TV Remote Sensor Problem.

If the OFF/ON works with the universal, I would suspect the universal remote to have a fault more than the TV set. Re-program the product code in the universal remote. Try another universal remote on the TV set.

If there is a fault where only some functions on the TV do not work with a known working remote, This may be from a problem in the TV's uPC, or the firmware in the TV's EPROM. In this case, the problem will be very involved.

--

Jerry G.

SONY Trinitron 27" TV model KV-27T530.

The generic remote doesn't work.

The SONY TV's own remote was stolen years ago. Since generic remotes work I did not miss the stolen one.

The SONY remote [from the stereo amp with controls for audio/TV/VTR/LDP] System OFF button works. This remote's TV ON/OFF button works. But channel # select, channel step up/down and volume control don't work.

If the SONY (but not the generic) remote ON/OFF works it likely means the IR photo receptor is good. Yet it won't accept channel select and volume signals from any remote controller.

Any suggestions what to look for next?

My plan of action is to remove the TV control panel and look for cold solder joints. A general cleaning then reseat the connector plugs. There is no circuit diagram although the function blocks are IDed on the single main PCB.

I can live with without the remote. Picture quality and sound is still excellent. The TV set is too bulky to take to a TV repair shop. Its not worth repairing anyway. The money will be better spent on a new flat panel TV set. I can fix most things including TV sets if pointed in the right direction.

My experience has been that any Sony TV remote control will operate any Sony television. In other words, there appears to be only one set of Sony codes. So that is not likely the source of the problem. (However, you should the programming instructions to make sure this is the case.)

Multi-device remote controls have some method -- usually a button -- for selecting which device is in use. Make sure that the TV is selected. Simply pressing the button for TV power does not switch the controller to TV commands.

This is possible, but unlikely. You need to find another universal remote to confirm this.

I bought a replacement remote for my Sony DVD player a few years back, and it was about $15. Apparently Sony has learned its lesson.

Any Sony remote for a Sony TV, VCR, or DVD player should control your TV.

I have a VCR for which none of the universal remotes I tried had 'all' of the codes...specifically the 'menu' function. I needed to program the channels, but none of the remotes I had worked.

I downloaded a remote control program for my Palm Pilot ('Novii Remote') for which I was able--via their library of codes, or something on their forum, I don't remember which--to program the appropriate function.

Using a Palm or other PDA for remote control is a great 'life extender' for those obsolete, but still functioning, devices. The software is only about $25, and if you already have the device, it's equal to a $100+ home theater remote.

Many codes available for download, and it's 'teachable' if you already have the original remote. There's a forum. If something's not available, it's possible to request someone to copy the codes from their original device and upload them.

Some Palm units have better IR range than others. I use an M-130 (eBay: about $30...might need a new battery) to shoot across the room, but my Palm 270 cell phone will only work for a few feet. For that one, I use an IR (PowerMid) extender placed near the listening position.

Pocket PC versions available as well....

jak