Support article

Infrared (IR) blasters work better if their emitters and the IR window on the cable or satellite box are protected from other IR signals (from your Digital Video Recorder, VCR, TV, etc.). These signals are normally ignored by the box, but they can distort the IR blaster's signals if they occur at the same time.

One way to prevent interference is to build a small "tent" out of foil or thick paper and use it to cover the IR blaster's emitters and the cable or satellite box's IR window (the area covered in translucent plastic). This method may help if changing channels with IR blasters is unreliable or inconsistent, but not if channels do not change at all.

For some boxes, this will include covering the controls on the front. Also, keep in mind that you will not be able to use the cable or satellite box's remote control while the tent is in place. You should test this with your cable or satellite remote control to make sure that the signal CANNOT get through. If the tent is effective, it will block all IR signals except those from the IR blaster. This should not present a problem, since changing channels exclusively with the TiVo remote is recommended.

To determine whether or not you need to build an IR tent, perform the following steps:

Test whether a tent might be effective by draping a thick material, such as a magazine, book or aluminum foil over the IR blaster emitters and the cable or satellite box's IR window (but not the DVR IR window). Try changing channels several times with the TiVo remote. If channels change more reliably this way, you may want to build an IR tent.

There is no single best way to build an IR tent. The exact methods you use will depend on the materials you have available and the shape of your cable or satellite box's IR window. The simplest approach is to tape a small piece of cardboard over the entire IR window. The cardboard could then be covered with a dark material to improve its appearance. The important point is that it fit closely over the area around the IR window and the emitters. This is important because signal interference can enter from anywhere on the window.

This information is only for TiVo-manufactured DVRs. If you need further help, please contact your manufacturer.