Remote Control Mishap - ugh!

[kdmorse]

<Rant>

Ok, I did it. It's my fault. I know exactly how the Tivo remote codes work, and the pitfalls associated with the System Information Screen. I have helped other untangle just this knot. Before I even plugged my S3 in for the first time, I set it's new remote to code 6 to keep myself out of trouble.

But for the love of pete - it's just too easy! One little mistake with the 1/2 switch on my new Series 3 remote, and now all 4 of the tivo's in that room are set to remote code 0, and respond to all remotes - it's anarchy! I've now got at least a half hour of blocking ir sensors three at a time, validating what remotes are set to what, and reteaching my four units what codes to respond to. I may just resort to pulling the plugs, and powering them up one at a time for simplicity.

Personally - I think the System Information screen shouldn't autoreset it's code on any button (You know, like when pressing channel down to get to the next page so you can SEE the remote code - oops, you've just changed it!). Make it some button you'd not likely hit on that screen, like Record.

</Rant>

I know.. I know.. It's an old story. Nothing new here. Just a little rant dyeing to get out.

-Ken

[maki]

That sounds exciting. :D

[Jebberwocky!]

last week I knew I was in for it when I saw the TIVO remote sitting next to my MX-700.

Yup, all three of my DTivo's were responding to the same remote. Not hard to fix but a hassle none the less.

[JimSpence]

Personally - I think the System Information screen shouldn't autoreset it's code on any button (You know, like when pressing channel down to get to the next page so you can SEE the remote code - oops, you've just changed it!). Make it some button you'd not likely hit on that screen, like Record.

Then why did you have all TiVos on the Sys Info screen at the same time? :cool: ;)

You shouldn't have to unplug and only power one at a time. Just be very methodical on the remote code changing. I'd make a list of the order to do things. 1) Bring up sys info screen on TiVo #1; 2) change the code on it's remote and the unit; 3) Remove sys info screen; 4) Take that remote to another room. Do this for each respective TiVo.

But, then you know this. So to others with the problem.

[Edmund]

All the OP had to had happen was, he didn't realize that the remote was set to zero address, thought he was putting one tivo into the INFO screen, but of course he was putting them all, the first command later, bingo they're all set to zero.

[tedbill]

I just got an S3 and am starting to struggle with the whole multiple remote issue. At first I thought I had it set correctly, but now all my remotes seem to control all of my TiVos! So what's the trick to keeping them seperated? Do you need to have a unique remote for each?

And do I have any hope of being able to use my Home Theater Master MX800 to control more than one TiVo?

[JimSpence]

Each TiVo needs to have separate remote address. Address 0 is the default and will control any TiVo even if that TiVo is set to some other address. Then if you use that remote to get to the sys info screen - you can figure out the rest. :) Try what I suggested above.

For multiple TiVos, a universal remote is probably the best solution. I now use a Harmony (628 to be exact). This controls three TiVos.

[kdmorse]

I just got an S3 and am starting to struggle with the whole multiple remote issue.

Here are the rules:

1. A Remote Control set to a specific code will control a tivo set to that specific code
2. Unless a tivo is set to code 0 (factory default) - then it will respond to ALL remotes, regardless of code
3. And if a Remote is set to code 0, it will control ALL tivo's regardless of how they are set.
4. For remotes with a 1-2 switch, both positions default to code 0 (NOT codes 1 and 2 as some folks assume), and are separately programmable.
5. While sitting at the System Information screen, ANY button pressed on ANY remote regardless of code settings, will set the tivo in question to respond to that code.

You can, for example, have four Tivo's, and two Remotes to control them:

Tivo #1: Remote Code #1
Tivo #2: Remote Code #2
Tivo #3: Remote Code #3
Tivo #4: Remote Code #4

Remote Control A, Switch position 1: Remote Code #1
Remote Control A, Switch position 2: Remote Code #2
Remote Control B, Switch position 1: Remote Code #3
Remote Control B, Switch position 2: Remote Code #4

The intended result is to get each tivo on it's own non-zero code, and each remote on the appropriate non-zero code. Leave no Tivo's, or Remotes, on code 0.

With two tivo's, the easiest way to make sure you get things right is to block the front of one, then program the other - then switch. Block tivo #2. Get tivo #1 into the SI screen. Set the remote in your hand to code 1, scroll down the SI screen and verify the Tivo is set to code #1. Then leave the SI screen <- Very Important!

Then block the front of Tivo #1. User Remote #2 to get Tivo #2 to to the SI screen. Set the remote in your hand to Code 2, scroll down the SI screen and verify the Tivo is set to code #2, and leave the SI screen.

And don't forget that switch position 2 on each remote may still be set to remote code 0, capable of controlling both Tivo's simultaneously, and accidentally setting units back to remote code 0 if the system information screen is viewed. So set switch position #2 on each remote to something other than 0.

-Ken

[kdmorse]

All the OP had to had happen was, he didn't realize that the remote was set to zero address, thought he was putting one tivo into the INFO screen, but of course he was putting them all, the first command later, bingo they're all set to zero.

You guessed it. Flipped the new S3 remote to switch position 2 (which I had never set) without thinking about it, and reset em all at once. Oops!

Ah well, all fixed now.

-Ken

[GoHokies!]

That sucks, glad that you have gotten things straight.

When I got home with my new S3, I was so excited I got it all hooked up and started blasting through guided setup with the new, beautiful remote. About halfway through, I noticed the light on the S2 still hooked up to the TV - realized that I was probably breaking things, and when I went over to the other input I was halfway through setting a parental lock. If I hadn't caught it, I wonder how long it would have taken me to realize how I had set it, and what 4 numbers I had put into there? :D

[sieglinde]

How the hell do you block the IR on a Tivo. I even put a pewter plate in front of my Tivo and the remote still controlled it.

[Edmund]

You use a video tape, that what they're good for.:)

[sieglinde]

I don't have any to sacrifice would duct tape work?

[sieglinde]

I used a large book. :)

I now have my two tivos on one remote set properly.

[ah30k]

I had to actually unplug the ones I didnt want to program. I swear the signals were leaking around everything I tried using to cover the sensors.

[wedenton]

I don't have any to sacrifice would duct tape work?

I use duct tape, but it takes more than 1 layer. I use 3. Peanut remotes are powerfull!

[Bsteenson]

Once you get the two TiVos to different screens, it's possible to set them for seperate remote numbers without having to cover/uncover the IR sensors, as long as you are careful to never have both on the SI screen at the same time. Believe me, I've been through the situation many times. I've got my MX-500 set to operate 4 different TiVos, but if any of them is on the Systems Info screen and I (or more likely, someone else in my household :)) accidently switches over to a different remote code and hits a button, wham, things go to hell quickly!

You could get a learning remote, for example, the MX-500, to operate nine different TiVos in the same room if you record each device function from a TiVo remote set to a different one of the available numbers (1-9, not 0!).

I agree completely with the thought that it should be a distinct button that needs to be pressed to change the remote number when on the SI screen.

BS

[CrashHD]

It can be done quickly, and without blocking IR or powering down units.

Program the remote with the appropriate code. Naviate ONLY the tivo you want to program to the Sys Info screen, using the buttons on the front of the box. The other tivos (tivoes?) will still be on, with code 0, but they won't be on the sys info screen, so that won't matter.

[Gregor]

If you take a toilet paper or paper towel tube and place it over the end of the remote, you can place the other end of the tube against the sensor without having to power down the other tivos.

[Jebberwocky!]

when did foil stop working as a blocker?

[ah30k]

If you take a toilet paper or paper towel tube and place it over the end of the remote, you can place the other end of the tube against the sensor without having to power down the other tivos.

:up: