Sonos Beam no longer sees TV Remote (or Tivo Remote)

Power cycling fixes this issue, but I find it consistently happens if I switch from TV to Spotify and back… are you finding the same thing?

I have an older TiVo remote but that seems to be working okay here with my TV. I don’t use Spotify, but can switch between TV and Amazon Music okay.

I am having similar issues with a new ARC sound bar and SONOS 2. I mated a DirecTV remote with the ARC during setup when I received it about 2 weeks ago. Was able to control volume with no problem. Suddenly, after 2 weeks the DirecTV remote will only control volume if it is within 4-5 ft of the ARC. Also have a second DirecTV remote and it functions the same way. It seems SONOS may have sent out a software upgrade that caused this problem for so many.

Hi @wrfmg.

Thanks for reaching out.

I appreciate the detailed post outlining your concern, let me help and try to figure this out.

There are a few possible causes that affect the function of the remote or perhaps something in between the remote and the Arc is interfering with the IR signal to go through.

NOTE: Typical IR range is around 15-20 feet, but can vary greatly depending on your environment. 

• Make sure you have a clear line of sight to the home theater speaker’s IR receiver and point the remote at the appropriate IR window. Sonos Arc has an IR sensor below the Sonos logo on the front. Confirm that nothing is covering or blocking the IR sensor window and that your remote has a clear line of sight from the specific spot or range you’re experiencing the issue.
• Some plasma TVs may interfere with the IR signal being sent from the TV remote to the home theater speaker.  Try turning off your TV temporarily o see if that resolves the issue you are having. While the TV is off, play music to the home theater product, using the remote to increase or decrease the volume. If the remote works without issue, then the TV is likely interfering with the IR sensor on the home theater product. Turn on the TV to see if the issue returns.
• Direct sunlight, or other strong sources of light such as fluorescent lights, can interfere with the IR signal being sent from the remote to the home theater speaker. Eliminate any direct sources of light. 

• IR interference from other devices. Turn off any other IR device you may be using, such as a remote control toy or IR extenders. 

Let us know how it goes and if you have any other questions or concerns, feel free to reach out.

Thank you for the recommendations. I cannot thank you enough. I do not have a plasma TV, however, I turned the TV off temporarily and discovered I could change the volume while playing music using the DirecTV remote. I turned the TV back on and that appears to have solved my problem. So thank you again for responding and recommending a successful fix. Keep up the good work.

Hi @wrfmg.

Thanks for your response and update.

I’m so glad to hear that we’re able to resolve it, you did great here and it’s a pleasure helping you.

Let us know if you may have questions or concerns, we are always here to help.

You are always welcome in the community.

Cheers!

Thank you kindly.