i seem to have a weird problem with my learning remote. it is a learning remote that came with my THX preamp.

Control for my tv, dvd, laserdisc vcr, etc is fine, but now it won't work for my cable box. but if i get closer (about 3ft) to be cable box the remote then works the cable box.I have never had this problem before and have been using the remote fine for years.

Does anybody have any guesses to what is going on and how i can fix this? thanks

Simple logic.... what won't work at a long distance but will work at a short one is a weaker transmitter. Your cable box is just probably the least sensitive of your components. Put fresh batteries in the remote and see if it helps.

Good luck.

Dave

Yes, sounds like weak batteries.

I already tried new batteries and it was still the same. any other suggestions?

Does the original remote for the cable box work fine? Could be something with the IR receiver. I can't see how, if it were the remote itself, it would only affect one component.

I HATE cable boxes. The last one I had just decided one day to stop receiving any sort of IR signal, and it sounds like something similar is happening to you. These stupid boxes are always the weakest link in anyones HT setup. I hate that I don't have premium channels anymore, but it isn't worth the hassle with those things. My suggestion. Take the cable box out of the loop, as it is most likely the problem.

i just tried the original remote an it's having the same problem. Do ir on the components (like cable boxes) get weaker after time? does that happen over time.

I have never had this happen with any of my components before. i hope it's not the box, i really don't want to replace it but that sounds like it's the problem.

Ed, i agree with you. they degrade the picture. they basically suck but i also like my premium and ppv.

Does anyone know of a place to repair these things.

Well, looks like it's been narrowed down to the actual cable box... I've never heard of an IR receiver "failing", but it still (obviously) can happen. Could be a cold solder joint or some other component that's failed. Do you rent the box from the cable company? If so, get them to replace it. If not and you own it, you may want to find some place that can fix it.

Why not buy a DSS system? Cable boxes went out with 8-tracks! Cable TV is just like the wire it travels to your house through...dead & burried!

Janet! Is your last name RENO? (It would explain why you even know what an 8-track it). If you want Digital cable, PPV or Premium channels that work through thunderstorms and never require a trip to the roof then you'll have a cable box. In most neighborhoods they are overheard and run from a pole. Pay attention. Oh, and I forgive you for that Waco thingy. We know it wasn't ALL your fault.

Wait just a minute... Janet is NOT entirely wrong!!! Cable TV runs underground where I live! In fact, most places now require burial of cable/ electrical wiring in the city codes. It makes for a cleaner appearance! I've had a DSS system for 4 years now and have NEVER had to get on my roof to adjust the dish. I live in a beach resort area and we have high winds due to hurricanes, yet no adjustment has ever been needed.

I'll take a lost signal for a few minutes a year using a DSS system over a cable box ANY day!!!

You tell em Janet!

p.s. knowledge of our audio/video heritage is not something to scoff at! I bet many of the products you currently use were either concieved, designed & or built by someone who is your elder! Have some respect!

Robert,

In my city, cable lines are overhead. It's ugly, I agree. I'm going to appreciate it when they come to replace it with an OPTICAL cable: No trench in the yard. I have both Cable and DSS at my house. The Cable goes right into my TV and workd with my TV's tuner. The DSS needs it's own "BOX" and custom remote. I haven't had to adjust my DSS dish either, but I DID have to get up on the roof and into the attic to install it. It snows 30-40 inches every winter here, and I've seen neighbors on their roofs after a storm cleaning off their dish. Mine will see it's first winter in a few months, but I've placed it where I can "sweep" it from the deck. The Cable jacks were nicely installed in every room of this house when I got here. Hasslefree. My Cable company offers digital TV and a FAST 2-way network connection thru my existing cable if I want it. DSS offers a fast ONE-WAY network connection...If I buy a different dish.

There are benefits to both technologies. It is clear, however, that cable is far from dead. Janet, You're wrong. I have great respect for anyone who is brave enough to speak up. Most people aren't. But put your words out there and you invite feedback. I do. Thanks for yours, Robert.

Dave

I agree with Janet, cable sucks and is a pathetic system. I have been looking at getting a dss system and am a little confused, maybe you can help me out.
From what a dealer told me RCA's is about to release a hdtv ready receiver, then their supposed to come out with a rectangular? dish that is supposed to be able to receive local channels.
I was going to wait a couple of months so that everything would sort out before i purchased a dish. Now with the problem i'm having with the cable box i may just have to do that.