IR repeater problem

[John_D]

Question for the tech heads.

My UPC Mediabox died and I got a replacement fitted the next day.
The new one is a HD box which is a huge bonus for me as I can now use HDMI without having to convert from scart

My TV equipment is in a closet in the kitchen and I use an IR extender to control the UPC box(the rest of the gear is controlled via HDMI-CEC)

Since changing upc box I now have a problem with the remote where it won't work from my couch(4m from TV) but if I lean forward it will work fine. There is obviously some signal attenuation somewhere.

I have covered all lights in the closet including the display on the UPC box, and have tried several types of emitters but still no improvement.(well kinda better with two emitters stacked but still not 100%)

Remote now has 2 new kodak batteries too.(same remote from previous box)

Any thoughts lads?

I know it's a tiny little first world problem but it's wrecking my buzz!!

I'm tempted to pull the cover off the UPC box and place the emitter inside it right on top of the IR receiver.

[nsheridan]

Make sure there's not a piece of protective plastic covering the sensor (like the kind covering the screen of a new phone).

[John_D]

Ill double check that now but I didn't think there was anything on it.

[nsheridan]

There probably isn't but it's worth running a fingernail over it.

[John_D]

So just had a really good look, no film and the IR eye was clean before fitting the emitters.

[mac7]

So just had a really good look, no film and the IR eye was clean before fitting the emitters.

Another stupid, I take it that it's a digi dome setup.is the emitter stuck on in.exactly at the correct position sometimes it can be difficult to find behind blacked out glass (not familiar with upc setup) . Last thing Power supplies from.both sender and emitter check /swap and see if it makes a difference. Lastly some tv screens effect ir systems/signals, try move it around a bit ,obvious stuff I know but might help.

[John_D]

yep have checked all the above bar the power supply, IR emitter is bang on position. tried with TV on and off to eliminate interference.
its a Cisco 8485dvb

found this which is interesting(in dutch):
http://www.chelloo.com/upc/index.php?topic=37307.0

[mac7]

yep have checked all the above bar the power supply, IR emitter is bang on position. tried with TV on and off to eliminate interference.
its a Cisco 8485dvb

found this which is interesting(in dutch):
http://www.chelloo.com/upc/index.php?topic=37307.0

I was out the day they did Dutch in school:happy:

[John_D]

I ran google translate, basically they say that the IR receiver in the DVR is too sensitive and the IR signal is being distorted, apparently some IR resistant film(ie sunglasses) between the emitter and reciever sorts it.

[John_D]

It seems the Dutch lads were bang on, the signal must be too strong.
If I point the remote over my head at the curtain behind me it works 100%
Bizarre stuff...!