Both Telewest and NTL (in the UK) use IRDA - a variation on plain and simple Infra Red. IRDA enables more complex operations using data to be sent between remote and decoder box (although neither company have enough money to develop this facility!).

Consequently, virtually all remotes WILL NOT WORK with these systems. However, if you go to www.remotecentral.co.uk you can purchase a "red eye convertor" for about £30 and all is fine!