Set up the IR Blaster to control your Android TV and set-top box

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

You can control your Android TV™ and set-top box (STB) with the TV's remote control by connecting the IR Blaster included with the TV. To do this, you will need to setup the IR Blaster from the Initial Setup screen (Option 1) or from the Settings menu (Option 2).

Before you start

• The XBR  A8H / X800H / X900H / X950H / Z8H / A9G / X850G / X950G / Z9G series are all Set-top box control compatible models, and can control a set-top box without an IR Blaster. For additional details, refer to the How to set up to control the set-top box (cable/satellite box) on your Android TV article.
• Make sure that your set-top box supports the IR Blaster function. Contact the device manufacturer for compatibility information.
• The screen may differ depending on your TV model and operating system.
• This article applies to Mexico only.

Option 1: Setup from the Initial Setup screen

Watch the or follow the instructions provided below to setup the IR Blaster to control your TV and set-top box.

1. Turn on your TV and STB.
2. Start the initial setup process.
3. At the Would you like to control your set-top box (cable or satellite box) with your TV remote control? screen appears on your TV screen, select Yes or Set Up.
4. At the Power on and Connect screen, select OK.
5. Connect the IR blaster cable to the correct port. Check the manual for model-specific information. Manuals are posted on your model support page.

   For a USB type IR Blaster

   

   • [A] Set-top box or A/V Receiver
   • [B] IR Blaster cable
   • [C] IR Blaster USB port

   Note: Connect the cable to any USB port. When a USB type IR Blaster is used, a message appears on the screen to indicate that the device is connected to the USB port.

   For a plug type IR Blaster

   

   • [A] Set-top box or A/V Receiver
   • [B] IR Blaster cable
   • [C] IR Blaster jack

   Note: Make sure to connect the cable to the IR BLASTER jack. Do not connect it to the REMOTE IR IN jack.

   Note: Skip this step if your TV doesn't require the IR Blaster cable.

6. Place the IR Blaster near the remote sensor of the STB. After the IR Blaster cord is in place, a message Searching for your set-top box may appear.

   

   Notes: Skip this step if your TV doesn't require the IR Blaster cable.
   • After the IR blaster cable is in place, a Searching for your cable/satellite box or Searching for your set-top box message may appear.
   • Check the set-top box manual or contact the device manufacturer for information about the location of the IR sensor.
7. At the Select the input to which your cable/satellite box is connected or Select the input to which your set-top box is connected screen, select the appropriate input being used.
8. At the Select your service provider screen, select your service provider.
9. Enter your Zip code.
10. Under the Can you control your cable/satellite box? or Can you control your set-top box? screen, select YES if you see the picture or signal on the Test screen.
11. Under the Set up TV program information screen, select Start.
    • This function is useful for the guide program of the STB.
12. At the Select your provider screen, reconfirm your cable or satellite service provider.
13. At the Set-up is complete screen, select OK.
14. Turn on the set-top box by following these steps according to your TV type:
    • XBR A9F / Z9F series models:
      1. Select the set-top box (STB) with the INPUT button
      2. Press the TV button.
      3. Select Power.
    • Other models:
      1. Select the set-top box (STB) with the INPUT button.
      2. Press the ACTION MENU button.
      3. Select Menu.
      4. Select Power (STB).

Option 2: Set up from the Settings menu

The steps vary depending on if your TV requires the IR Blaster cable or not. Follow the steps accordingly:

• If your TV doesn't require it:
  1. Turn on your TV and make sure that the STB is connected and on.
  2. On your TV remote control, press the HOME button.
  3. Select Settings.
  4. Under Watching TV category, select External inputs.
  5. Select Cable/Satellite box setup.
  6. Select Cable/Satellite box control setup.
  7. Follow the on-screen instructions.
• If your TV requires the IR Blaster cable:
  1. Turn on your TV and make sure that the STB is connected and on.

     

  2. On your TV remote control, press the HOME button.
  3. Select Settings.
  4. The next steps will depend on your TV menu options:
     • Select Watching TV → External inputs → Cable/Satellite box setup → Set-top box control setup.
     • Select External inputs → IR Blaster setup → Set-top box control setup.
     • Select External inputs → IR Blaster setup.
  5. Connect the IR blaster cable to the correct port. Check the manual for model-specific information. Manuals are posted on your model support page.

     For a USB type IR Blaster

     

     • [A] Set-top box or A/V Receiver
     • [B] IR Blaster cable
     • [C] IR Blaster USB port

     Note: Connect the cable to any USB port. When a USB type IR Blaster is used, a message appears on the screen to indicate that the device is connected to the USB port.

     For a plug type IR Blaster

     

     • [A] Set-top box or A/V Receiver
     • [B] IR Blaster cable
     • [C] IR Blaster jack

     Note: Make sure to connect the cable to the IR BLASTER jack. Do not connect it to the REMOTE IR IN jack.

     Note: Skip this step if your TV doesn't require the IR Blaster cable.

  6. Place the IR Blaster near the remote sensor of the STB. After the IR Blaster cord is in place, a message Searching for your set-top box may appear.

     

     Notes: Skip this step if your TV doesn't require the IR Blaster cable.
     • After the IR blaster cable is in place, a Searching for your cable/satellite box or Searching for your set-top box message may appear.
     • Check the set-top box manual or contact the device manufacturer for information about the location of the IR sensor.
  7. Follow the on-screen instructions.
     • Make sure to type the STB manufacturer's name in capital letters.
       1. On the on-screen keyboard, highlight the Shift  key.
       2. Press and hold the Enter button until a blue line appears at the bottom the Shift key.
       3. Enter the model number of the STB.
       4. Select DONE.
     • An error Model Not Found may appear if your TV doesn't recognize the STB manufacturer.

If the content of the Electronic Program Guide (EPG) doesn't have the correct or updated programming information, contact your service provider.