ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, December 26, 1995 TAG: 9512270045
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 9 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: At home with technology
SOURCE: DAVID BUTLER
Q: I have a terrific stereo in my den. I can easily hear it in the living room and kitchen, but it's annoying to have to walk back to the den to adjust the volume or change stations. My remote control only seems to work when I'm right in front of the stereo. Is there any way around this?
A: Hand-held remotes, at least those included with most A/V components, transmit commands via high-speed pulses of infrared light. However, infrared (IR) technology has its shortcomings: Battery constraints limit range. Furthermore, IR receivers are prone to interference, especially from electronic ballasts and sunlight. Finally, IR beams, like visible light, cannot penetrate walls or negotiate corners.
The easiest way to control your stereo (or VCR) from another room is with an infrared repeater system. It converts the remote's infrared signal into a form that can travel between rooms. Sounds complicated, but a number of inexpensive products can accomplish this.
Most involve infrared "targets" and "flashers." When you aim your remote at a target, the target instantly converts the infrared signal into electrical pulses. Once in this format, there are several ways to transmit the signals to another room. More on that in a moment. Finally, the flasher - actually an infrared emitter - converts the electrical pulses back into the format your stereo understands.
Several companies produce easy-to-install wireless systems. Simply place the target on a kitchen counter and position the flasher in front of your stereo, perhaps on a coffee table. The target includes a small radio transmitter; the flasher includes a matching receiver. Instantly, you'll be able to control your stereo from the kitchen and, with an additional target, the living room.
Another type of wireless repeater uses a tiny battery-powered target that attaches to the front of your remote. This eliminates the need for a target in each room. This approach is ideal if you use a unified or universal remote.
One system piggy-backs the control signal on the TV cable, making it relatively easy to install in existing homes. If you don't mind installing special wiring (or you're building a new home), a "component" repeater system may be the answer. Component systems rely on dedicated wiring (similar to telephone cable) for connecting infrared targets and flashers.
In a word, the main advantage of a component repeater system is flexibility. Hard-wired targets and flashers are available for just about any situation.
Component targets: One popular style fits a single wall-box trimmed with a Decora faceplate. Another resembles a peephole, mounting easily and inconspicuously in a cabinet facing. Ceiling-mounted targets are available if you need 360-degree coverage.
Component flashers: Pencil eraser-sized flashers mount directly over the infrared window of any audio or video product. This also solves any interference problems. Alternatively, a multi-component flasher floods an entire equipment rack with infrared light. Finally, a zoned repeater system is required if you have two VCRs, for example, that respond to the same set of infrared codes.
The Cutting Edge: A growing number of A/V products have hard-wired control ports. A universal adapter is available that converts the signal from the target to the appropriate format, thus eliminating the need for a flasher. Soon, home automation standards such as CEBus will allow products and systems throughout the home to cooperate without the need for flashers, adapters or special wiring.
To receive a list of companies that manufacture wireless and hard-wired infrared repeaters, please send $1.50 and a self-addressed envelope to David Butler F-544, Department TWN, 14713 Pleasant Hill Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28278-7927. The list includes toll-free phone numbers and a summary of each company's products. You'll also receive a list of manufacturers who offer A/V components with hard-wired control ports.
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