HDMI switch and universal remote question & sanity check

jjkr · May 29, 2015

I picked up an inexpensive HDMI switch that has an IR remote. I'm hoping to connect my Xbox 360, Roku, FIOS STB and MacMini (our HTPC) to the switch and then to one of the two available HDMI ports the TV has. The switch remote has buttons for each port (i.e. 1, 2, 3, 4) which makes me think each port has a distinct IR code.

I know the (obviously) switch is IR friendly and I believe the Mini is, too (I think the Mac remote is IR). I think the Panasonic TV and FIOS STB are, too, correct? Is the Xbox? Do TV remotes generally use IR? If so then it sounds like I just need an inexpensive IR universal remote, preferably with some minor macro capability to handle the HDMI switch and the devices. Is my "logic" sound?

i7Baby · May 29, 2015

I think the Panasonic TV and FIOS STB are, too, correct?

Its a bit hard to say without knowing the model.

Do TV remotes generally use IR? Yes

jjkr · May 30, 2015

Thanks for the response. The TV is a Panasonic TH-58PX60U and the STB is the QIP 7100-P2 (stupid device. No clock ...)

americanaudiophile · May 30, 2015

It is very easy to tell if a remote is IR. Just block the remote from sending light from the front and see if it works. RF remote won't be affected. If there are LEDs sticking out the front that also tells you it is IR. There would also need to be an IR receptor on the front of the unit too.
The Fios and TV are for sure IR. The Roku3 is not IR.
You may be able to use a Logitech Harmony remote but if you want to do macros an RF remote with IR emitter/receiver will be much more consistent.

jjkr · May 30, 2015

Thanks americanaudiophile. The Roku is a 2 XS, so sounds like I'm good with that. I'm confused by the last sentence - An RF remote that can send an IR signal? Is that because traditionally RF remotes are better? We have young kids so I want something cheap like the Sony RMVLZ620, Sony YRMVZ320 or (maybe preferably) the Inteset 4-in-1. Any guidance on any of those (or similarly priced) alternatives? As always, I really appreciate the help from Tom's Guide members!

Search

HDMI switch and universal remote question & sanity check

jjkr

Honorable

i7Baby

Dignified

jjkr

Honorable

americanaudiophile

Titan

jjkr

Honorable

Similar threads

TRENDING THREADS

Moderators online

Share this page