Problem with TiVo remote

[Davidian]

I've searched all remote-related posts and I've seen none that describe the problem I am having.

I have a Tivo Series 2 (and remote) that have been working just fine up until today. This morning when I tried to turn on the TV/Tivo, nothing happened. I have determined it is the remote that is the problem. I was able to turn the TV on using the TV remote. I have another TiVo in another room, and the remote for that Tivo controls the Tivo with the bad remote just fine.

Here's the thing: the bad remote has power. When I press a button I see the little thing on the end pulse red, so I know it's at least doing that. However, it's as if it's not sending out a signal. Any ideas what it could be? This remote is only a month old, I bought it to replace a really old one.

Some notes to help with a diagnosis:

1) I changed the batteries to new ones.

2) There are no other remotes or IR devices in the room where I am having the problem.

3) The TV and Tivo both work 100% correctly if I use a different remote.

Thanks,

Kennedy

[windracer]

If you want to see if any IR is coming out of the end of the bad remote, view it through the LCD of a digital camera. You'll be able to see a pulsing bluish light if IR is being emitted.

[AWEstun]

Does the remote have a "1-2" switch like the original does? Also, on my TiVo's when I press a button the side of the green LED on the front of the TiVo turns a lil bit amber. Did/does yours do this? Was the remote dropped? Is the bad remote about to control the TiVo in the bedroom, if not then it's toast.

[jjberger2134]

Did you replace the light bulbs in the room with Compact Fluorescents? I have heard CFL's have a tendency to interfere with the IR of remote controls.

[Davidian]

Thanks for all replies so far.

1) Yes, that is a 1-2 switch, and it is on the 1 setting, as it always has been.

2) No, the light on the Tivo does not turn amber (as it used to) when a button the bad remote is pressed.

3) No, the remote has not been dropped.

4) No, I have not replaced any lightbulbs at all.

Any other ideas? :)

[rocko]

http://tivosupport2.instancy.com/TivoCollection/5f88b6b5-995a-4324-a302-1c62e0adc25d/ins_content.html

Try item 7 first.

[mheyman]

Does your TiVo remote work when closer to the TiVo?

Suddenly (sometime between Friday evening and Sunday morning), all our remotes (we have 5 - don't ask) stopped working when used more than about 5 feet from our TiVo series 2. They all still work fine on the series 3.

What gives? We tried rebooting the faulty TiVo with no change.

[windracer]

The DVR switch wouldn't affect the ability to turn on the TV, though.

If the amber light on your TiVo doesn't flash when you press a button on the remote, you could be right about the IR emitter. Did you try the digital camera trick I suggested above?

@mheyman: over 2 years until your first post? Congrats! ;)

[mheyman]

Found my problem. A malfunctioning remote extender - a transmitter decided to send some sort of noise that interfered with TiVo 2 (on the remote) but not TiVo 1. Go figure.

I hope Davidian finds something similar...

[Davidian]

I have tried "rebooting" the remote a couple of times, to no avail. I am going to try the digital camera trick you suggested.

Also, I'm sure it's not some other IR transmitter, as we have nothing of the sort in the house.


Thanks again for everyone's help so far.

[Davidian]

Ok, well, it looks like the remote is toast. Where is the best (cheapest) place for me to buy a new Series 2 remote?

Thanks.

[Edmund]

If you could live without the dv1/dvr2 switch, heres a dtivo series two remote:

http://www.newremotecontrol.com/Mfrs/OtherBrands/Def/dyn_part_data.php?catnum=265174

[Berry]

Did you replace the light bulbs in the room with Compact Fluorescents? I have heard CFL's have a tendency to interfere with the IR of remote controls.

Thanks! This suggestion nailed my problem. I only recently installed a compact near my Tivo and then the on/off button stopped working on the remote (all the other buttons worked). Removed the bulb and now I'm back in business. (Wondering where you can install a compact bulb where it's NOT going to affect anything...)

[Tivo_60]

Ok, well, it looks like the remote is toast. Where is the best (cheapest) place for me to buy a new Series 2 remote?

Thanks.
Ebay is your friend.

[Edmund]

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=6280043#post6280043

[lastdeadcat]

Have you tried a lost remote hunt. Look under the couch cushions for some remote you haven't been using that might be activated by pressure on the cushion. Other places they hide is under piles of papers and magazines on the coffee table. It could even be from a neighbors remote. It could be a remote for a fan, air conditioner, or a thermostat--anything that uses an IR remote.