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PROBLEM
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For the DirecTv remote, the problem you see has to do with "AV1," "AV2," or possibly "TV" mode not being programmed on the remote...Conceptually this problem might also apply to a DISH remote, but I'm not sure about that.
Whichever mode you are trying to use for your Apple TV (AV1, AV2, or TV), that mode hasn't been fully programmed yet....If you were using a mode that hasn't been setup yet (either AV1, AV2, or TV), the remote by default is setup to send the same command to your DirectTV box...the idea being that your Direct TV will inform you that your remote is in a incorrect mode (hopefully to avoid customer frustrations)...Thus you would run into the problem with setting up the Apple TV...because having the Apple TV learn the up arrow will send command "XXXX"....and the down arrow will also send command "XXXX" to your apple tv
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HOW TO TELL?
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So how can you tell if the mode(AV1,AV2, or TV) isn't programmed yet? Follow these steps
1. Pick up the remote
2. Select the mode you were trying to program your apple tv to (AV1, AV2, or TV)
2. Press and hold the UP arrow
3. Observe the green light being shown on the remote.
If the green light is on the DirecTv symbol, then the mode isn't setup. What you should be seeing is a green light on the "AV1," "AV2," or "TV" label.
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HOW TO RESOLVE?
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1. So to setup your remote, pick a 5 digit remote code from the website below
http://2getdtv.com/directv/remote_codes.html
Apple TV will learn whatever manufacturer's code is being sent to it...so your job is to find a manufacturer's code that has all the keys programmed that you want on your DirecTV remote. For me, I used, Disney DVD remote code (20675). There might be a better code out there I'm not sure. The disney code at least utilized most of DirecTv's remote buttons.
2. Program your mode (AV1, AV2, or TV) on your DirecTv remote by following the instructions from the link above (steps 1-5 on the "Program DVD, VCR, Stereo Receiver, and Stereo Amplifier Code" section).
3. Once your mode has been programmed, now have apple tv learn your remote
Two things two remember about programming your remote...don't pick a manufacturer that you already have...you don't want to control your apple tv at the same time as your other device(s). Also, when you pick a manufacturer's code, you can see which remote buttons are programmed by pressing the button and observing the green light on the mode you've just programmed (AV1,AV2, or TV). If the green light doesn't turn on...then that button isn't programmed. If a different green light turns on (e.g., green light on DirecTv symbol with volume buttons), then the command is being sent to those devices.
Sean 🙂