Infrared adapters for a home theater system are an elegant solution to the problem of wires and cluttered components. However, they are also a complex part of the system and are subject to occasional glitches. It's important to know what kind of IR system you should have and maintain it. Follow these steps to troubleshoot infrared signal problems in your home theater system.
Instructions
1. Make sure you have a compatible unit. Not every IR system works with every receiver or television. Contact the manufacturer (look for an 800 number on the unit's packaging) and ask about compatibility.
2. Check to see that the problem truly lies with the IR signal. Check your remote's batteries and the connections on the cables to your speakers, receiver and television, among other components.
3. Use the faceplate controls on your receiver and television to make sure the problem isn't in their interactions and not with the IR unit. If the receiver and TV work by manually hitting faceplate buttons, you can surmise it is the IR signal.
4. Check the covers on the IR receiver and transmitter. If something is blocking them or they are covered with grime, wipe them clean with a lint-free cloth. Remove any boxes, small animals or children that may be in the signals path.
5. Buy an IR detector card from an electronics store like Radio Shack. This is the one, surefire way to see if your remote is emitting an infrared signal.
Tags: receiver television, home theater, infrared signal, signal Check, your remote