Generally, when you see that message, the device (like a cable box) is not sending a signal to the TV. The most common fix is to make sure that the device is powered on and that the wires are properly connected. You will also want to pay attention to the Input label/box that would appear on the TV. If your device is connected to the TV on HDMI-2 and your TV is showing HDMI-1, it is on the wrong input. To resolve that, you would simply use the TV input or source button either on a remote or on the TV directly to select the correct input. There is also the possibility if you have speakers involved as part of your setup that an A/V receiver is being used to power the speakers. That unit also usually also acts as a switcher to change the input (cable box, dvd/blu-ray, Apple TV, gaming unit) and route the video to the output (your TV). You need to make sure that the receiver is powered on and that the source (input) reflects the correct device, and that the device is powered on as well. If you don’t have a receiver but you have a speaker bar, there are instances where the HDMI wire may pass-thru the speaker bar. If the bar isn’t on/working, it may not pass the video signal. Additional hints/tips: Do you use a remote control provided by your cable or satellite provider? Make sure you have the one for the correct room set up as the TV buttons are programmed to control that specific brand (and sometimes model) of TV. Also, make sure that the batteries are fresh. If you have a custom/programmable remote control, make sure that you are using the correct one, for the correct room and that it has fresh batteries. If another company has set up this remote or set up for you, we recommend you reach out to them to assist. If you need further assistance, we are here to help. We can often talk you through what to do over the phone. If not, we can set up an appointment to come to you!

The most common reason for this is that because you point the remote at your TV, those functions are working but the signal(s) to control your other device is not getting to that other device. Point the remote at the device you are trying to control. Did it work?

The cable, satellite box, or other devices that you are trying to use may not be in direct line of sight, or your equipment may be in a cabinet. In that case, there may be a target that you are to point at that sends an IR (Infrared) signal to those other devices. If it worked when you pointed directly at the device but doesn’t when you point normally, there are emitters for each device that may not be on the face of the unit in the correct place or it is damaged/not working.

Your remote may alternatively be sending a signal via RF (Radio Frequency) to a base station that then sends IR, Serial, or IP commands to your other devices. If there is interference or an issue with the remote or base station, it may not be working. Similar to the above discussion or IR, it could also be that there is an issue with an emitter. That is very common as they are stuck on the front of the unit and can get pulled if moving equipment, cleaning, or due to heat. If the remote works purely based on RF for control of those devices, using the programmed universal remote won’t control the device when you point at it. If you don’t know where the emitter belongs to put it back, you may need to use the factory remote for the device to assure it is responding.

Additional hints/tips:

Always make sure that you have fresh batteries or that your remote is fully charged.
If your equipment is in a cabinet and there is a base station, it is best to keep the cabinet closed.
If you moved the base station, put up or touched an antenna, put it back the way you found it as it was optimized for you by us or your installation company.