Unwanted: Remote controls both AppleTV and Computer at same time

Answer my own question:

System Preferences>Security> checked "disable remote control infrared receiver"

Just got mine today and have the same problem.

That's easiest option.

Alternatively of you need to control computer with a remte pair each device with a separate remote.

Pair your computer's Apple Remote to your computer.

On your Mac, open "System Preferences" then go into "Security" and select the "General" category along the top of the pane. You should see a button to "Pair". Click it and you'll get some further instructions (I think it'll tell you to hold the remote with a few inches of the receiver and press and hold both the Play/Pause button and the navigate-right button at the same time and hold them for a few seconds until you computer responds by telling you the pairing is complete.

The computer will now only accept input from that specific remote (and you can always unpair it at a later date if you choose.) Input from the remote that came with your Apple TV will be ignored.

Thanks, Tim. If that's the case I'll dedicate a remote to each device. I like using the iPhone as a remote for the ATV and I believe it's connected via WiFi.

I just had the same problem. After pairing the ATV and its' remote, my iMac still responded to the ATV remote commands. I never had to pair my iMac remote before because there wasn't another device around that responded. I then took the iMac remote and pressed the menu and right arrow keys for 6 seconds in front of my iMac to pair those two. Now both remotes are paired to their respective devices (iMac and ATV).

I had the exact same issue - I was setting up my Apple TV when embarrassingly ABBA started blasting out of my speakers and full volume! Took me a few seconds to work out what was going on!

This should really be in the little instruction booklet that comes with the ATV - Apple, take note!

Hi Tim, I did what you said but holding those buttons just starts my front row , i tried 6 times but it didn't work . what am ii doing wrong ? this was for the remote that comes with Apple TV right ?

System Preferences>Security> checked "disable remote control infrared receiver"
Can't dp that. its gray. so it wont let me click it

What's more frustrating is that the A-TV does have a pairing option, but it clearly doesn't "lock" the remote to the A-TV because I have an iPod dock on my entertainment center and the A-TV remote wants to work the iPod I dock.

I have had to rest the iPod dock remote up against the remote eye on the iPod dock to render it hidden.

Maybe I'm confused here, but what's the point to have pairing on the A-TV when it doesn't pair it and "lock" it to the A-TV...........

My settings are grayed-out as well.

You need to click the padlock (and probably enter your password) to be able to make changes.

Pairing doesn't make any changes to the actual remote (I suspect communications are just one way so it isn't possible).

The point of pairing is if you have two devices that you want to control with their own remotes in the same room. Otherwise, just disabling the remote sensor on the ones you don't want to be controlled is the best solution.

kitycat714 wrote:
System Preferences>Security> checked "disable remote control infrared receiver"
Can't dp that. its gray. so it wont let me click it

You just need to click on the lock icon at the bottom left to unlock it so you can change your settings.

Yay - great info thank you, finally my macbook can be in the same room as the TV!!!