Sony SupportKDL-40M4000

Article ID : 00025284 / Last Modified : 06/08/2022Print

Test if your remote control sends an infrared (IR) signal

    IMPORTANT: This article applies only to specific products and/or operating systems. Check Applicable Products and Categories for details.

    An IR remote control sends out infrared light signals. You can't see infrared lights with your eyes, however, it may be visible with the use of a digital camera, some smartphone cameras, or a camcorder.

    Note: An IR remote control usually has an (IR) symbol on it, except for the IR remote controls for Android TV™ devices released in 2016 or later.

    Before you start

    You'll need one of the following devices to test if your remote control sends infrared signals:

    • Digital still camera
    • Camcorder
    • Smartphone that does'nt filter out IR signals

    IMPORTANT: Certain iPhone® models and other smartphones won't display the IR light even when the remote is working properly. These devices filter out the IR light. This test is only reliable if you have confirmed with another IR remote that your iPhone or another smartphone can see the IR signal..

    Check if the IR remote control sends an infrared signal

    IMPORTANT: If your TV comes with one of the newer Bluetooth® remote controls, such as the RMF-TX500U, RMF-TX600U, or RMF-TX611U, use only the green Power button to test for an IR signal.

    1. Turn on your camera/camcorder or smartphone camera.
    2. Point the end of the remote control with the IR emitter to the viewfinder or screen of your camera/camcorder or smartphone.
    3. Press and hold one of the remote control buttons (green power button for certain newer Bluetooth remotes) .
    4. Look at the viewfinder or screen of your camera/camcorder or smartphone.
      • If you see a light in the viewfinder or screen of your camera/camcorder or smartphone when pressing a button on your remote control, the remote is sending an IR signal as it should.

      • If you don't see a light:
        • You may be using an iPhone or another smartphone that filters the IR signal.
        • Try pressing the green POWER on the remote. Some Bluetooth remotes only send IR for the power button.
        • If there's no light or it's dim, the batteries may be low. Replace the batteries and try again.
        Note: This is not a reliable test if you're using an iPhone or another smartphone that you have not confirmed that it can display the light from an IR signal.

    Notes:

    • If you see the infrared light even without pressing a button, one of the remote buttons may be stuck and other buttons may no longer work. Try the steps provided:
      1. Remove the batteries.
      2. Press and release each button a couple of times to see if you can free the stuck button.
      3. Reinsert the batteries and test the remote again.
    • If you continue to see a light even when don't press a button, replace the remote control.