The use of infrared (IR) to operate devices with a remote control has always had a few drawbacks, one of which is the requirement for line-of-sight between the remote and the device. However, an open cabinet full of devices and exposed cords and cables doesn’t quite fit into the uncluttered living room that many people prefer these days.

Today, Logitech is pleased to announce the Logitech Harmony IR Extender System. It allows anyone with an existing IR-only remote operate A/V devices hidden inside a cabinet. Now you can finally get the streamlined look you want without having to buy a new remote.

The Logitech Harmony team had three primary objectives when developing the Harmony IR Extender System:

Great IR reception

The biggest challenge in creating an IR Extender is ensuring the IR receiver is sensitive enough to detect a broad range of IR signal frequencies at a useful distance and angle – without detecting outside interference that would compromise performance. The Harmony IR Extender System’s receiver is finely tuned to recognize genuine IR commands while filtering out unwanted ”noise” from lights, windows, TVs, etc.

Great device control

The IR blaster and mini blaster design for the IR Extender System, similar to that used in the Logitech Harmony 900 RF System, is a great solution for getting IR commands to hidden devices. By blasting IR signals to multiple devices rather than sticking emitters on individual devices, you can have a lot of flexibility in how you set up your system. When combined with the activity-based control of a Harmony remote, great device control is closer than ever!

Simple setup

As A/V products and experiences go, it’s one of the simplest you’re likely to come across. Three simple steps (2 if you’re lucky) are all it takes:

1. Place the Harmony IR Receiver in a convenient, visible location. It’s pretty small so that shouldn’t be a problem. (If you want, you can even mount it right on your TV.)

2. Place the Harmony IR blaster inside the cabinet, plug it in and connect the Harmony IR Receiver to the back of it.

3. Connect the Harmony IR mini blasters to the IR blaster and place them on other shelves in your cabinet. Depending on your cabinet, you may not even need step 3, making the whole thing that much simpler.

The Harmony IR Extender System doesn’t require any programming, so you’ll be up and running in no time.

The Logitech Harmony IR Extender System is available in the U.S. at www.logitech.com for a suggested retail price of $59.99 (U.S.).