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.