On all versions past 1.3.2, Redstone no longer updates outside of loaded render distance. I am unaware if this happens on servers, but it does on singleplayer.

1. Set Render Distance To 'Far'
2. Create a Redstone Line That passes the render distance.
3. Use repeaters appropriately.
4. Activate the line, outside of loaded chunks, redstone will not update at all unless manually triggered by the player.