Learn how to troubleshoot TV issues such as not being able to change channels as a result of IR (infrared) sensor issues. Some televisions have automatic sensors installed which will adjust the contrast and brightness of your TV automatically depending on the ambient light in your viewing space. To do this, your TV utilizes the same IR sensors that remote controls often use, and this can cause a conflict that will prevent your Remote from being able to function with the Digital Box.

Troubleshooting Quick Fix

Follow these steps to fix the issue of not being able to change channels while the TV is powered on.

  1. Power off the TV
  2. Ensure the Digital Box is powered on
  3. Change the channel on the Remote to 999
  4. Power the TV back on
  5. If the Digital Box was able to successfully tune to channel 999 while the TV was powered off, but still cannot change channels while the TV is powered on this would confirm that an IR conflict is present in your setup.
  6. Use the remote control that came with your television set to find and disable the feature. Depending on your brand of TV, this may be labelled differently. Here is a list of the most common ambient light sensors listed by brand, as well as the steps to disable them.

Sharp Aquos

Feature to Disable: Change "Picture Mode" to Standard

How to Disable Feature: MENU > Picture > OPC = Off

 

Sony Bravia

Feature to Disable: Turn off "Light Sensor"

How to Disable Feature: Settings > Setup > Light Sensor = Off

 

Toshiba REGZA

Feature to Disable: Turn off "Auto Brightness Sensor" or "TheaterLink"

How to Disable Feature: MENU > Picture > Advanced Picture > Settings > Auto Brightness Sensor = Off

 

Samsung LCD

Feature to Disable: Turn off "Power Save" or "Brightness Sensor"

How to Disable Feature: MENU > Picture > Eco Solution > Energy Saver = Off, Eco Sensor = Off

 

LG

Feature to Disable: Disable/Deselect "Intelligent Sensor"

How to Disable Feature: 42LD520: MENU > Picture > Energy Saving = Off, Picture Mode = Standard

 

EMERSON

Feature to Disable: Change "ECO" mode to OFF

How to Disable Feature: Simply press the "ECO" button (with a leaf icon) on the Emerson remote control to toggle ECO mode Off. If this button doesn't exist, then navigate MENU > Features > ECO = Off.

 

Panasonic Plasma

Feature to Disable: Set Picture Mode to Standard and Back Light to Dark

How to Disable Feature: MENU > Picture > Picture

 

Other

Feature to Disable: Change "Picture Mode" to Standard (instead of Vivid or Dynamic or Movie)

How to Disable Feature: Refer to Owner's Manual

Additional Troubleshooting suggestions

In addition to the solution above, you can try these options to fix the issue of not being able to change the channel when the TV is powered on:

  • For Pace and some Motorola digital boxes, try using the Remote IR that was included in the package and place it in an area away from the IR input of your television.
  • Position your television so that direct sunlight does not affect the televisions IR receiver
  • Replace the remote control batteries with fresh ones to boost the signal

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