Coupon Code for 38kHz IR Repeater system

Coupon code TENOFFIR38 will reduce the price of the price of the irblaster.info 38KHz IR Repeater system down to $35.   This system is a great way to hide components behind cabinets that don't have an external IR in port.  Some example set top boxes that can be controlled include the verizon fios QIP2500, QIP 2708, QIP 6416, and QIP 6200.  The IR repeater also works well with set top boxes from COX, Comcast, and Cablevision such as the Scientific Atlanta 8300 and 4250 as well as Motorola DCT6200, DCT2500, and DCT2000.

Contact mike@irblaster.info if you need help determining the best way to locate your components behind closed doors.  irblaster.info stocks devices to hide set top boxes and other components using IR remotes for as little as $13.

Remote control LIRC

Check out this article by Andy on how to remote control winlirc via telnet!

Andy uses a $12 IR Blaster from http://www.irblaster.info/ and winlirc to control his infrared robot.  Along the way he explains how you can configure winlirc to act as a telnet server.  From another computer you can then telnet to the machine running winlirc to execute IR commands.

Andy further explains how you can write a remote control program to interface to the winlirc telnet server using .NET

Nice work Andy!

IR Repeater for all Verizon FiOS Set Top Boxes

irblaster.info now has ir repeater solutions for every make and model of Verizon FiOS set top boxes.  No matter what model you have there is an inexpensive way to hide the set top box behind closed doors.  If you have the 7XXX series box including the QIP 7216 and QIP 7100 you can use the $13 motorola style IR extender cable.  This cable just plugs in the back of your set top box to the jack marked "IR Remote Input" or "IR Ext IN"  You'll then route the receiving end of the cable to a location within line of site of your remote.  You can see the receiver stuck to a plasma tv in the photo attached to this blog post.

If you don't have a 7XXX box you will need a generic IR Repeater solution.  These IR Repeaters have three components: IR Receiver, IR Amplifier, and IR Blaster.  You locate the IR Receiver within line of site of your remote control just like the previously described motorola style ir extender, but instead of plugging it directly into the sret top box you plug it into the IR amplifier.  The IR amplifier will amplify the signal and send it to an IR blaster which you will stick on to the front panel of your hidden set top box.  This way, infrared signals are converted from optical to electrical and then back to optical before sending to your STB.  irblaster.info always carried generic IR repeaters that will work for set top boxes such as the FiOS QIP 2500, 2708, 6416, or QIP 6200 on their IR Distribution page, but these units were expensive and a bit complicated to install since the IR Receiver was built into a single gang low voltage box. Most would consider these more professional models than do it yourself ir repeater models.

Now, however, there is a cost optimized solution specific for cable tv and verizon FiOS set top boxes that use 38KHz remotes (all the boxes mentioned here as well as most boxes by comcast and cox communications).  By cost optimizing for 38KHz they are able to offer a generic ir repeater solution for these boxes at an extremely attractive price. 

So now, no matter what FiOS box you have it can be located behind closed doors starting at just $13!

EDIT Sept 5, 2015: The motorola style IR extender also works with newer FIOS boxes including the Cisco CHS435HD and CHS335HD as well as the Arris boxes VMS1100 and IPC1100.  It's great that FiOS supports the motorola IR extender on their complete line of high definition set top boxes.

Get an IR Blaster for $10 off

It looks like paypal is running a special to get $10 off a purchase of $10 or more if you are new to paypal. According to the site the special is running until March 22, 2010.  So, if you don't already have a paypal account you can go and get yourself an IR Blaster for $10 off!

FTDI LIRC IR Receiver

There are now low cost FTDI Based LIRC IR Receiver circuit boards available at irblaster.info.  This is a great way to add a low cost USB IR Receiver to your PC. 

2 Motorola Style IR Cables to one set top box

One of our customers recently asked us for a solution to the following problem:
He had two TVs in two different rooms both connected to the same set top box which was located in his closet.  He was already using the motorola style IR receiver to control his verizon fios box from one room, but wanted to add a receiver for the box in the second room.  The answer was simple - the IR receivers can be wire or'd together with a simple 1/8" stereo jack splitter cable.  It worked out so well we decided to order a bunch and they can be ordered for only $5.50