How to Avoid Common Home Theater Remote Control Problems
A home theater remote control eliminates the need for you to use wires and cables when connecting and operating each component of your home entertainment system. But even if remote controls provide total convenience to users, these devices can malfunction and ruin an otherwise perfect home movie experience. So, here are some tips on how you can avoid or prevent common glitches in the remote control unit of your home theater system.
Distance Seems to Cause Trouble for the Remote Control
If the remote unit works only when you are a few inches away from your entertainment system and not when you are comfortably seated a few feet away on your couch, then it is very likely that the batteries of your remote control device have run low or are totally drained. The distance that can be covered by a remote control is mainly affected by how much energy remains in the batteries. You can easily solve this glitch by replacing old batteries with new ones. Make sure that you have a ready stock of the right-sized batteries for your remote control.
Remote Control Only Works Occasionally Regardless of Distance
Remote controls basically work or connect with the main entertainment system via infrared signal. Anything that can disrupt the infrared signal can prevent the remote control from working properly. If your remote device does not work continuously, there could be something that repeatedly disrupts the infrared signal from the remote control to the sensors in the main entertainment system. Check and remove any moving object blocking the sensors.
If there are no obstructions to the infrared signal, the problem may be caused by your bad location. Try to move directly in front or within a 30-degree angle of your home entertainment system. The sensors in the main units will not be able to clearly pick up the signal from the remote device without direct infrared path.
Home Theater Remote Doesn’t Work
If you have just replaced the batteries and still your remote control device cannot command some or all of the units in your home entertainment system, then you need to check for objects that may be blocking the receptors in the main components such as your video player or LCD television. Apart from solid objects, fluorescent and very bright lights can render the remote device useless. Remove or turn off anything that can block the remote signal to your entertainment units.
You can also try to move closer to your home theater system. The remote device cannot connect with the home entertainment system if it is beyond the reach or limit of the infrared sensors located in the main units. Typically, remote controls for home entertainment systems have an average operating distance of about 20 feet. Beyond this range, your remote control will definitely not work.
Lastly, check if the remote control key lock has been activated. You will notice a key or lock icon on your home entertainment theater screen if this feature is enabled. If such is the case, you need to turn this feature off. Consult the home theater remote control user’s manual for instructions.