[nathsea]

Hi all,

I posted a question in the Virgin section, and was wondering if you guys could help with my dilema.

What I am looking to do is have 2 V+ boxes in an AV rack and wish to be able to control them seperatley, and send the signals from both boxes to two setups.

My main question is , using a Harmony remote with RF extender can I program it so as I can control each box seperatley? If not using a harmony are there any other cheapish ways of controlling these two boxes independantly?

Cheers
Nathan

[hornydragon]

I think what you are looking for is a matrix switch with IR control and passthrough a 2x2 or larger if you want to ahve other sources, DVD,PC servers etc

[nathsea]

hi thanks for taking the time to reply.

That sounds like the ticket, would probably need at least 6 sources and going to at least two probably three zones, am I looking at thousands?
Nathan

[charris cy]

If you do it correctly easily looking at thousands.

Only the rack will cost more than 1k.

Component or HDMI video distribution is not cheap. You need a matrix switcher, in your case I will go for at least an 8x4 using component. Most pro matrix switchers use RS232 but you can find IR controlled ones. We usually use AMX Autopatch ones - very reliable but no IR. The video cables from the rack to the tvs will also cost. If the distances are big you will have to convert the signal using baluns.

This is the chepaest one I know to help you understand what you need. It is a 6x2 though. I have not tested this brand.

Video Storm LLC: HDTV Matrix & Component Switches, Distribution Amplifiers

[nathsea]

charris , thanks , that looks quite a way out of my price range, and I believe that you cannot control the V+ box by RS232?

Nathan

[charris cy]

Originally Posted by nathsea

charris , thanks , that looks quite a way out of my price range, and I believe that you cannot control the V+ box by RS232?
Nathan

We are based in Cyprus so I do not know much about the V+ box but I am almost sure that it can not be contolled by RS232 if it even has an RS232 port.

BUT when I mentioned RS232 in my above post is how you are going to control the matrix switcher using the control system, in your case the Harmony "system". The switcher is not controlling by IR or RS232 the tvs or the sources (V+, dvd players, blu ray players, etc). It just routes component (or if budget and troubleshooting! permits - HDMI) signals - and audio signals if needed - from these video sources to the tvs. Being a matrix though it can do any combination e.g. source 1 to tvs 3 and 4, source 2 to tv 5 and 6, source 3 to all tvs, etc.

We always have control systems - a "remote" or touchscreen at every tv - when we have an HD video distribution system installed. Every member of the family can have his own satellite player, dvd player, BD player and their own sources can follow them around the house to every tv they wish to watch something. At video or "HD" not "RF" quality. Other simpler scenarios can also be implemented if needed when a matrix switcher and a control system are present.

[nathsea]

thanks for the reply, when we finally move in to our new house I will know exactly what I want, and shall come back for more!

Cheers
Nathan

[hornydragon]

HI nathan best to wait till you ahve moved there are some other options but the issues are with both the sources, matrix and displays its much easier to make reliable if the Displays are specified for compatibility with the matrix rather than trying to integrate some exisitng displays which may cause issues