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Help with Plasma interference with Motorola DVR
KennaK:
I am at my wit's end! ??? We bought a Panasonic 50" Plasma TH-50PX75U television about 2 months ago. We have a Motorola HD Dual Tuner/DVR DCH 3416 leased from Charter cable. Long story short, after visits from a TV technician and a charter tech, and emails to Motorola and Panasonic, it's been decided that the reason my DVR remote will not work is because of the interference with the RF coming out of the plasma interferes with RF coming out of other devices. We have a Bose Digital Home Theatre Cinemate and a Panasonic DVD that are also in the living room. However, even when they're off, the problem is still there. You cover the TV up with a blanket, the DVR remote works fine. Obviously, that's not practical. It also works fine on our other TV's that are not plasma. I've researched for weeks on the internet and came across this site. I was wondering if anyone knows of a fix for this or if the Icon Remote would work. I need one that transfers through Infrared and not RF. I'm obviously not savy when it comes to electronics but would really appreciate any assistance anyone might have.
We've tried moving the DVR but are limited as to how far we can move it from the TV due to the size of our living room.
Thanks in advance for any advice! :)
HA Dave:
--- Quote from: KennaK on September 21, 2008, 10:29:12 AM ---... We bought a Panasonic 50" Plasma TH-50PX75U television about 2 months ago. We have a Motorola HD Dual Tuner/DVR DCH 3416 leased from Charter cable.
--- End quote ---
Some Plasma TV's can/will create light in the Infra-Red spectrum.... that is near (or close enough) to the (human eye invisible) IR light that our [TV, DVR, DVD] remotes use.
--- Quote from: KennaK on September 21, 2008, 10:29:12 AM --- Long story short, after visits from a TV technician and a charter tech, and emails to Motorola and Panasonic, it's been decided that the reason my DVR remote will not work is because of the interference with the RF coming out of the plasma interferes with RF coming out of other devices.
--- End quote ---
Actually.... I think you mean: The new Plasma TV is creating IR interference.
I don't mean to sound "picky" about the term (IR as opposed to RF) but it's important you realize... you will be trying to block [invisible] "light" that is projected from your remote (AND the Plasma TV's screen).
--- Quote from: KennaK on September 21, 2008, 10:29:12 AM --- We have a Bose Digital Home Theatre Cinemate and a Panasonic DVD that are also in the living room. However, even when they're off, the problem is still there. You cover the TV up with a blanket, the DVR remote works fine.
--- End quote ---
Yes the blanket is apparently blocking enough of the IR light (emitted by the plasma TV) to allow the IR remote to [once again] work.
--- Quote from: KennaK on September 21, 2008, 10:29:12 AM --- Obviously, that's not practical. It also works fine on our other TV's that are not plasma. I've researched for weeks on the internet and came across this site. I was wondering if anyone knows of a fix for this or if the Icon Remote would work. I need one that transfers through Infrared and not RF. I'm obviously not savy when it comes to electronics but would really appreciate any assistance anyone might have.
We've tried moving the DVR but are limited as to how far we can move it from the TV due to the size of our living room.
Thanks in advance for any advice! :)
--- End quote ---
I would try shielding the DVR's IR port from the plasma TV's Light (the screen). Then use a X10 Power-Mid <link to get the remotes IR signal to the DVR. The X10 Power-Mids can even be used to control devices [like DVR's] that are tucked away behind cabinet doors.
I use a similar device to control equipment at the back of the room in my home theater. It was my home theater that caused me to find Home Automation [and X10]. This is cool stuff KennaK.... be prepared to have FUN. I really enjoy my Home Automation setup.
P.S. The Icon remote is AWESOME.
KennaK:
Dave,
Thank you for your reply and assistance. And yes, you're right, the plasma is creating IR interference, not RF. Sorry about that. I bought a wireless IR remote extender from Radio Shack a few weeks ago and that didn't fix it either. I followed the directions to no avail! I'm assuming that it's comparable to the X-10 Power-Mid. I bought a Harmony 880 remote but haven't tried it yet. We've tried moving the DVR as far behind the screen that we can and even tried putting it under a end table but the problem is still there. Seems like it's OK for a time and then acts up again. Guess I'll just have to try moving it again.
Oh, BTW, I love your home theatre set up. Wish we had the time and know-how for that!
Thanks again for your help. :D
HA Dave:
--- Quote from: KennaK on September 21, 2008, 06:31:42 PM ---........... I bought a wireless IR remote extender from Radio Shack a few weeks ago and that didn't fix it either. We've tried moving the DVR as far behind the screen that we can and even tried putting it under a end table but the problem is still there. Seems like it's OK for a time and then acts up again. Guess I'll just have to try moving it again.
--- End quote ---
Sounds like your half way to being fixed!
Find the DVR's IR port. It is the "place" where the IR light is received. Don't assume it's where is looks like it should be... check by looking through the red plastic with a flashlight. Cover the port [with black tape if need be] all except for a very small area... then cover that area with the Radio Shack IR emitter (or the extender device itself). Then set the extenders receiver away in a corner BEHIND the TV... shielded in a box [for testing] if needed.
P.S. Everything I know about Home Theaters.... I read on the Internet.
fadetwoblack:
This was a very interesting read. I have all of the above issues. I have Fios DVR and Panasonic Plasma. Started experiencing remote control interference and was totally lost as to why. I didnt realize I had moved the DVR box closer to bed a week ago and problems started, THanks for your help I moved it back and all is well. I was about to go down some very differnet paths including the dreaded Verizon phone call. I owe all of you a beer for your help.
Thanks
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