Monster EP 3650 10-Outlet Infrared Power Center with Stage 3 Clean Power Review

I just purchased a new plasma flat panel and a blue ray player to add to my home theatre system including a Sony ES receiver, cd/dvd changer, VCR and xbox 360.I wanted more then a simple power strip for power conditioning and to make my wife happy I needed to purchase a plasma console that hides my electronic treasures so they don't dominate our living room.The issue for me, looking for IR repeater systems to remotely operate my equipment, I found a few but were either on the expensive side and not worth the money since I don't have long distances to wire or very cheaply made built with differnt manufacturer parts.When I was researching power conditioners I found the Monster Empowered Power Center Ep 3650 with IR Repeater functionality built in.Monster sells a lower line for those who like to spend less and can live with Stage 2 filtering.The EP3650 was just the answer to what I and I assume many others are looking for.Leave it to Monster to look outside of the box and provide a decent power conditioner with IR functionality.This device has stage 3 filtering which I believe is in the middle of Monster's line of capabilities and is enough for my needs. I found that the picture and audio are clearer now with this unit and a few times we had brown-outs and the system properly reacted and shut down protecting my precious new plasma.There are also inputs for for cable, phone and network connections so this device can protect just about everything I need.I like the bright blue LED display which is switchable between showing amps and volts, the display can be dimmed or brightened to either no display at all or a vibrant blue display that will satisfy us who like glowing blue lights (makes a great night light if the unit's display is visible).You can also either run a trigger lead from one of your pieces of equipment to switch the "switched" outlets on and off or use the front panel of this unit to switch them.My only feedback for improvement to Monster would be to increase the 'bite" that the outlets have, they seemed a bit loose to me however have not had any plugs come out unless you pull the unit out without first checking to see if you have enough cord length available to pull the unit out.As for the IR functionality, the front top and bottom of the faceplate has light blue IR receivers on it so if the unit is visible you can use it to receive your remote signals.In the back it has 6 IR outlets that you can run two IR eyelets each for a total of 12 devices that it can send signals to.Monster provides two each of 2 eyelet cables and one each of a single eyelet cables and one remote receiver to pick up your remote signals for in the case like me where all of my equipment is hidden inside of my console.I was expecting some sort of delay in signals but pleasantly surprised to have found none.My Pannasonic plasma has a small IR window at the bottom of the set that is not too good nor sensitive.I found that the IR functionality of the empower to be more sensitive and improved my remote's cabability (Logitech Harmony 659), I can now pretty much forget about precisley aiming at the plasma's small IR window.I also have the IR eyelets installed in the console on my Panasonic BD30 blueray, xbox360, Sony ES receiver, Sony 100 disk changer, Sony VCR all with no problems.I have had the empower for about a month and I have not experienced one missed command on any device, and believe it or not when playing my xbox360 I have not noticed any lag in commands whatsoever so I am quite pleased with the IR Performance.Overall I am very pleased with this product and would recomend it to anyone with the need for decent power conditioning/protection and IR repeater functionality. Everyone who comes over is very surpised to see no visible equipment but full remote functionality, plus my wife is happy that my equipment is descretely hiddend within our console furniture, that with full IR perfomance is a big win for all in our family.

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Product Description:
The EP IR 3650 Empowered IR PowerCenter is a bold combination of design, advanced engineering, and convenient functionality. This new PowerCenter design delivers the advanced protection and performance that home theater enthusiasts expect while providing the ultimate in remote control convenience.

First and foremost, EP IR 3650 provides advanced power conditioning and surge protection for high definition home theaters. It features new HD Clean Power filters specifically engineered to get maximum sound and picture performance from today-s high definition digital home theater components. In addition, patented T2 and Tri-Mode surge protection technologies protect connected equipment from power surges, spikes and dips.

However, the EPIR 3650 Empowered IR PowerCenter is more than just an ordinary PowerCenter. The "Empowered" IR technology in the EP IR 3650 lets you send remote control commands to all of their home theater components through their PowerCenter via IR emitter cables. This gives you a new level of remote control precision and reliability that not only widens the arc of their remote controls, but also extends remote control reach even behind solid wood or metal AV cabinets where remote signals would typically be blocked.

Even better, there's an included external IR receiver that lets you keep all of your AV components and the PowerCenter itself completely out of sight for an elegant, clean home theater look that lets the decor speak for itself. Now you don't have to look at distracting AV components and blinking lights when you're watching a movie or just relaxing.

Best of all, the Empowered IR 3650 PowerCenter wraps all this advanced functionality in an ultra-sleek silver chassis with a new "butterfly" style faceplate design.

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