plug sockets with infra red/etc : best type to get?

[homerjhandley]

Taliing to parents and want to but them some of these IR plugs, the sort that has a remote control and are suitable for powering a TV/VIDEO/etc (ie 4 gang plug).

Looking on ebay and there are loads of different types.

So any pointers on what type are the best to go for?

IR or RF?

any 'make' better than the other?

anything to look for when buying?

Can IR ones be 'programmed' to use any signal (ie use an existing button on a remote)?

Ideally would like a minimum of 2 plug sockets included, but ebay/etc have different types and would liek to get one thats reliable and safe!

[basegreen]

I dont know about recommendations, I bought mine (RF) from Aldi or Lidl ages ago.

www.simplyautomate.co.uk is a good place to start looking though

[Harsin]

Moving to Hardware.

[maddogsuk]

I have a pack of these RF REMOTE CONTROLLED 13AMP MAINS SOCKETS (http://www.thedvdforums.com/jump2.php?url=http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-1751-2978-71/1?AID=5463217&PID=582776&mpre=http%3A//cgi.ebay.co.uk/RF-REMOTE-CONTROLLED-13AMP-MAINS-SOCKETS-3-PER-PACK_W0QQitemZ200078688578QQihZ010QQcategoryZ50587QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) Can handle the Sky box etc but nothing with a big load i.e. a heater. I didnt go for IR as the sockets are buried behind a cabinet and IR would have been useless as there is no line of site.

[homerjhandley]

cheers.

These seem to be the most popular one on ebay, varies in price.

Will get some though, probably all the same chinese type they all sell.