Home Theater Hacks

Hack #87. Learn IR Codes the Smart Way

When you just can't get your programmable remote to learn that certain code from the manufacturer's remote, you might have to do things manually. There are tons of tricks to get to harder IR codes.

If you've ever tried using your programmable remote [Hack #84] to learn infrared codes off of myriad remotes, chances are you've hit upon a few trouble-some buttons. There are those that your programmable remote just wouldn't learn properly, and those that, once learned, don't seem to work as they should. Although there might be some very good reasons why a particular IR code can't be taught, there are a few special learning techniques you can try before pulling out your hair.

Press or Hold?

The most accepted method of teaching another remote an infrared code is by holding down the original button until the programmable remote finishes capturing the code. In fact, this is how the process usually is described in manuals. Continually sending a signal allows the remote to sense its auto-repeating portion and store it once, properly.

Tip

There are some situations where a particular remote requires a different learning technique; if you experience problems, be sure to read your remote's original documentation.

Even when following directions, often one or two buttons from a particular remote will simply refuse to learn. It's even been reported that codes for entire brands can experience problems. In these cases, it's worthwhile to try pressing the button ...