Problem with TV remote

[JiveMiguel]

Hello,

I just purchased a Sony 30" widescreen HD crt tv. Looks awesome! My problem is that the TV seems to not pick up the remote signals too well. I'm using the remote that came with the TV. It controls the DVD and cable box at an acceptable distance (well over 20"), but you have to be within 10" or maybe even less to control the TV. I have a cheap programmable remote and it acts the same. Thus, I'm assuming the problem is with the TV and not the remote. Maybe that's a wrong assumption... And, as far as I can tell, there is no light interference with the TV remote sensor (no fluorescent lights nearby, etc).

Can anyone shed some light on this issue? Would a certain type of programmable remote work better? I don't know too much about those high-end touch-screen remotes.

Thanks in advance!

 

[av-man]

You could add an IR repeating system so the IR to TV would be attached to it. Then distance would not be an issue. There are also remotes like the Pronto that have a strong IR output.

 

[MDS]

There are a few issues that affect your ir reception:

1. The 'eye' of the ir receiver on the tv. Many are very narrow and can only 'see' an ir signal if it is within 20 degrees on either side of its center.
2. The strength of the ir emitter on the remote (as well as the width of its beam). Most oem remotes that come with the equipment and low end universals have a rather weak output and are only good for about 15'.
3. Flourescent lighting and/or bright sunlight can affect the range as well.
That is why the instructions for many universal remotes recommend working in a dimly lit room when teaching it the commands from another remote.

IR repeaters can certainly help, but personally I think the best solution is to get a more powerful universal. The Home Theater Master remotes have the most powerful emitters (and often have two or more). I've heard, but never owned so can't verify, that the Harmony and Pronto remotes also use pretty powerful emitters.

My current MX-350 (and my older MX-500) have no problem working properly from the front door that is about 40' away.

Remotes that have RF capability are another option as RF does not require line of sight to the component as IR does.

 

[JiveMiguel]

Ok, problem solved. I called sony in home service today and they came out about 6 hours later. The guy said he's seen this a lot and the issue is that the circuit board that holds the IR eye was not mounted in the housing correctly. He set it right and the remote works from over 30+ feet now. The power button on the face of the set was not working either. This solved that problem as well.

I was very imporessed with the technician. He was an actual sony employee, not some contractor. He was very professional. That alone will make me buy another sony set if I'm ever in the market anytime soon.

Thanks to all who posted. Hopefully if someone else has this problem, they will find this post and not have to return the set to the store. That would have been the biggest headache of all! For the reference, here's the sony in home service phone number: 866-443-7116