IR extender not working to change channels

[RThurston2000]

Have AV sender/receiver model VK83A.  Have 5 in 1 universal learning remote model UR74A.

TV in basement has DirectTV satellite box only.  No VCR.  No DVD player.  TV does not have any AV ports.  Sender is connected to satellite box.  IR cable is directly on sensor of satellite box.  Remote control will change satellite stations.

TV upstairs has receiver connected to TV's AV port #3.  Can view whatever station the remote TV displays but cannot change channels.

TV upstairs also has:

• analog/digital converter box
• antenna connected to VCR
• VCR connects to TV via AV port #1

When the converter box is on and the TV is set to AV  port #1, you can watch non-satellite TV and play VHS tapes.

• Does the X10 remote have to be programmed to control the remote TV (basement) as well?
• Does the other IR sensor have to be placed somewhere?
• What's the secret to being able to change channels?

[dave w]

1. If you want to use the UR74A to control the basement TV.
2. Don't know. One would normally be used to extend the IR signal being relayed from the receiver at the upstairs TV to the device (sat box) you are controlling from the upstairs. Did X10 send you more than one of the extender cables?
3. If the UR74A can change the Sat Box channels when pointed at the Sat Box, then it should also work from the upstairs when pointed at the VK83 receiver.

[RThurston2000]

1. If you want to use the UR74A to control the basement TV.
2. Don't know. One would normally be used to extend the IR signal being relayed from the receiver at the upstairs TV to the device (sat box) you are controlling from the upstairs. Did X10 send you more than one of the extender cables?
3. If the UR74A can change the Sat Box channels when pointed at the Sat Box, then it should also work from the upstairs when pointed at the VK83 receiver.

No to #1. There are other remotes to control the TV - the only controlled feature is volume level.

No to #2.  Just one extender cable with 2 remitter points.  One is over the sensor of the satellite box.  The other isn't on anything.

#3:  You would think so but it isn't.  The remote will control another satellite box (in a room that has no X10 devices).  Actually the x10 remote controls both satellite boxes from a greater distance than the DirectTV remote.   So why not the X10 receiver?

[dave w]

No to #2.  Just one extender cable with 2 remitter points.  One is over the sensor of the satellite box.  The other isn't on anything.

#3:  You would think so but it isn't.  The remote will control another satellite box (in a room that has no X10 devices).  Actually the x10 remote controls both satellite boxes from a greater distance than the DirectTV remote.   So why not the X10 receiver?

2. Got it. That multiple emitter is for use where installations like home theaters have multiple equipment on shelves or behind doors.

3. Don't know. It should. Maybe the IR in the VK83 is bad(?). If you have a low light video camera you should be able to see the IR emitter light up with camera in the low light or night vision mode.