IR vs RF

[gadgtfreek]

Tried searching for this but did not find anything.

I assume RF is supposed to be better, but Ive noticed over the last two years that its not so hot at times either.

Anyone prefer IR over RF?

Here is the way I see it and thought RF would be tons better:

IR - point directly at

RF - use from another room, doesnt matter where you point

Either its me, or the RF on my HR20 and HR22 didnt work for crap (in a ent center behind clear glass about 8 ft away)

 

[Hemi 6.1]

Tried searching for this but did not find anything.

I assume RF is supposed to be better, but Ive noticed over the last two years that its not so hot at times either.

Anyone prefer IR over RF?

Here is the way I see it and thought RF would be tons better:

IR - point directly at

RF - use from another room, doesnt matter where you point

Either its me, or the RF on my HR20 and HR22 didnt work for crap (in a ent center behind clear glass about 8 ft away)

Only Certain remotes are RF too, Just to add. RC64 are not one of them.

 

[gadgtfreek]

I have the RC64R that came with my HR22.

 

[Hemi 6.1]

My HR 20 and R16 never came with an RF remote. Only My old H20 came with RC32

 

[Rey]

i prefer the RF. I have the R64RB . the buttons light up when you press them. this is for the bedroom i have a IR harmony remote in the living room which works great to me.

 

[goddog333]

i prefer the rf, although it eats "aa" batteries... depending on where you get your recievers from they may or may not come with rf remotes, currently only our hd-dvrs come with them

 

[toto]

Why do they give a choice of IR or RF on the remote for the HR22 (new to Direct)?

 

[goddog333]

the rf mode allows you to hide the reciever behind a wall, in a closet, in the cieling, whatever.... it dosent need to "see" the reciever to work it

 

[toto]

the rf mode allows you to hide the reciever behind a wall, in a closet, in the cieling, whatever.... it dosent need to "see" the reciever to work it

So why is there an IR choice, when the RF code is supposedly unique?

 

[gadgtfreek]

the rf mode allows you to hide the reciever behind a wall, in a closet, in the cieling, whatever.... it dosent need to "see" the reciever to work it

If it does not need to see the rcvr to work, how come when I point the remote directly at it it does not work sometimes. Ive always had that problem with the HR20, just seems a little buggy.

 

[Rey]

When you're holding the RF remote if you're hand is at the bottom back of the remote it'll give you a hassle. it doesn't make sense but for some reason that happens to me.

 

[Ronnie-]

If it does not need to see the rcvr to work, how come when I point the remote directly at it it does not work sometimes. Ive always had that problem with the HR20, just seems a little buggy.

Hmm not sure. The only way I can get mine to respond quickly is RF mode. The one in my bedroom I have IR, and it has to be pointed DIRECTLY at the box. Frustrating for me. Now once its pointed at it, it works fine. I just prefer RF

 

[Bob Nielsen]

I'm glad they have both. I had to hide the DVR in bedroom because the LEDs bothered my wife (particularly the flashing ones on the ethernet port) so I use RF there. On the family room TV I use a Harmony 880 remote and aftermarket remotes won't work with a DVR in RF mode.

 

[gadgtfreek]

When you're holding the RF remote if you're hand is at the bottom back of the remote it'll give you a hassle. it doesn't make sense but for some reason that happens to me.

Hmm, maybe it interferes somehow.

 

[krauser1]

I love RF. My system uses all RF. For those interested in doing an all in one remote for your satellite, audio, DVD, etc system, forget the crappy Direct RF remotes. I would highly recommend the Universal Remote RFS-100 or RFS-200. It is a complete kit for no more than $79.99 and includes that all in one remote that works all sat systems and the RF receiver that repeats the IR signal to your equipment. VERY easy to set up. No more than 5 minutes and the remote does every function your DVR remote does, but even better. I just bought another one for the in laws as they have all of their equipment in a cabinet under their TV. :

I did notice someone noted that they eat up the batteries. That is definitely true. I replace mine every three months minimum.

 

[sooieandtuck]

How do you get a Harmony 880 to work a VIP722?

 

[tsduke]

How do you get a Harmony 880 to work a VIP722?

Wrong forum, but have you used the Harmony software?

 

[comcastsucks]

RF Antenna?

I just switched to Direct today..from Dish..I want to use the RF option on the remote. In the setup menu it says to make sure the RF antenna is connected to the receiver.

Is there an RF antenna like Dish? If so, where does it connect to. If not, what is the setup refering to?

 

[navychop]

How do you get a Harmony 880 to work a VIP722?

Welcome to SatGuys.

Yes, wrong forum. Look, ask or search in the Dish Network forum. However, it is very easy. I've done it twice. LOVE the Harmony 880, but it is IR only. RF requires a later version.

And now back to our regularly scheduled IF vs RF discussion.

 

[jtwex]

I just switched to Direct today..from Dish..I want to use the RF option on the remote. In the setup menu it says to make sure the RF antenna is connected to the receiver.

Is there an RF antenna like Dish? If so, where does it connect to. If not, what is the setup refering to?

The newer HR21+ receivers have built in antennas (not as good as the external ones) and as long as your remote has the FCC label on the back your setup will go just fine. Sometimes you have to run the setup twice, but it works great (Use the upgraded heavy duty batteries for best results). The remote doesn't always come with the HR+ series for some reason; I suspect a few of the installers are just giving you whats in the truck.