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You can control an AV receiver and media components stored in a closet, but the right setup depends on how each device receives commands. For IR remotes, an IR repeater kit is a straightforward option: place its receiver where the remote can reach it and attach emitters to the hidden devices. RF, HDMI-CEC, network apps, and wired automation can also help when the specific equipment supports them.
Start by checking what each device accepts
Do not assume one remote or control method will operate the receiver, streaming box, console, and display alike. Check the manuals for the exact models and note which commands you need: power, input selection, volume, or playback. Then match each device to a supported control path.
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- IR: The remote sends infrared signals that need to reach an IR receiver. A repeater can place that receiver outside the closet and relay commands to hidden devices.
- RF: A compatible, paired remote and target can communicate by radio, so the remote does not need to be aimed at the device.
- HDMI-CEC: Compatible HDMI-connected devices may send selected control commands to one another.
- Network app: Some devices can be controlled through an app, subject to the model’s network and app support.
- Wired automation: A receiver with an interface such as RS-232 can accept commands from a compatible controller.
These methods are device-specific. Confirm the functions and setup each model supports rather than expecting one method to provide system-wide control.
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Use an IR repeater when the remote and devices use IR
An IR repeater kit has a receiver placed where the handheld remote can reach it and one or more emitters positioned at the components in the closet. The receiver captures the remote’s commands; the emitters relay them to the devices’ IR sensors.
#1 Best Overall
- Comprehensive Device Control: Infrared Repeater Kit controls your IR remote controlled devices that are hidden behind doors or in other rooms, with the ability to control up to 10 devices and expandable to 12 devices
- Hidden Equipment Management: IR Repeater controls up to 10 home theater devices kept behind closet doors or in a closed cabinet with IR Infrared Remote Control Extender Repeater System, allowing you to control A/V equipment with your existing IR remote controller, such as amplifier, cable box, stereo receiver, Satellite TV receiver, CD player, DVD player, and Blu-ray player
- Broadband Compatibility: IR Repeater Kit comes with broadband remote control that is compatible with almost all electronics appliances in the market with its wide frequency range, allowing you to conceal your appliances in your TV console or cabinet while the IR remote control repeater amplifies the IR signal
- High Sensitivity Real-Time Transmission: Features real time transmission without any delay with its high sensitivity sensor, remote indication lights on IR receiver with green being power connected while flashing red indicates the signal is being sent, and CFL friendly design that can be installed in an area with compact fluorescent lighting and work in most lighting environments
- Installation Guidelines: Plasma displays emit IR frequencies during use and may cause interference, so it is advised to distance the IR receiver from any plasma TV or display, with ability to control multiple appliances at various locations up to 10 meters, and when connecting 2 or more IR receivers to the 3.5 mm ports on the IR transceiver, the distance between receivers should not be less than 6 meters to avoid interference
- Count the devices that need IR commands and check that each has an IR receiver.
- Place the repeater’s IR receiver where you can point the remote at it.
- Connect the kit and place its emitters as directed by the kit maker, aligned with the devices’ IR sensors.
- Test the commands you rely on for each device, such as power, input, and volume.
SANUS describes its ELM501 as a repeater for closed cabinets that supports up to four components; that is a product-specific capacity, not a general limit for IR kits. Check the kit’s wiring and compatibility against your devices before choosing one. SANUS ELM501 product page
Check for an external IR input before buying a kit
Some receivers or sources accept a separate IR receiver directly. If yours does, that may be enough to make the device respond to a remote from outside the closet, though other components may still need their own control solution.
Rank #2
- IR Remote Control Cable: This IR remote control cable extends the signal to a video source like a Blu-ray player so it can be controlled from your TV. The blue LED in the IR receiver bulb verifies signal transmission.
- Home Theater IR Extender: This home theater accessory repeats the IR signal to a DVD player, STB box, receiver, or other A/V source with an IR sensor. Route the infrared remote control extender cable neatly with a wall-mounted TV and install the IR transmitter in a concealed equipment closet to hide a CATV box while still controlling it remotely.
- Easy Installation: Quickly set up this lightweight IR blaster cord. Place the IR transmitter near the source sensor and the IR receiver within line of sight of your remote. For best performance, keep the blue LED on the receiver facing forward—not upward—for stronger signal reception. IR Tx and Rx cables include adhesive backing for secure mounting.
- USB Powered IR Extension Cable: The USB infrared remote blaster cord features an integrated 6-foot Y-cable to receive 5V USB power. Simply connect the USB cable to a 5V USB wall charger. Note: The TV's USB port does not supply power when it's off, use a USB wall charger instead.
- Universal Compatibility: This IR extender cable works with most A/V equipment with infrared sensors (not RF). The 30-degree IR receiver angle provides flexibility for remote control operation. Check that your devices support IR signals before purchase. Does not work for RF signal devices.
Denon says a separately sold remote-control receiver can control a compatible HEOS AVR installed where remote signals cannot reach. AudioControl’s Concert AVR-6/AVR-8 manual documents an external Zone 1 IR connection and says connecting a Zone 1 IR receiver disables the receiver’s front-panel IR receiver. These are model-specific examples: verify the connector, accessory, and behavior in the manual for your exact device. Denon HEOS AVR IR repeater documentation; AudioControl Concert AVR-6/AVR-8 manual
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RF control avoids the line-of-sight requirement of IR, but both the remote and target system must support the same control arrangement. Pairing, supported devices, and range vary by product.
Rank #3
- 1) The Hidden IR Repeater System allows you to use an existing infrared (IR) remote control to operate up to 32 audio/ideo (A/V) components located behind closed doors or walls in an entertainment cabinet or equipment closet.
- 2) Allows IR signals to pass through solid doors or walls, line-of-sight to the components is not required Confirmation LED built-in to the IR receiver acknowledges receipt of IR commands.
- 3) Works with practically all brands of Audio/Video IR remote controls,provides one IR Receiver input and 4 IR Emitters outputs.
- 4) Confirmation LED built-in to the IR receiver acknowledges receipt of IR commands.
- 5) The built-in IR distribution technology gives you the ability to conceal, yet still control, bulky electronic equipment such as a cable or satellite TV receiver, stereo receiver or amplifier, CD player, DVD player, Blu-ray player, or virtually any component controlled by an IR signal.
For example, Xfinity says a paired XR2 or XR5 remote can use RF with the main X1 box up to 50 feet away. Its support page says the feature does not work with secondary X1 boxes or Player Minis. That example does not establish the range or compatibility of other RF remotes. Xfinity remote and IR-extender support
Try HDMI-CEC for selected commands across HDMI
HDMI-CEC lets compatible devices send certain control commands over an HDMI connection. Depending on the equipment, it may cover some functions such as power or volume, but the available commands and settings differ by manufacturer. Enable CEC on the relevant devices, then test each function you expect to use.
Rank #4
- Control Hidden Devices: Infrared Repeater Kit allows you to control your IR remote controlled devices that are hidden behind doors or in other rooms, so that everything will look clean and tidy. IR repeater kit controls up to 10 devices (expandable to 12 devices)
- Wide Device Compatibility: IR Repeater allows you to control A/V equipment with your existing IR remote controller, such as: amplifier, cable box, set top box, stereo receiver, AV receiver, DVR, satellite TV receiver, CD player, DVD player, Blu-ray player, Marantz AV Receiver, and more
- Broadband Frequency Range: IR Extender Kit comes with broadband remote control repeater which is compatible with almost all the electronics appliances in the market with its wide frequency range, it can amplify the IR signal of your appliances so that you can conceal your devices in your TV console or cabinet to keep everything clean and organized
- High Sensitivity Real-Time Transmission: High sensitivity sensor provides real time transmission without any delay, this ir emitter and receiver kit is Plug and Play use. Green indication lights means power connected and flashing red indicates the signal is being sent
- Installation Guidelines: You can connect the IR receiver to any of the 3.5mm ports on the IR transceiver, but if 2 or more IR receivers are connected, the distance between the receivers should not be less than 6m/20ft to avoid interference; Complete Package Included: Kit includes 1 console box, 1 IR receiver, 5 IR emitters, and 1 DC 12V power adapter to provide everything needed for controlling multiple devices from a single location
CEC is separate from ARC, which carries audio from a display to an audio system. The AudioControl Concert AVR-6/AVR-8 manual, for example, instructs users to enable CEC on the selected output and configure ARC separately to receive audio from a display. Follow the instructions for your own devices and HDMI setup. AudioControl Concert AVR-6/AVR-8 manual
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If you need a controller to issue commands to a receiver, check whether the receiver exposes an automation interface and whether your controller supports it. You may need the correct cabling as well as a compatible driver or command set.
Best Value
- Note Some devices use RF instead of IR for remote control. The Blast IR Wireless Pro only works with IR devices. Please check the signal type of your remote to ensure it is IR before ordering. .Wireless Distance: 200m (650 ft.), distance may vary due to obstacles, IR Receiver Distance: 7m (30 ft.)Incompatibility : Yamaha HTR 6140, Arris DCX 3520E-M, OSD ATM-7 Speaker Selector
- BlastIR Pro receivers are directional and require facing the receiver towards where you will be using the remote. To improve reception and widen the angle of control, we recommend using the included IR receiver cable connected to the main receiver unit.
- BlastIR Pro Emitters work best when placed within a few inches of the devices you want to control. For best results we recommend attaching the included optional IR emitter cables so that the emitter is directly over the IR receiver of up to two devices. These are designed to stick directly to the devices that you are trying to control rather than sitting in front of them.
- Included USB and AC power cables, extra IR cables, mounting adhesive, and rubber feet.
- Wireless Distance: 200m (650 ft.), distance may vary due to obstacles, IR Receiver Distance: 7m (30 ft.)
AudioControl documents RS-232 control and a command library for the Concert AVR-6/AVR-8. This shows what one receiver family supports; it is not a feature to assume on other models. AudioControl Concert AVR-6/AVR-8 manual
Choose and test the setup device by device
- Inventory the system. List the receiver, sources, display, remotes, and the commands you want to use for each.
- Check each model’s manual. Look for IR inputs, supported RF remotes, CEC settings, network-app control, and wired automation interfaces.
- Match the control method to the device. For IR, plan receiver and emitter placement and check the kit’s supported component count. For RF, verify pairing and supported targets. For CEC, enable it on the devices that need to communicate. For automation, confirm interface and controller compatibility.
- Test commands individually. Try power, input, volume, and playback where relevant. If a command fails, check the connection, setting, pairing, or emitter placement for that device instead of assuming the entire system is incompatible.
Control compatibility is separate from whether a particular closet installation is suitable for the equipment. The control methods described here do not establish ventilation or electrical requirements; check the equipment instructions and installation conditions for those.
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