General Forum

Re: Infra-Red interference from Plasma screens

Steve at Sounds Heavenly — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 09:24:00 GMT

Thanks Keith,

That's very helpful!

Best regards, Steve.

Re: Infra-Red interference from Plasma screens

Keith Saunders — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 03:03:44 GMT

Steve,

The infra-red interference is NOT restricted to plasma screens, but because of there normally large size and brightness of output, the problem is more often than not reported about plasma screens. Until recently LCD screen were modest in size and output, but the problem can and does occur with them as well.

As Infra-red is light at particular frequencies which are not normally visable, you often un-estimate its strength from some products. Also newer plamsa and LCD products have a wider field of vision which also means greater likelihood of remote interference.

There are some remarkablely simple solutions in some situations like using an opaque filter over the infra-red receiver where it directly in front of a screen.

When designing a room layout with either a plasma or a large LCD screen try and avoid having any IR receivers under or in front of the screen. Most remote controls use a "Carrier Frequency" for the transmitted signal to increase its range and reduce interference

Re: Infra-Red interference from Plasma screens

Steve at Sounds Heavenly — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:22:43 GMT

Keith,

Sorry to break the flow of the thread, but I had an enquiry recently from a friend who belived that he was having similar IR reception problems, but that they were caused by an LCD television, not a plasma. I told him that I thought this was unlikely and sent him away to check the batteries in his remote control, etc, etc.

Having just read this thread, you have got me wondering again. Is this issue solely caused by plasma screens, or have you also encountered similar issues with radiation from LCD's?

Thanks,

Steve.

Re: Infra-Red interference from Plasma screens

bayerische — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:37:39 GMT

My beosound is a MK3.

I don't want a beolink active, since I've got the Beolab 5's connected via S/PDIF.

Re: Infra-Red interference from Plasma screens

Keith Saunders — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 02:06:22 GMT

If you are unable to move your Beosound 9000 and your unit is a Mark I or earlier Mark II version then you could get your dealer to replace the infra-red receiver as Russ has suggested, but in the position you have the Beosound 9000, it may improve the situation, but is unlikely to totally solve it. Other solutions which do not involve moving the Beosound 9000 include:-

Masterlinking the Beosound 9000 with an Beolink active and connecting the speakers to it. You will change the options so the Beolink active infra-red eye receivers the signal and not the Beosound 9000. The beolink active eye placed well away from the Plasma on one of the side walls
Use an infra-red repeater of which there are a lot on the market such as HERE

How old is your Beosound 9000 ? You can check behind the control panel for the 4 digit "Type" number

Re: Infra-Red interference from Plasma screens

bayerische — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:18:10 GMT

Not without uppsetting my Wife :D

Re: Infra-Red interference from Plasma screens

Keith Saunders — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:32:23 GMT

So, based the information at the bottom of your post you have a Beosound 9000 with speakers, so the Beosound 9000 is receiving the infra-red signal from your remote and I assume it does not work or only works sometimes.

As stated before your Beosound 9000 is in one of the worst places when it comes to it being overpowered by the plasma screen. If it can be in a location 90 degrees to the plasma would greatly improve the situation, so that when you use the remote, the signal is not directed straight at the Plasma screen. Other options include using a plasma protected IR eye located away from the direct line of the plasma which re-transmits the signal to the Beosound 9000

Can the Beosound 9000 be moved to a location other than under the plasma screen ?

Re: Infra-Red interference from Plasma screens

Dafinity — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:28:02 GMT

Hi,

I had this issue on my BS9000 Mk1 approx 5 years ago. Solved by dealer upgrading IR reciever in BS9000.

Think it cost approx £80 although memory hazy and no other details,
Thanks

Russ

Re: Infra-Red interference from Plasma screens

bayerische — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:06:36 GMT

Hi Keith,

Thanks for bringing this up!

My problem is with my BS 9000 which is positioned right below my plasma screen. It's about 50cm below the screen, on the tablestand.

Infra-Red interference from Plasma screens

Keith Saunders — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:43:20 GMT

Bayerische you have previously said:

Keith Saunders:
With regards to the Plasma radiation issue highlight which limits or stops some IR transmissions, this is not related to the Beo5, but is a general problem for which there are several solutions. I will highlight this further in another thread.

Keith, that's another huge problem I would like to get rid off!

Now I can't use my Beo with my screen on.

My comments:

Most plasma screen produce a large amount of Infra-red light which can "overpower" the infra-red signals from your remote control particular when the display is very bright.

There are many solutions available from the simple opaque cover for the infra-red receiver through to a receiver and re-transmit product.

However, before you look into a product solution for this problem consider your configuration and where the infra-red receivers are in relation to the Plasma screen. If for example they are directly under the plasma screen and you are using the remote directly in front of the screen, then you are most likely to have the problem because the strength of the infra-red light signal from the screen is greatest directly in front of it. The greater the angle from where you are sitting in front of teh screen to the IR receiver then the more the interference will be reduced.

I suggest you describe exactly where everything is in relationship to the plasma screen and what devices if any, work correctly and which do not and then I think we can come up with some proposed solutions.