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IR Blasters

Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2012 6:02 am
by MarionCobretti
New Forum User, New to GTv/Sony GT1, Long time android developer.

I recently purchased 2 of these at a discounted price at a local bestbuy. They were their floor models and I was sold them at a 50% discount. I purchased 1 for development and 1 for my family room. Because I did not purchase them as a 'new' in box item I had to take what bestbuy had for them.

Unfortunately, this meant they couldnt find the IR blasters. Which really isnt a huge problem; however after contacting sony for replacements [under the impression these would cost ~10$] i found some different information.

First let me say that I tried with several other IR blasters I had thinking that the technology was simple enough it could be interchanged. I used my Slingbox HD Blaster, however its a 2.5mm and it would seem this GTv takes a 3.5mm. I then tried with a 2.5 female to 3.5 adapter, and it would seem as though it was not working. [As their is no failsafe to know if I am just not catching the right code while trying to program the IR for the cablebox, I am discounting this as not the correct option].

Sony's replacement website offers:
part: 14580611 @28.95$ each w/ shipping
https://servicesales.sel.sony.com/ecom/ ... e=Computer
part: 14580612: Discontinued

The Sony agent I spoke with @ 1-800-488-SONY explained that part 14580611 was discountinued and that I would have to purchase the 14580612, but would offer free shipping.
part: 14580611: Discontinued
part: 14580612 @43.00$ w/ free shipping


Now, I was able to find this 3.5mm IR Blaster on Amazon that claims to work with 'sony' products. Once again, I was under the impression that the IR Blaster cables and Leads were nothing more than a dumb technology and that everything was basically being done inside the unit... so i have to believe that alot of cheaper solutions exist. is this a misunderstanding of mine?

Amazon possible replacement: @10$
http://www.amazon.com/7-ft-Ir-Blaster-C ... =de_a_smtd

I did some searching around, and I dont mind doing some leg work if there isnt anyone that hasnt gone down this path already; just figured i would check first. i figured this was also a more rare problem as most consumers will have gotten the cables with their devices, and i dont imagine these fail very often.

have a nice day,
~marion

Re: IR Blasters

Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2012 11:53 am
by MarionCobretti
So after no responses I gambled on the cheap cables.

Amazon possible replacement: @10$
http://tinyurl.com/85fqrlw


These worked fine. the 3 head worked nicely as i put one on each piece and hid the wires. It does light up red when you are pushing a button which can be somewhat annoying but it lets you know that its atleast trying a code. There was nothing additional that needed to be done other than plugging it. It does appear as though IR emitters are basically all the same. There is one difference, some have the 2.5mm ends and some have 3.5mm ends.

Just figured I would update this in the event that anyone else runs into the issue that I did.

Have a nice day,
~marion


fixed broken link per request.

Re: IR Blasters

Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2012 3:12 am
by alch3mist
^ Thats cool that you can buy cheaper replacements instead of the stock expensive ones. Thanks and good job on your experience it'll become useful for others. Is there anyway you could update the link, the hyperlink must've gotten messed up during post.

Re: IR Blasters

Posted: Thu May 10, 2012 4:54 am
by jbloggs
Great info. Also came across the Logitech IR Extender on sale after promo code today for $30. Use code logi_ires_5812 to get 50% off

http://www.logitech.com/en-us/remotes/a ... vices/6347?