Failing IR link

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Scotdownunder

225 posts

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#152289 22-Sep-2014 17:54

Hi,

My TIVo remote is becoming increasingly unresponsive. With new batteries in remote, pressing any button activates the red light but the TIVO only occasionaly responds (with orange light). Have powered down and restarted but no change.

Is the TiVo dying or is it the remote (iR transmitter LED?) and can it be fixed ?

gregmcc

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#1134002 22-Sep-2014 19:04

Most likely the remote is dying, new ones can be purchased from Tivo, or buy a universal remote

Kiwi1971

696 posts

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#1134362 23-Sep-2014 10:10

My Tivo occasionally has a non responsive period where the orange light flashes but nothing happens, usually goes away quickly though.

With regard to the remote, I use a Logitech Harmony remote that is actually more responsive than the original remote and has the added benefit of being programmable. I have set up a button sequences for mostly hands-free skipping ads. I programmed a button to run through the comand sequence FFWD-FFWD-FFWD-FFWD which takes it through the three different fast forward speeds and back to normal playing speed, I hit that button twice and runs through two phases of that and it normally covers a standard ad break usually finishing just after the ad break or just under, requiring a couple of skips back or a short fast burst. You can also specify the delay between each command to adjust the timing, the longer the delay, the longer it will fast forward.

Also as I have everything through an AV receiver I have created two preset volume buttons that will take the volume up in incriments of 5 up per press or 5 down per press. It buffers button presses so you can hit it twice straight away and it will run through two phases one after the other. As well as one button turning everything on and selecting the rightTV and AV receiver input.

In short, it's well worth considering if you are replacing the remote.

Scotdownunder

225 posts

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#1134743 23-Sep-2014 17:31

Thanks,

Had just ordered a Harmony remote before your post. Will simplify controlling the multiple boxes regardless of TiVo issue. Had considered an app for an iPhone / iPad but you have to buy an IR Tx dongle in some form so no real advantage.

overkill

222 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 42

#1134767 23-Sep-2014 18:16

Scotdownunder: Thanks,

Had just ordered a Harmony remote before your post. Will simplify controlling the multiple boxes regardless of TiVo issue. Had considered an app for an iPhone / iPad but you have to buy an IR Tx dongle in some form so no real advantage.

There are a couple of APPs that use IP commands for the TIVO so no need for the IR kit, as long as you have it connected to your network. Plenty of full HA APPs that you can configure yourself aswell if you want to go down that route for fun.

"Setting the Standard in Quality and Commitment"

Scotdownunder

225 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 108

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#1137037 24-Sep-2014 23:29

Got the remote today and it works fine.

Just need to work out if I need to map any extra functions onto spare keys - had to map the TiVo key (to menu) which I was surprised was not part of the default TiVo profile.

Tried earlier to download the TiVo remote control app for my iPad but nothing happened - just blank screen. Maybe not available on the NZ App Store.

Thanks to all for the advice.