LAN to IR converter

[Tom C]

The cable box in my home theater is the only device that requires infra-red remote control for operation. Everything else in the room is either RF based remote (e.g., AppleTV), or network control via iOS app interface (e.g., Denon AVR).
I use Home Assistant software running on a Raspberry Pi 5 to help coordinate the room. The projector, for example, has no iOS app interface available, but HA does have an app for my projector.
The cable box is a Motorola model supplied by my local cable provider. It has a jack in the back for an IR extender. I have heard of IR blasters that can connect to an RF remote to use for all of the devices in the equipment stack that have an IR remote control receiver. Is anyone aware of a device that can be hard wired from, say, a LAN switch, through a converter box, then directly wired to the IR control jack at the back of the cable box? That way, one could use an app over WiFi to control the cable box

 

[somebodyelse]

I've not heard of one. The easiest way to DIY one would be to follow one of the Pi IR transmitter examples, and put a receiver next to it, connected to a socket for the wired connection to the cable box. This gives you isolation, and means you don't need to modify the IR library. I'm guessing HA has a module for sending IR on the Pi.

 

[Tom C]

Managed to dig this up. Global Cache makes Global Connect, Flex and iTach. Pretty handy stuff, and not ridiculously expensive. Works with apps available on Android and iOS. Integrations are available in Home Assistant for GC-100 and iTach.