Strange problem with DSTV remote not working when TV is ON

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Xela

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Hopefully someone can help me. I bought a HDPVR2P two weeks ago, and after the first day noticed that the remote would take at least ten minutes to start working with the decoder when I switched on the TV.
It doesn't work at all, and then all of a sudden it works perfectly when it decides to.

At first switching the decoder off and on manually could get it running, but now that doesn't work either.
Strange thing is, the remote works just fine with the decoder when the TV is off, but when you switch the TV on, it usually takes about 10-20 minutes before it suddenly wakes up. Sometimes you have to wait for over an hour for it to wake up.

My current solution is either to operate the thing manually, or switch TV off, use remote, switch TV on, switch TV off, use remote again, etc..

Tried the other HDMI connection on the TV, same problem..
 
Actually not that strange. Plasma screen, correct? They do often interfere with IR. No real cure, besides moving the decoder, or buying a new screen...
 
Happens with my LCD tv too.
DSTV remote works before I switch the tv on. Then stops for 5 minutes or so after I switch it on.
Suddenly it comes back to life.
Weird.
 
I had that when I moved into my apartment (shared dish) and also lost a bunch of channels. When the correct cables were connected everything worked 100% again.
 
When you switch the LCD on, the CCFL back-lighting takes a while to warm up, and during this time it emits a lot of IR light. This effectively "jams" the HD PVR's IR receiver, so it can't receive any signals from the remote.

When I switch my LCD TV on, I have to wait for about 20seconds, then the HD PVR remote works again. It is a poorly designed IR receiver on the HD PVR, because the TV's remote works perfectly.
 
greg_SA said:
When you switch the LCD on, the CCFL back-lighting takes a while to warm up, and during this time it emits a lot of IR light. This effectively "jams" the HD PVR's IR receiver, so it can't receive any signals from the remote.

When I switch my LCD TV on, I have to wait for about 20seconds, then the HD PVR remote works again. It is a poorly designed IR receiver on the HD PVR, because the TV's remote works perfectly.
Click to expand...

Interesting. Thanks for the insight Greg.
 
greg_SA said:
When you switch the LCD on, the CCFL back-lighting takes a while to warm up, and during this time it emits a lot of IR light. This effectively "jams" the HD PVR's IR receiver, so it can't receive any signals from the remote.

When I switch my LCD TV on, I have to wait for about 20seconds, then the HD PVR remote works again. It is a poorly designed IR receiver on the HD PVR, because the TV's remote works perfectly.
Click to expand...
True hey. Both my TV and AV receiver work (off the DSTV remote) except the HD PVR.
 
My TV is wall-mounted and the PVR about a metre or so below that, so I cannot comment on the delay, as I don't experience it :)
 
greg_SA said:
When you switch the LCD on, the CCFL back-lighting takes a while to warm up, and during this time it emits a lot of IR light. This effectively "jams" the HD PVR's IR receiver, so it can't receive any signals from the remote.

When I switch my LCD TV on, I have to wait for about 20seconds, then the HD PVR remote works again. It is a poorly designed IR receiver on the HD PVR, because the TV's remote works perfectly.
Click to expand...

I have to wait a lot longer..The TV is in a cabinet with a seperate shelf for the decoder underneath, would the TV still be interfering with the decoder's IR receiver?
 
grav80 said:
My TV is wall-mounted and the PVR about a metre or so below that, so I cannot comment on the delay, as I don't experience it :)
Click to expand...
The issue may be be vendor specific?

My HDPVR2P and SDPVR are about a foot below my Samsung TV (two different models have been used there) and no issues with IR interference. Normally I control all 3 devices with the HDPVR's A3 remote.
 
Xela said:
I have to wait a lot longer..The TV is in a cabinet with a seperate shelf for the decoder underneath, would the TV still be interfering with the decoder's IR receiver?
Click to expand...

The IR emissions don't have to go directly from the TV to the decoder - they bounce off the wall, ceiling, etc. So it probably is still causing the "jamming". My TV is wall mounted, and my PVR is in a cabinet underneath, with only the front of the PVR visible from the front.

You can always test if the TV is the problem, by putting the remote right up against the HD PVR receiver and covering the area with your hand (to block any background IR). Then the remote should work.
 
Last edited:
The problem is definitely not a poorly designed IR receiver... It is the IR frequencies that are being used that differs. Also, If the TV interferes with your DStv decoder, why are you blaming the decoder?
 
I have had this in customers installations. Solution is always to recess the HD-PVR in a cabinet or deep bookshelves so it cannot receive a signal from another source. Also check the batteries in the remote. Just because it is new it does not mean the batteries were not lying on a shelf for 3 years
 
Quantum Theory said:
The problem is definitely not a poorly designed IR receiver... It is the IR frequencies that are being used that differs. Also, If the TV interferes with your DStv decoder, why are you blaming the decoder?
Click to expand...
Because only the decoder is affected. The other devices work fine.
 
R13... said:
Because only the decoder is affected. The other devices work fine.
Click to expand...

I've explained that the frequencies differ... That same decoder will work in the same position, with a different screen mounted in the same position. The screen is the problem, not the decoder. Just so easy to always blame DStv for every problem in a setup, isn't it?
 
Quantum Theory said:
I've explained that the frequencies differ... That same decoder will work in the same position, with a different screen mounted in the same position. The screen is the problem, not the decoder. Just so easy to always blame DStv for every problem in a setup, isn't it?
Click to expand...

Yes, this is a tricky one, but how does he overcome it? Samsung is an extremely popular make both on account of being well made but also lots of advertising. One job I did in Grabouw we had to put the HD-PVR right at the back of a bookshelf, on its side. This was the only way to get it to respond to remote commands immediately. Even worse when there was a glare from the sun coming in
 
chrisc4290 said:
Yes, this is a tricky one, but how does he overcome it? Samsung is an extremely popular make both on account of being well made but also lots of advertising. One job I did in Grabouw we had to put the HD-PVR right at the back of a bookshelf, on its side. This was the only way to get it to respond to remote commands immediately. Even worse when there was a glare from the sun coming in
Click to expand...

An installer I know mounted a piece of conduit over the IR receiver position on the decoder. With this McGuyver, signals could only get in from angles straight ahead and he says this worked for him and he's done it a few times. I've never tested this myself...
 
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