If the IR control is not working, this could be a set up issue, sensor position or lighting problem.
Correct set up
The first thing to check is the correct set up – have you placed the sensors in the correct location and are they connected to the correct ports?
To control the source from a remote location via a matrix system or HDMI extender you need to use the following set up:
IR transmitter (TX) sensor should be located at the source and will usually be the smaller ‘teardrop’ shaped sensor. Fix this onto the source in the correct position.
IR receiver (RX) should be located at the TV end and is the larger IR sensor. Place this on the TVÂ in view of the remote control.
Make sure the TX is connected to the IR OUT port at the source end and the RX is connected to the IR IN port at TV end in the remote location.
If you are installing a product with both IR IN & IR OUT at both ends, this is called a bi-directional IR system and by connecting the sensors around the other way, it is possible to control the source from the remote location if required.
OK, so the set up is good, but the IR control is still not working…
Check the sensor position
It is important to get both sensors in the correct position, particularly the TX on the source. As long as the RX is in view, then the location is probably OK however the TX location is more critical as it will be stuck to the source and if it is not over the IR receiver window on the source, control remotely may not work.
The good news is that most device manufacturers have had the sense to design products with an obvious IR window such as the new SKY Q box so it is easy to place the TX sensor in the correct position. Not all devices are as straight forward so it may be necessary to shine a torch through the front panel or even try some temporary positions and run tests until the control starts to work.
Lighting
Sometimes the control works for a moment and then stops and this is often to do with the lighting in the room.
IR control uses light frequencies and sometimes there is a light source nearby which is using some of the same frequencies and this causes intermittent control.
Typical culprits are florescent lighting or the TV itself. These issues mostly occur in the room in the remote location, but this issue can happen at the source end as well.
Try some different positions for the IR RX sensor or try ‘cupping’ your hand round it or mask the light in the room with a cloth to determine if this is the cause of the problems.
Sorted?
These are the most common causes for IR control issues on HDMI matrix and extender systems but if you are still experiencing problems you can contact our technical team on:
01675 465487
or click here to send us an instant message.