All equipment will be in closed cabinets...what are my options?

[pdawg17]

All equipment will be in cabinets with wooden doors...tell me if I have this right:

Option #1: Get an RF remote, put RF extender inside cabinet and connect IR cables to each IR device

Option #2: Get an IR extender and mount near tv, run that to an IR block that is inside the cabinet, and then connect each IR cable to each device

Devices are HR23-700, Yammy receiver, Wii, Xbox 360, may get a Popcorn Hour A-110

Sound about right? And if I get an RF remote, what other good options are there other than a Harmony 890 or 1000? And don't you need to also purchase an RF extender for the 1000? Any cheaper options?

Option #2 seems cheaper (around $90) since I already have a Harmony 550 but the negative seems to be that I have to still be able to point the remote at the tv (since it's IR of course)

And is one option better than another when wanting to control a PC?

[Wisegoat]

Go with # 2.

All of my equipment is in a closet behind the TV. All you see in my living room is the TV and 5 speakers and the small eye embedded in the wall.

As you said, it is easier, more reliable, cheaper and expandable.

Look at Xantech. My experience puts them as the most reliable.

[BattleZone]

Considering you have a number of different devices, the easist way is going to be an IR extender. Most have a strong IR LED and the equipment will pick up the signals even if the blaster isn't pointed right at them.

[joe diamond]

How about wooden doors with glass panels?

Joe

[pdawg17]

How about wooden doors with glass panels?

Joe

Sounds fine to me but the WAF will not allow it...she doesn't want to see any hint of my equipment...not even a blurry, frosty-looking hint...

[Canis Lupus]

Are the cabinets already in place? One thing I'd recommend for sure is making sure you have good ventilation or cooling of some kind to pull that heat out. Always a good plan :)

[joe diamond]

Sounds fine to me but the WAF will not allow it...she doesn't want to see any hint of my equipment...not even a blurry, frosty-looking hint...

I think she wants the dude to turn off the damn TV and.....someone listen to her. Bet it's not a first home or time around the block. Demonstrate a recorder.

Joe

[pdawg17]

I think she wants the dude to turn off the damn TV and.....someone listen to her. Bet it's not a first home or time around the block. Demonstrate a recorder.

Joe

Haha...actually she hogs the tv...that's why we're putting one in the bedroom this time...

[pdawg17]

Are the cabinets already in place? One thing I'd recommend for sure is making sure you have good ventilation or cooling of some kind to pull that heat out. Always a good plan :)

Good point...it's a built-in wall cabinet...vent holes are already cut in at the bottom and I plan on cutting holes in the top near the back with low speed fans installed...any ideas on fans and how to power them? I figure bigger fans (120mm) can run at a slower speed and therefore less noise but otherwise I haven't researched that yet...

[DBSNewbie]

Good point...it's a built-in wall cabinet...vent holes are already cut in at the bottom and I plan on cutting holes in the top near the back with low speed fans installed...any ideas on fans and how to power them? I figure bigger fans (120mm) can run at a slower speed and therefore less noise but otherwise I haven't researched that yet...

Middle Atlantic makes some cabinet fans (http://www.middleatlantic.com/rackac/cooling/qcool.htm#cabcool)

They turn on as the temp goes up and plugs into a standard outlet.