IR Remote Question

[starnox]

A Mac Mini would suit my needs, but I need dual monitoring so I will probably have to go with a 17" iMac. Anyway onto my question. Say I have my iMac facing one way and I am behind it and want to control, then it won't work since IR has to have a direct line of sight correct? It there anything I can buy that would pick up the IR signal that I could face the other way from the front of the iMac? Would I be able to control front row etc through a universal dock connected to the iMac?

 

[Aramis]

Anyway onto my question. Say I have my iMac facing one way and I am behind it and want to control, then it won't work since IR has to have a direct line of sight correct?

Yes - you would need direct line of sight for IR.

It there anything I can buy that would pick up the IR signal that I could face the other way from the front of the iMac?

You could try this site:

http://www.hometech.com/infrared/extenders.html

Would I be able to control front row etc through a universal dock connected to the iMac?

I dont think you would have a problem controling Frontrow, but if your iMac is facing the other way, you wouldnt be able to see the screen - right? Sorry if I am missing something.

Good luck!

 

[Nitrocide]

A Mirror!

... No seriously. =]

 

[Anonymous Freak]

In informal testing in an Apple Store, I found that you could point the remote ANYWHERE on the iMac, and it would work. Front, back, sides, whatever. (Same is true for my MacBook Pro. I can point it at the back of the MBP, and it works fine.)

I imagine that on the iMac, the lucite casing transmits the IR signal pretty much throughout.

 

[starnox]

In informal testing in an Apple Store, I found that you could point the remote ANYWHERE on the iMac, and it would work. Front, back, sides, whatever. (Same is true for my MacBook Pro. I can point it at the back of the MBP, and it works fine.)

I imagine that on the iMac, the lucite casing transmits the IR signal pretty much throughout.

Nice that sounds pretty cool.

For those who are interested, I will be projecting the screen via a projector but the iMac will be in front of the stage. I thought I could use the remote to control keynote slides etc.

 

[GilGrissom]

In informal testing in an Apple Store, I found that you could point the remote ANYWHERE on the iMac, and it would work. Front, back, sides, whatever. (Same is true for my MacBook Pro. I can point it at the back of the MBP, and it works fine.)

I imagine that on the iMac, the lucite casing transmits the IR signal pretty much throughout.

Ye I've found this out too, it's pretty dam good at the range and in-sight issues. Placing my hand infront of my remote doesn't seem to stop it either (unless I totally smother it). I'm pleasently surprised at the remotes viewing angle and range, you should have no problems really, as long as there isn't other strange light sources or things like that shining your way or through from the stage.

 

[Aramis]

In informal testing in an Apple Store, I found that you could point the remote ANYWHERE on the iMac, and it would work. Front, back, sides, whatever. (Same is true for my MacBook Pro. I can point it at the back of the MBP, and it works fine.)

I imagine that on the iMac, the lucite casing transmits the IR signal pretty much throughout.

OK - for the record, I just tried this on my MBP, and it doesnt work from directly behind or even angled from behind. From the side it works OK, but of course its most effective from the front. Normal lit room, no strange light sources, flat table. Mind you I do not have an iMac so the casing my be the difference, but I simply wanted to try what you posted an relay my results.

 

[GilGrissom]

OK - for the record, I just tried this on my MBP, and it doesnt work from directly behind or even angled from behind. From the side it works OK, but of course its most effective from the front. Normal lit room, no strange light sources, flat table. Mind you I do not have an iMac so the casing my be the difference

How close where you to the back of the MBP...it may work from a bit further back, give it chance to bounce around the room and hit the front of the MBP on its IR receiver...