Best Way to Set Up Your Projector Remote Control

août 22, 2020

Remote controls have become an iconic living room piece in the past decades. They allow us to have full control of our projector features with no need to physically close it. In this article, we will look at the best way to set up your projector remote control. We will also look at the relationship between remote controls, IR technology, projectors, smartphones, tablets, PCs, and laptops.

And just in case you have any sort of issue with getting your remote control work, we will provide some insights into some of the most common solutions for you to get your set up running properly.

Remote Controls and Projectors

Projectors wouldn’t be the same without remote controls. Remote controls allow speakers in academic, work, and home environments to convey information with lots of control and creativity.

They enable speakers to switch slides or play a video with the press of a button, as well as bring versatility to movie enthusiasts. In order to understand what the best setup is for your projector remote control, we need to understand their functionality and features a bit deeper.

IR Remote Controls

IR or InfraRed remote controls are usually small plastic controllers with several buttons on them. The remote control will transmit your inputs in the form of Infrared light towards the IR receiver within the projector. IR light is not visible to the naked eyes, as it travels at a much slower wavelength than the visible light.

IR Receivers

IR receivers are specialized components designed to receive IR light from an IR transmitter. The component can translate the inputs that roaming with the IR beam into commands that serve multiple applications. IR receivers are usually found in pairs with most projectors, one in the front and the other in the back, allowing you to control your projector from any direction.

Screen Mirroring

Screen mirroring is a very versatile feature that allows you to stream your media directly into your projector using your home network. For screen mirroring to work properly, you should use apps compatible with the feature, as well as making sure both your projector and your media streaming device are connected to the same internet network.

Remote Control Apps

Remote control apps are a great way to utilize the convenience of smartphones. Some projectors allow apps that serve the same purpose as a remote control. This can be done through your home network or with the use of IR transmitters, which is very convenient to integrate your smartphone into your projector viewing experience.

Best Setup for Projector Remote Controls

The best setup for projector remote controls comes from 3 simple applications that anyone can do at their home, office, or academic context. It’s important that you turn off your projector when you are going to manipulate it in any way, a failure to do this might result in permanent damage to the projector and its components.

1. Position the Projector

Positioning is the most important aspect of a proper remote control setup. Even though most projectors come with multiple integrated IR receivers (most are in the front and back of the projector) objects can still block the IR light coming from your remote. We recommend making sure that you sustain line of sight between your remote control and projector. In this way, you can always guarantee the IR light is captured by the IR receivers.

Make sure you position the projector in a safe place, you will not expect any accident to be encountered when in use. Always remember that the projector has to be on a steady surface, preferably a table or a projector mount.

2. Make Sure the Remote Control is Working

Make sure your remote control is working. Check IR transmitter (which should look like a piece of plastic glass somewhere along the top of your remote) and ensure that it isn’t being blocked by dust or other debris. You can also check the batteries if they are placed correctly. Afterward, you may get it charged.

3. Test the Remote from Different Locations

Once you make sure both your remote control and your positioning is right, go ahead and test the remote from different locations. By performing this test, you will be able to find any blind spots between the remote and your projector. We recommend you tailor your setup in a way that allows you to comfortably use the remote from your preferred viewing spot.

How to Set Up Remote Control Apps?

Remote control apps usually need to be connected to the internet alongside the projector. The apps work by interfacing directly with the projector through your home network, which allows you to control the projector, navigate the settings, and set up screen-mirroring functions.

Some remote control apps take advantage of modern smartphone integration with IR receivers. The app simply commands the IR receiver to send an encoded signal towards your projector, which the projector will read as if it came from any IR remote control.

1. Connect All Devices to Your Home Network

The first and most important thing to get your remote control apps to work with your projector is to have all devices connected to your home network. Simply connect your phone, tablet, or PC to your home’s internet network. Once you check that the device running the app is connected to your home network, connect the projector to the same home network, and check if it is connected, then install the remote control app in your projector as well.

2. IR Transmitters

IR transmitters are small components that can send encoded IR signals. Most modern smartphones are equipped with a built-in IR transmitter. However, if your phone or tablet has no integration with this technology, you can always purchase the add-on component.

IR transmitters are widely available online and they are compatible with almost any mobile device. You can even plug the IR transmitter into your PC or laptop to transform those devices into IR remote controls. Most IR transmitter accessories are easy to install, as they are small and super lightweight.

Common Issues with IR Remote Controls

Some of the most common issues found with remote controls can be easily fixed by performing a few minor adjustments. Remember that if you can’t find any solution to your problem, you should always consider contacting customer support. Most manufacturers and sellers have professional customer support who are willing to help you resolve any issue.

IR Light Blocking

IR light blocking is one of the most common issues when it comes to remote controls and projectors. IR light cannot pass through most objects, and because the beams are very weak, even a piece of paper could be enough to block the signal.

We recommend pointing the remote directly at your projector when in use. It doesn’t matter if the projector is placed towards you or somewhere else, as most projectors have multiple IR receivers that are capable of picking up the IR transmission.

If you can’t get the remote work, try to point it at other sides of the projector. If it works, this might be an indication that one of the integrated IR receivers within the projector is broken. We recommend contacting customer support if this happens, but you can always make the replacement by yourself if you have plenty of time.

Lack of Maintenance

Maintaining your remote control and projector should be a priority if you want to enjoy your viewing experience without issues. Some of the most common maintenance tasks you can do are:

• Check for rusted batteries and replace them if needed.
• Clean the projector lens.
• Clean dust or debris on both the IR transmitter and receiver.
• Check for overheating.
• If overheating occurs, the projector should be placed in a well-ventilated area.
• Avoid throwing around the remote.
• Keep cables and wires organized.

Conclusion

Remote controls are known to cause confusion when it comes to the setup, and we believe that it’s always very important to divide each aspect of your setup into digestible steps. When it comes to the best way to set up your projector remote control, the positioning of your projector should be checked to make sure you have a direct line of sight.

We suggest you check your remote control for working batteries and buy some if necessary. Also, testing is very important when it comes to finding the best positioning and setup for any particular use of a projector remote control.

Remember that remote controls are not dedicated accessories, and you can use your own devices like smartphones and tablets to control your projector experience. Don’t forget that not all devices have integrated IR transmitters, so you should check the compatibility when using remote control apps.

In case you are having any problems, remember to double-check your setup, especially for any object that might block your IR transmitter or receiver. We recommend that you use the maintenance tips we provided to make sure your projector and control remote setup work every time.

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