I just picked up the StarChoice's General Instruments Navigo 401 receiver and have noticed that the IR sensor is VERY sensitive to the position of the remote. If it's even a little off axis, it doesn't receive the command. Even my Sony 2100 has quite a bit of trouble hitting it and it has four fairly powerful IR emitters.

Has anyone else had this problem or is it a defective unit?

I have the RF kit but would rather us my 2100 remote.

I can see why they included the RF kit with the 401 if this is how it works with IR.

I had a 421b then changed it to the 401 and found the axis for hitting the sensor was much smaller, sometines I have to "reach" around from my chair to change a channel. My pronto hits it everytime due to it's powerful transmitters but that remote isn't always handy. Try a uhf attachment for your 2100 (made for any brand of remote). I've seen them at www.smarthome.com and some users here have found ways to disasemble the device and place it within the body of a pronto. I'm sure you could find a way for it to work with your remote.

Good luck

I've got the 401 (2 actually) and have no problems with being of axis. I can virtually point my remote in any direction and the 401 receiver picks up the command.

My dad has the 401 as well, and he hasn't found that to be a problem either. I would suggest you've got a bad receiver.

Hope that helps.

Darren,
Do you have the RF attachment on the back of the 401?