NorStone Iryx II
NorStone Iryx II, infrared repeater for closed cabinets
Storing the set-top box, Blu-ray player and amplifier behind solid doors makes the living room look tidier, but the remote controls then stop working: infrared cannot pass through an opaque panel. This compact NorStone unit picks up commands sent from the sofa and repeats them inside the cabinet, directly in front of each device. The original remote controls remain in use, with no programming or universal remote control to configure.
Infrared relay, with nothing to program
An infrared remote control sends bursts of invisible light that the target device must receive along a direct line of sight, hence the problem as soon as a door closes. The Iryx II splits this path into two. A sensor placed in view of the room receives the signal, the unit amplifies it and then sends it by cable to small emitters attached to the front of the devices, where their own receivers are located. The repeater learns no codes and translates nothing: it reproduces exactly what it receives. Every button, shortcut and function on the remote control therefore retains its usual behavior, regardless of the device’s brand. All emitters transmit the same signal at the same time, which causes no difficulty since each device responds only to the codes intended for it.
One unit, a remote sensor and dual emitters
The central unit already has a built-in infrared receiver. Placed in plain sight on an open shelf, it works on its own. If you prefer to hide it inside the cabinet with the rest of the equipment, the external receiver takes over: a small sensor connected by a 1-meter cable, discreet enough to sit on top of the cabinet, at the edge of a shelf or beneath the television. Each of the two 2-meter emitter cables ends in two heads, covering four devices with the contents of the box, while the unit supports up to eight. The front panel groups the input and output sockets, labeled by function, with indicator lights showing power status and command reception. The mains power supply is included, and the unit’s dimensions (155 × 115 × 55 mm) allow it to slip into the back of a compartment without obstructing other cables.
Installing the repeater in a TV cabinet or rack
The first step is to find the infrared receiver window on each device, often hidden behind a dark plastic area on the front panel, sometimes marked by a small symbol. The emitter head attaches directly over it or a few centimeters away. Testing before attaching it permanently avoids having to peel it off: press a few buttons from the listening position and check that the device responds, using the unit’s reception indicator to determine whether the problem lies with the sensor or the emitter. The sensor should face the seating, with no obstruction in front of it. Direct sunlight or certain powerful lights aimed at it produce interference that can disrupt reception; moving the sensor a few centimeters is generally enough to resolve the issue.
The television, which remains visible, continues to receive commands from its remote control directly and does not need an emitter. The heads are used only for enclosed devices: set-top box, disc player, home theater amplifier, network player or CD player.
TV boxes, decoders and remote control types
The original Iryx only relayed signals transmitted on a single 38 kHz carrier, the most common frequency, which excluded CanalSat decoders. The Iryx II extends this compatibility to Canal+ boxes, with a caveat for some latest-generation models that may experience difficulties. The repeater handles infrared only: a remote control that communicates via Bluetooth or radio already works through a door and does not need it. Many recent set-top boxes and streaming gateways combine both, with a Bluetooth connection for the device itself and infrared buttons to control an amplifier’s volume or standby mode; the latter work normally through the Iryx II.
Technical Specifications
Main Features
- High-sensitivity sensor
- Controls up to 8 devices
- Easy installation
- Power supply included
Physical Specifications
- Dimensions (W × H × D): 155 × 115 × 55 mm
- Weight: 0.41 kg
Kit Contents
- 1 NorStone Iryx II unit with infrared (IR) receiver
- 2 double emitters with 2 m cables
- 1 infrared receiver with 1 m cable
- 1 power adapter
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to aim precisely at the sensor?
No. The sensor is very sensitive and accepts signals received at an angle, giving you plenty of freedom from the sofa. You simply need to ensure that no opaque object is between the remote control and the sensor, as with any infrared device.
What happens with two identical devices in the same cabinet?
Two devices of the same model use the same codes and respond together to each button press. The repeater cannot distinguish between two transmitters. Some devices offer a “remote control code” option in their menus that resolves this issue; otherwise, one of the two must remain directly accessible.
Can devices installed in another room be controlled?
The distance covered depends on the length of the supplied cables: 1 meter for the sensor and 2 meters for each emitter cable, on either side of the unit. This is suitable for an adjoining room connected by a cable routed through the partition wall, not for a distant equipment room.
Which socket should the unit be plugged into?
The repeater must remain powered to transmit commands, including the one that wakes devices from standby. An always-on socket is better suited than a master-controlled power strip that cuts power when the TV switches off: in that case, none of the hidden devices could be switched back on remotely.
Does a universal remote control work with the Iryx II?
Yes, as long as it transmits via infrared. The repeater relays the signal without decoding it, so it handles a universal remote exactly like the original one, including macros.
Do the transmitter heads remain visible when the doors are open?
They stick to the front of the devices, where their receiver is located, and therefore remain visible when the doors are open. Their small size and dark colour help them blend easily into black front panels, and the cable can run down the side of the device to stay out of sight.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
- Manufacturer reference: NORIRYXII
- GTIN / EAN: 3700795184424
