Universal remote that controls DishNetwork HD box

[nm2285]

I've tried a few universal remotes and each one has disappointed me in that it won't control out DishNetwork HD boxes (i think the model is 811). Does anyone know a remote that does it for sure? I'm a big fan of the Home Theater Master remotes (I have an SL-9000), but, like I said, it doesnt work. If one of their higher models does, i'd be tempted to stay with that brand.

 

[mytzen]

Logitech Harmony remotes are really good and can control almost any device including Dish Network boxes
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/features/harmony/us/en,CRID=2078
On that page there is a link called "Test Drive" you can log on and see what devices are supported. I think almost every manufacturer and model are on there.

You can find them in many stores or you could try Ebay for a used one.

 

[AverageJoe]

I also have the 811 receiver, and the only problem I have getting the Harmony remote to work on it, is to change the receiver to infrared mode from RF. I tried a couple months ago, and couldn't get it to change. I gave up until my HT is complete.
Anyway, you may have the same issue. If the receiver remote says UHF on it, an IR remote may not work without changing the mode on the receiver first.

 

[nm2285]

The remote does say UHF. How do I switch to IR? If i do, will that negate the stock remote?

Thanks for your help.

 

[AverageJoe]

If I remember correctly, the remote itself may not be able to change modes. When we got our service, the installer set the DVR receiver to IR, and the HD receiver to UHF. I was trying to swap the modes (and the remotes) on the two receivers. The instructions in the manual indicated I should be able to do it, but I was unsuccessful. You may need to call DishNetwork (God help you), or talk to someone smarter than me (way easier - there's lot's of 'em).

 

[jrfuda]

The problem with the 811, if I remember correctly, is that it is recmote controllable by RF (UHF) only, not by IR. The specifics of the UHF are proprietory to Dish and are not available to universal remote makers (or they are, and the universal remote makers do not want to dedicate a model specifc to one manufacturer's hardware).

The bottom line is that there is NO after market / third party universal remote capable of controlling anything that only responds to RF remote commands.

Dish's newer HD offerings, such as the VIP series, can be controlled by IR or RF (or both, one per tuner). I personally have a VIP 622 and have been very pleased. I use both a HTM MX-700 and URC-200 to control it in IR mode. I also have it's second tuner output connected to all the "other" TVs in the house, each of which is controlled by a Dish UHF Pro 6.2 or 6.3 remote (the 6.3 is original equipment for the 622, the 6.2 is a slightly over revision, that is 100% compatable with the 622, and probably the 811 as well. They can be purchased at DishStore.net)

 

[AverageJoe]

The problem with the 811, if I remember correctly, is that it is recmote controllable by RF (UHF) only, not by IR...

I think you're right. The part that threw me when I was trying to change it was the IR "lights" at the front of the remote. I finally realized those are to control the TV, VCR, DVD, etc. Guess we might need one of their new, improved receivers.

 

[gellor]

True, the 811 states that it is RF-only. However I have one and it works quite well with the Harmony remotes. It takes a fraction of a second longer for the codes to be recognized, but it still does everything that it needs to. (Incidentally, I'm on my second harmony remote, and both have had no problems with the Dish 811)

The problem with the 811, if I remember correctly, is that it is recmote controllable by RF (UHF) only, not by IR. The specifics of the UHF are proprietory to Dish and are not available to universal remote makers (or they are, and the universal remote makers do not want to dedicate a model specifc to one manufacturer's hardware).

The bottom line is that there is NO after market / third party universal remote capable of controlling anything that only responds to RF remote commands.

Dish's newer HD offerings, such as the VIP series, can be controlled by IR or RF (or both, one per tuner). I personally have a VIP 622 and have been very pleased. I use both a HTM MX-700 and URC-200 to control it in IR mode. I also have it's second tuner output connected to all the "other" TVs in the house, each of which is controlled by a Dish UHF Pro 6.2 or 6.3 remote (the 6.3 is original equipment for the 622, the 6.2 is a slightly over revision, that is 100% compatable with the 622, and probably the 811 as well. They can be purchased at DishStore.net)

 

[majorloser]

I recently switched from the Dish 6000 receiver to the new VIP 211. The older 6000 receiver was an RF unit but still had the ability to accept IR inputs. This allowed me to use my Philips Pronto Pro. The new VIP 211 was only IR. I complained to DISH when it arrived and they sent me out a new remote with an IR repeater that attached to the unit (for free ). I now have two IR repeaters attached to the same receiver sensor.

BTW- the new receiver is great!