Universal Remote for HTPC, TiVO, apple TV

[monkey51289]

Hi all,
I am looking for the best universal remote to cover the above products (HTPC WIN7 MC, TiVO, Apple TV) preferably something in the $60-$120 range, possibly a harmony 650???

My other issue is a PC IR reciver, I was thinking mabye something like this????:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/USB-IR-Re...ht_1891wt_1396

and lastly is a TV signal splitter, I heard something like this: http://dicksmith.com.au/product/L422...ector-splitter
is pretty good and some of the powered ones are hopeless. Is this the case?? The signal will be split between a HD Homerun and a TiVO. And last question, on the conectors, if I buy the splitter above what type of connectors does it use and how hard are they to make?? are they just standard COAX???
bit of a noob in this area, any help is appreciated!
Thanks in advance,
Josh

[aXis]

Those splitters are fine if you have enough signal - if not, you should get a masthead amplifier (and still use passive splitters downstream). Using powered splitters inside the house is asking for trouble because they amplify noise that has been picked up on to coax as well as signal.

Also, you can get equivalent digitor ones at bunnings for a few dollars less.

The connectors they use are called "F Connectors". You can buy twist on connectors that are easy to install but dont perform as well, or better crimp ones that will require a $50 tool to install and you'll probably waste a few getting the hang of it.

[monkey51289]

Thanks for the reply,
Where does the masthead amplifier go?? outside next to the antenna or at the wall outlet??
Also is something like this any good?? and does the quality differ between conenctors?? i.e. is a $20 set better than a $2 set in any way??

and finally, how does the length of the coax cable affect quality?? Currently I have a coil of ~10m behind my TV, how much would that degrade signal??

Thanks for your help!

[toopy28]

Originally Posted by monkey51289

Thanks for the reply,
Where does the masthead amplifier go?? outside next to the antenna or at the wall outlet??
Also is something like this any good?? and does the quality differ between conenctors?? i.e. is a $20 set better than a $2 set in any way??

and finally, how does the length of the coax cable affect quality?? Currently I have a coil of ~10m behind my TV, how much would that degrade signal??

Thanks for your help!

Remote
Any Logitech universal should cover your needs here.
Currently on special
http://www.logitechshop.com.au/logit...ne-remote.html
http://www.logitechshop.com.au/logit...50-remote.html
http://www.logitechshop.com.au/logit...00-remote.html

Ir receiver
That receiver will be perfect, any of those ones from ebay that require no drivers will be fine.
I bought this one http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/180794745...84.m1497.l2649
They install as a microsoft ehome receiver. In the Logitech setup choose Media Centre Pc, Microsoft (it's something along those lines)

Splitter
That splitter is fine, don't worry about masthead amps until you have tested your set-up using the splitter. A very basic test to determine if you have enough signal is via the info screen of your set-top box. If the signal strength is anywhere above say 60% you should be fine with a splitter.
As posted buy some screw on F-connector to PAL Connector(Actual name is Belling-Lee but I bet the store knows them as PAL also) sockets etc and extend them with prefab cables if just splitting behind the TV
http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView...l&form=KEYWORD
http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView...9&form=KEYWORD
this will vary depending on your setup/needs and where you split the cable.

Connector Quality
The main difference will be build quality not the ability to pass RF (there will be some difference in this area however you shouldn't need to worry about it, )

Attenuation
Attenuation is basically the loss of signal down the cable due to resistance and other factors. It can also be increased by faults. 10mtrs should not cause you to much trouble. If you had a 100mtr roll well then your asking for trouble.

Good Luck

[monkey51289]

Thanks for all the replies, i am going to buy the logitech 700, IR receiver off ebay, passive splitter and F connectors, should work all good, if I run into issues you will be hearing again next week :P

Thanks