USB over Ethernet?

[atchai]

Hey all,

 

I just discovered & ordered a FLIRC - can't wait to get this thing running!  I only wish I'd known about it sooner, instead of messing around with crappy Windows drivers for so many other iR remotes :)

 

Question: my HTPC is in a closet, around ~35 ft away from the TV (cable length).  What would be the best way to wire this so that I can point the remote towards the TV, and have it operate the FLIRC?  The best solution I found was USB-over-cat5e (something like http://www.amazon.com/SANOXY%C2%AE-over-Extension-Cable-Adapter/dp/B003BDMK3S); do you think that should work properly?  Any problems to be expected, alternatives, etc?

 

Thanks in advance! :)

[ImCoKeMaN]

I'd just give it a shot anyway it's pretty sensitive, you may be able to get it just out of the closet if the direction is an issue

[atchai]

It's inside a shelf that's in turn inside a closet with a mirror door.  Hard to imagine IR would go through all that reliably....

 

http://screencast.com/t/gnCYQlM3Aq

[Videonisse]

I have similar solution with about 20 feet (~6 meter) between my htpc och TV. My solution was to route a USB-cable the same path and connect the Flirct to a small USB2-hub close to the TV.

 

Earlier I also used to have my tranciver at the same place as the htpc. Then I used a simple wired IR Extender for all of the IR-signals.

 

Source: http://www.av-onlineshop.de/parabol-zubehoer/ir-extender/ir-extender-transmitter-m-3-led-probes-30---60-khz.asp

[atchai]

Re: the IR extender, most of them seem to be pretty short.  I'm actually gonna be running the cables through the walls and across the room via the attic - so it's a fairly permanent installation, & I want to make the right choice.

 

I'd assume that even with a hub, USB itself wouldn't go 35 feet (am I wrong?) which was my rationale for the ethernet possibility...

[GoodOmens]

What remote do you use?  If you are accustomed to a harmony the 900/915 include a RF to IR interface that would work in your situation.

 

The USB to ethernet would probably not work as it would not provide power.

[atchai]

I've just got a basic JP1 universal remote from an old cablebox that I reprogrammed.

 

I wonder if I could use usb to ethernet plus a powered hub, if that's the case...

[Videonisse]

Re: the IR extender, most of them seem to be pretty short.  I'm actually gonna be running the cables through the walls and across the room via the attic - so it's a fairly permanent installation, & I want to make the right choice.

I made my own extension cable so cable length is not an issue.

[atchai]

I made my own extension cable so cable length is not an issue.

 

Ah, makes sense.  Anyway, I'm still waiting for some parts to actually relocate the system to the closet, so once I do, I'll see how bad the reception is as-is - and consider options :)

[atchai]

Well would ya look at that.  I guess the FLIRC is sufficiently awesome that it doesn't need to be extended at all.  AMAZINGLY better IR reception than my TV! :)