Howto 4 TVs, DTVs & Remotes Same Room

[randyr505]

I have 4 directv SD receivers (D10s) that only have IR capability. I currently have 4 TV's mounted on brackets from the ceiling above my treadmills in my gym. I am adding LCD TV's to the treads and need a way to control the Directv receivers without mounting the receivers on to the treadmills. Ideally having the ability to point the remote toward the LCD and it work. I know I can buy 4 $100 HD receivers and 4 $10 (ebay) RF remotes but that is $440. I envision something like an ir extension cable on the LCD running down and I assume into some repeater then stuck on to the front of the IR window on the receiver. I also considered buying some old Directv receivers with the 3.5mm RF remote input on them but don't want a receiver that may die soon. It is my understanding that there aren't any new receivers out there that have RF except some DVR's and HD receivers. Will the RF remotes interfere with each other since I have 4?

Thanks,

Randy

[djrobx]

When you set up an RF remote, you punch in a code that corresponds to the receiver's ID. So that remote only controls that one receiver, and won't conflict with other ones.

IR repeating would work but most IR repeaters I've seen are in the $100 range.

[carl6]

Your basic understandings are correct.
SD receivers (D10, D11, D12) support two IR codes, and no RF remote capability.
HD receivers (H20, H21, H22, H23) support two IR codes and virtually unlimited rf capability.
HD DVRs (HR20, HR21, HR22, HR23) support up to 8 IR codes and virtually unlimited rf capability.

The only practical method for running multiple SD receivers in the same room and being able to control them independently, is to use some type of external device that is connected to the receivers via serial RS232 interface. Some high end home automation systems provide that type of capability. You will probably spend more acquiring and implementing that type of control system than you would getting 4 HD receivers and rf remotes.

[sungam]

You might look into something like the URC MRF-360, which I believe does essentially what you envision. How it would compare cost wise to upgrading the receivers is another matter.

[DBSNewbie]

If the TVs and receivers are not that close to one another (at least 4-5 apart) you could take a piece of masking tape and place it in front of the IR "eyes" of each TV and D* Receiver. With the IR receptors being obscured, their sensitivity will be greatly diminished and you should be able to control one particular TV or receiver without affecting the others by pointing the remote directly at the one you wish to control.

I did this with Hughes HBH SD Receivers and Sharp Aquos LCDs for the bar area in our house with no problems whatsoever.