Apple TV Remote Controlling my MacBook Pro

Question

Apple TV Remote Controlling my MacBook Pro

I just purchased the Apple TV, and when I use the remote it also controls my MacBook Pro under 10.5.4. I switched off the ability to use remotes on the laptop for now, but is there a way to make sure the remote only works for the Apple TV, not the MacBook?

Thanks

Posted on Jul 17, 2008 4:04 PM

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Answer 1

Paul Don

Level 2

275 points

Jul 18, 2008 5:20 AM in response to Captain CowPie

If you use separate remotes you can pair each one to each device - This means that the device will only work with the specific remote with which it is paired.
However, if you're just using a remote for the AppleTV the this doesn't really help you as the remote can still be used to control other devices (like a Macbook).

Pair with computer: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1619
Pair with Apple TV: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1555

I would probably leave the infrared port turned off on the Macbook - Do you need it for anything else?

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Answer 2

Jul 18, 2008 7:20 AM in response to Paul Don

Thanks for the help Paul. I do not usually use the remote on the Macbook Pro, but may in the future. I will just leave it off for now and turn it on when I need to.

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Answer 3

Jul 22, 2008 9:59 PM in response to Captain CowPie

Along the same lines (but reverse), can I use the IR on my MacBook to act as a remote control for my TV???

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Answer 4

Paul Don

Level 2

275 points

Jul 23, 2008 5:06 AM in response to BrotherPhil

Hello, the Macbook does have an IR reciever but not an IR transmitter - The port is there for accepting input from the Mac Remote (I can't guarantee this 100%). It's would also need to be IrDA compliant, which it's not.
Also, I would have thought the IR port on the Macbook is on the wrong side to be useful as a remote?
Additionally, the range on IR ports on laptops is probably too short to be used as a remote - Maximum range of around 6 feet?
Sorry, it looks like it's back to the old remote.

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