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OVERVIEW
Infra Red Remotes
Remote controls have traditionally used IR (infra red) which uses line of sight communication between a remote and a device using a bandwidth of light that is undetectable by the human eye. These remotes have some type of memory that store the IR commands for each button and sometime a database of IR codes for thousands of other devices made by other manufacturers. These remotes that can control other devices are usually cable or satellite remotes, AV receiver remotes or programmable universal remotes.
UHF & Radio Frequency Remotes
Some new devices are using either UHF (a TV broadcast frequency band) like Dish or some version of a radio frequency using any of several FCC approved bands for such devices). Typically the only codes that can be shared between these different transmission methods are IR codes.
Why USE an RF Remote
If components are kept in line of sight (or behind glass and even some material or metal mesh) and you only need to control the devices when you are in front of them, an RF hub is not required but is still recommended.
When a remote is programmed, multiple commands may be programmed into a single button called MACRO’s. When a MACRO is executed, it may take 3-10 seconds for all the commands to complete. This means aiming the remote until the macro completes all the commands it’s programmed with. Even simple commands like turning on a system may surprise you with the level of complexity.
For example, “ON” in a typical system we install does the following
1) Turns on the TV
2) Selects the correct input on the TV
3) Turns on the receiver
4) Selects to the default device you watch by changing the receiver function (like cable)
5) Tells the receiver what default sound setting to use
6) Tells the remote to become the cable box and brings the cable remote screen onto the remote
If someone picks up the remote and hits “ON” and throws it down on the couch, not all the commands may execute creating inconsistent results and aggravating the user.
When the RF hub is used, not only can components be hidden in a cabinet, closet or another room, it ensures MACRO’s execute properly every time.
RF Remote Control System Components
An RF remote control system is made up of a RF/IR programmable remote and a RF hub. The hub is made up of 3 basic parts. The radio frequency antenna (which may be a separate piece on better hubs), the RF hub itself that converts the RF signal into IR, and little emitters or flashers that adhere over the IR eye on each device.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Preferred Remote Styles
If you go to a local retailer you will find many choices in remote controls from simple IR “4-In-1’s” to fancy futuristic looking touch screen models. As appealing as these high tech models look, take from a company that’s installed thousands of remotes and listened to aggravated customer complain about their remotes they bought elsewhere.
First size does matter. A cool triangle shaped remote with a color touch screen may look like it was used on a recent Star trek episode, but regular use reveals some interesting considerations. Do you regularly fast forward through commercials on your cable or satellite DVR. Having to use two hands to operate a large remote and having to look at the location of the touch-screen button every time you use it can be a real pain. We prefer a simple remote you can hold in one hand; with nice color icons next to hard buttons you push to activate devices, (not a touch screen). We prefer a remote where your thumb can easily switch between play, fast forward, channel up, channel down and the volume.
Consumer Programmed Remotes
You will find both retail versions that use a USB cable and an internet interface AND installer versions that use a laptop and special software. If you have never programmed a remote or you are not particularly technologically savvy, steer clear. You’ll want to throw it against the wall. While everything should be as simple as the manufacturer says, I can assure you it isn’t. Manufacturers claims they have all the IR codes stores for nearly every device made, (except of course the DVD/VCR combo player you got 5 years ago.) To proficiently train an installer it takes us about 60 days, how do you think you’ll do in one? There are so many subtle things you would never know unless you dealt with thousands of customer service calls like we do that has made our remote programming one of the easiest and trouble free. When you provide free lifetime customer service, you’ve got to get it right the first time or it costs.
Installer Programmed Remotes
Most installers prefer computer programmed remotes for a simple reason. I’ll give you a hint. Computer programmed remotes are called the remote with the continuous revenue stream. You see every time something changes (cable company comes out with a different box when yours dies, kids get a Wii for Christmas, you’ve got to call a $125/hr remote specialist who also has a 2 hour minimum. What’s your choice? Spend $250 or don’t use the device?
Hand Programmable Installer Programmed Computer Remote
This sounds like a mouthful, but what it means is while preprogram our remotes with a PC at our warehouse and office to save time, it also means we can send any installer on site to solve a problem and they don’t need a laptop. In fact many problems we can instruct you right over the phone and have you up and running in 5 minutes.
Addressable RF Hub
This is a fancy way of saying you can have your entire house remotes look and work the same and through a simple method of using hub addresses our remotes know which system to turn on when. It’s a cool feature for any house with multiple TV’s. Once a person learns one, they can run most any TV in the house.
RECAP
Get an IR/RF remote control system with the RF hub. I recommend the MX-450 which has a MSRP of $249; we sell it for a little less. This is a color icon one hand operated, hand programmable remote control that I have in my house. Spring for the RF hub even if you have line of sight to your equipment. You spending a lot on the rest of your system, saving here, will cause you more grief with the family when Macro’s don’t work consistently. I prefer the MRF-350 as it ahs the ability to control 6 devices and a separate positionable antenna, but the MRF-250, which has four emitters usually works fine too and saves you a little. |
