Hide Your A/V Components By Using an IR Repeater System

One of the challenges when designing a home theater system is determining the location of the home theater components, such as a DVD player and stereo receiver. It is often incorrectly assumed that these components must be out in the open in a direct line of sight with the remote control in order to control them. Because of this, many people stack home theater components on top of a television, or place them in a stand or side cabinet in plain view. However, not only can this exposure take away from the decor of the room, it can also allow for easy access by small children who just love to push buttons and break things.

Using an infrared (IR) repeater system enables you to keep home theater components out of plain view, while still allowing for the control of them with the original remote controls. The basic principal of how an IR repeater system works is to expose a tiny device (called an IR receiver) in the line of sight of the remote controls being used and then the receiver broadcasts the signal it receives to the appropriate component(s) via other small devices called IR emitters. Thus, only one small device, the receiver, is exposed allowing all other components to be hidden.

Most IR repeater systems consist of 4 parts: 

• IR receiver - An IR receiver's primary function is to receive the infrared signals sent out by remote controls, and transform them into electrical signals. IR receivers are available in many shapes and sizes to allow placement in any application. The different options include a small box that sits on top of a TV, a bullet sized device that can be flush mounted into a wall, or a small lighter sized shape that can be attached to the bottom of a flat panel TV. If locating the receiver near the terminator, opt for the model with the 1/8" mini-plug connector. Otherwise, choose the CAT-5 model for long distances.
   
• IR emitters - IR emitters are very small devices that stick over the infrared receiver of home theater devices. Their function is to convert the electrical signals sent by the IR receiver back into infrared signals, and emit the IR commands into the device's infrared receiver.
   
• Terminator - The terminator is the device that ties the IR receiver and the emitters together. The terminator is roughly the same size as a cigarette pack, and can be easily hidden out of view near the components. Most terminators have about four IR ports, which can accommodate up to eight IR emitters. They also have the ability tie other terminators together in a large IR repeating systems.
   
• Power Supply Every IR repeater system requires power to operate. The power supply plugs into an electrical outlet and into the terminator to supply power to the system.
  

When all of these devices are put together, the IR repeater system can allow any IR remote control to communicate with associated devices in closets, cabinets, and even other rooms. Connecting all of the parts is usually a breeze; so don't expect the setup time to be greater than 30 minutes. IR systems are a 'set and forget' project. Once they work, they rarely ever need to be bothered with again. If additional components are added to the system, connecting an additional IR emitter from the terminator to the new device takes about 45 seconds (just keep the terminator in an easy to reach location).

Another thing to remember is if all the components are tucked away inside of cabinet or other small space, adding a fan to blows cool air onto the components will help them from overheating, especially if they are enclosed during use.