Check if you have an IR remote
Sonos home theater products connected to a TV via optical will only work with IR (infrared) remotes to control the volume. RF remotes cannot control Sonos home theater products connected via optical. This article will help you check whether your TV remote uses IR or RF (radio frequency/Bluetooth).
Cover the IR emitter
IR remotes output infrared light from an emitter located at the front of the remote. This test blocks the IR emitter, which will prevent any control of the TV if the remote uses IR instead of RF.
- Turn on your TV.
- While holding the remote with one hand, cover the front of the remote with your other hand or any other solid object.
- Press a button on the remote that is commonly used to control the TV (e.g. volume or channel).
If the TV does not respond to the button press on the remote, you have an IR remote. If the TV continues to respond to button presses while the front of the remote is covered, you have an RF remote.
Use a digital camera
The digital cameras found on smartphones are able to pick up the, normally invisible, infrared light emitted by IR remotes. This test will utilize your smartphone’s camera to determine if you have an IR remote.
- Open the camera app on your mobile phone.
- Point the camera at the front of the remote.
- Most IR remotes have a visible light bulb or a black window that covers the IR emitter.
- While pointing the camera at the front of the remote, press and hold a button on the remote. On your smartphone’s screen, look for a faint light coming from the front of the remote.
If you are able to see a light coming from the front of the remote, you have an IR remote. If you do not see a light, you have an RF remote.
