As many of you already know, TiVo’s remote does not work if you don’t have a direct line of sight to the DVR. How many times have you tried to pause your TiVo or turn a channel only to be denied by some obstacle in your way? This is not a shortcoming of cute little peanut, rather it is a problem with IR remotes in general.
Back in February, the WeaKnees blog put together an interesting post which discussed how to control your TiVo without a line of sight. Since the TiVo uses IR technology, you need to use a RF extender or some other type of gadget/remote which sends out a RF signal.
I personally haven’t tried out the RF extender however, it really does look like a neat device. Does anybody have a setup which requires you to use a RF extender? Is your TiVo tucked away in some closet where you don’t have a direct line of sight?
I used a ChannelPlus modulator that has some IR technology built in. My tivo is in a media closet, and I have IR “targets” at each TV so I can tune in to Tivo on Channel 125 on any TV in the house and use my remote. I actually picked up an extra remote so I didn’t have to carry it back and forth. I works extremely well.
If it’s just a matter of a solid object such as a coffee table, pet, or toddler getting in the way, I have found that I can aim the remote at the ceiling or wall (at a 45 degree angle) to “bounce” the IR signal off the surface. Obviously this won’t work if your TiVo is in a closet, but it can come in handy when you’re FF-ing through commercials and suddenly can’t stop!
I have a large framed painting, with a acrylic front opposite my Television. I just point my remote at the painting. It works great.
I have the RF Extender set up. My Tivo is in the living room and I have it wired to show in the family room and an upstairs bedroom. I obviously have to bring the remote with me but it works great from any of the rooms. You just have to have the RF receiver infront of the Tivo box to then broadcast the IR signal. I love it!