Xantech DL85K IR Receiver Kit Review: Solving Your Remote Control Troubles

If you have ever tried to tuck your cable box or satellite receiver away behind closed cabinet doors, you have likely run into the frustration of your remote not working. The Xantech DL85K IR Receiver Kit is designed to solve that by acting as a bridge between your remote and your hidden equipment. It is well-suited for families who prefer a clean, minimalist entertainment center where technology stays out of sight. Since it works with a wide range of frequencies, it should play nicely with most standard cable boxes and television setups.

Setting up the system is relatively straightforward because it comes with almost everything you need to get started, including a connecting block and multiple emitters. I appreciate that the kit includes a surface-mount design with a low profile, so it doesn't stand out on your media console or shelf. It also comes with white, silver, and black trim options, which is a thoughtful touch for matching the kit to your specific audio-video components. The system is built to resist interference from modern lighting sources like CFLs and the screen glare from LED or LCD televisions, which is a common headache with older systems.

While this is a helpful piece of equipment, it is important to remember that it requires a bit of manual labor to install properly. You will need to route wires carefully to keep your home looking neat, which can be tricky if you are not comfortable managing cables behind or inside your furniture. It is also a fairly technical piece of hardware compared to simple plug-and-play gadgets, so you should be prepared to spend some time reading the manual and planning your layout. If you are not confident in your DIY skills for running wires, you might want to enlist a handyperson to help with the installation.

If you are ready to tidy up your living space and get those bulky electronics out of plain sight, the Xantech DL85K is a reliable and comprehensive kit. It is best for homeowners who are comfortable with light installation projects and want a lasting solution for controlling hidden AV gear.