Tech geeks - TV remote question! How do it know?

Question

Okay, this hit me in the car today. With my CABLE BOX remote, I can adjust the TV volume, but not the TV channel (like when I have to change to AUX channel to watch DVDs). How does it know to change the TV volume? We've had this set-up for a while, but I sure don't remember "programing" the cable remote.

Just curious b/c we've lost the TV remote, so to change to the AUX channels I have to get up and I'm very very lazy.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Each button on the remote sends out a different IR signal (infrared).  So when you hit volume up, the Tv's sensor recognizes that IR signal pulse and turns the volume up.  When you hit channel down button, the TV recognizes that IR signal and so changes the channel.

All electronic gear has different IR signals it can recognize and all your remote is doing is just sending the proper signal, so your gear recognizes it.