks to the controller via a reliable connection, that could be RF, Zigbee or Wi-Fi depending on the distances involved and system you choose.

Pricing will be from a few hundred upwards with the better (read faster, flexible etc,) solutions north of £500. Have a look at the following brands and read up.

RTI
Control4
Bitwise controls
Logitech Harmony

I'll admit I'm not intimately familiar with the last two as I work at the top end of the market but I have a friend who uses Logitech and he's pretty happy. My favorite 'budget' solution is Control4 but you're in for £650 ex VAT minimum and you need it installed for you. See how you go and report back. Happy to follow this up with you.

[vxsmithers]

ASK1974 said:

Welcome to the woes of IR... It's only practice application is direct 'remote to device' and even then it's pretty fallible. There are lots of options available but they all work on a similar principle; you have a controller located with your matrix and source with IR emitters connected directly to each device (same as you have now) and a remote (handset or App) that talks to the controller via a reliable connection, that could be RF, Zigbee or Wi-Fi depending on the distances involved and system you choose.

Pricing will be from a few hundred upwards with the better (read faster, flexible etc,) solutions north of £500. Have a look at the following brands and read up.

RTI
Control4
Bitwise controls
Logitech Harmony

I'll admit I'm not intimately familiar with the last two as I work at the top end of the market but I have a friend who uses Logitech and he's pretty happy. My favorite 'budget' solution is Control4 but you're in for £650 ex VAT minimum and you need it installed for you. See how you go and report back. Happy to follow this up with you.

Thanks, will have a read up when I get some time. I bought this as a bit of an experiment, but to be honest after 2 years its becoming more and more flaky. Dropping a grand to be able to change the channel on the telly wouldn't go down too well!