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Resolved Question

Why Doesn't My IR Extender Cable Work

Feb 21, 2015 3:34AM PST

New UN50H5203AFXZA SAMSUNG SMART TV.
I'm trying to use the extender cable to control my Charter Comm. Set Top Box (Model #DC550DR) but I can't get it to work. I've had the STB for about a year and can't find its Model # when running the Remote Set Up.

I only need STB control for changing channels and, strangely, it sometimes works but rarely.

Any ideas for me, please?

Frank

Discussion is locked

frankphelps has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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Re: IR Extender...
Feb 21, 2015 5:49AM PST

Frank,

I'm sorry to hear this! Try re-positioning the Extender. Make sure that it's directly in front of the remote sensor on the cable box, and see if that clears up the issue for you. You always want to make sure that it's no farther that 2 inches in front of the remote sensor. With some of the cable boxes, the extender is very sensitive, and it has to be in the perfect spot.

Regards,
HD Tech

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Why Doesn't My IR Extender Cable Work
Feb 21, 2015 7:27AM PST

OK HD Tech. I'll try that. The manual says 4 inches.

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Why Doesn't My IR Extender Cable Work
Feb 21, 2015 8:39AM PST

OK, it seems to work now if I leave the extender cable plugged in. If I unplug it the remote doesn't control the STB. But the User Manual says unplug it and put it away! ?????
Also, the Manual refers to the "Remote Control" and also to the "Universal Remote Control". Are they one and the same or two different devices?
My control is labeled: BN59-01178W.
Thanks for your help.

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Why Doesn't My IR Extender Cable Work -
Feb 22, 2015 1:46AM PST

Anyone else?
Any users out there who have dealt with this situation and could help me with information about their experience, please??
Thanks
Frank

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Why Doesn't My IR Extender Cable Work
Feb 23, 2015 1:25AM PST

Remote control of the STB works better after I rotated the STB to be more square with my chair. But it is still erratic and frustrating. The control seems weak and overly directional compared to the universal controller that came with the STB.
If I can't get better performance I'll return the TV to Walmart and try LG or Sony!!
Any thoughts for me?
Frank

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Remove?
Feb 23, 2015 4:59PM PST
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Why Doesn't My IR Extender Cable Work
Feb 23, 2015 11:27PM PST

Highland-Logan
Thanks! I have downloaded the emanual to my computer. Page 22 starts talking about mouse and keyboard control. If you're referring to Remote Control Setup starting on page 19, I've run that procedure several times but with only marginal success.
Were you able to disconnect the extender cable and still have STB control?
Frank

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No disconnect
Feb 24, 2015 4:14AM PST

I do not have a TV with a cable IR blaster, but a bluetooth one. I did have an RCA TV years ago witch had a cable based IR blaster, and I can confirm, that you can not disconnect it. The TV gets your signal request and passes it on to the device you want to control.

According to the manual I linked you to, follow the setup instructions and when you want to use the set top box, you should be selecting it as your source and you should have control.

Frank

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Why Doesn't My IR Extender Cable Work
Feb 25, 2015 2:28AM PST

Again, thanks Highland-Logan.
I don't fully understand just how this "blaster" is supposed to work but for now it's working OK. sometimes frustrating but I do get the channel changed using it.
Frank

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Samsung IR extender set top box issue
Oct 5, 2015 5:44AM PDT

I have Samsung 46f6400 tv I tried to use the ir extender to control stb but during the process it asks for service provider which I didn't found in the list. What should I do?