Remote getting too hard to use, buttons losing function - Canadian TV, Computing and Home Theatre Forums

athens237 · 2011-05-18, 10:36 AM

Hello,

I have had an Explorer 8300HD with the 5 function remote for about 3 years now.

In the past few months, the remote's buttons have started to become less functional. To use the 'Ok/Select' button for example, I have to really press very hard until my thumb hurts. It's nearly impossible to change modes between Cable and Tv, as those buttons have lost their function. The Channel and Volume buttons are also quickly becoming unresponsive, again I have to press hard and even then it doesn't work all the time. I guess these are all the most commonly used buttons.

What are my options? Is it free to replace the remote at Rogers or do I need to pay like $50? My cable TV contract finishes in about 2 months, can I get a new remote then? Do those fancy universal harmony remotes make for better replacements?

Thanks!

57 · 2011-05-18, 10:54 AM

Call one of the Rogers stores and check to make sure they have stock. They will exchange your remote at no charge. Harmony remotes have been discussed extensively on this forum - seek out those threads.

Useful post - FAQs, Search Tips, Optimization, etc: http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=57741

jbracing24 · 2011-05-18, 11:07 AM

Have you tried changing the batteries?

cbernard · 2011-05-18, 11:19 AM

I have noticed the same thing with my remote.

I would frequently play the games that are on the Quick Start guide (yeah, I am THAT guy), and lately a few buttons have been rendered close to useless.

The OK/Select button is the worst one of them all.

Been thinking about getting a Harmony remote, but probably will just switch out for a new remote for now.

athens237 · 2011-05-18, 12:29 PM

Thanks for the quick replies! I'll check with a local Rogers cable store.

Yes, first thing I tried was new batteries, it made no difference.

It's as if the actual hard wiring of the remote has fallen apart. For example, to select the Cable mode button, it doesn't matter how hard I press it, the button could even be pressed below the plastic surface of the remote, it still won't light up. But if I press it medium-hard and hold it for 10 seconds or so, it randomly selects. Same goes for many other buttons.

ScaryBob · 2011-05-18, 01:20 PM

Quote:

It's as if the actual hard wiring of the remote has fallen apart.

It's not anywhere near that complicated. Remotes typically use a carbon impregnated rubber "jumper" to make contact between two circuit board pads. These wear down with time or can lose their conductivity. I've repaired remotes by swapping and inverting the pads. The tricky part is getting the case apart. In this case, I would get the free remote swap from Rogers.

athens237 · 2011-05-18, 07:24 PM

Oh, thanks for the info. Makes much more sense.

Got it replaced for free at a local Rogers Plus store. Just brought the remote in, nothing else, and they gave me a new-ish looking one in a clear plastic bag.

That was simple enough. Saved me much thumb-aches!

Thanks for the tips everyone.

BlazeHemi · 2011-05-20, 09:42 PM

You don't have to do an exchange. I just walked into the rogers store and asked if they sell the remotes one day because I was walking around the mall. The guy just handed it to me and said here you go. He said they give them out all the time. It was a brand new remote. I didn't have to give any info or anything.

Greg

2011-05-18, 10:36 AM	#1
athens237 Rookie Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 4	Remote getting too hard to use, buttons losing function Hello, I have had an Explorer 8300HD with the 5 function remote for about 3 years now. In the past few months, the remote's buttons have started to become less functional. To use the 'Ok/Select' button for example, I have to really press very hard until my thumb hurts. It's nearly impossible to change modes between Cable and Tv, as those buttons have lost their function. The Channel and Volume buttons are also quickly becoming unresponsive, again I have to press hard and even then it doesn't work all the time. I guess these are all the most commonly used buttons. What are my options? Is it free to replace the remote at Rogers or do I need to pay like $50? My cable TV contract finishes in about 2 months, can I get a new remote then? Do those fancy universal harmony remotes make for better replacements? Thanks!

2011-05-18, 10:54 AM	#2
57 Moderator Join Date: May 2002 Location: Toronto, Rogers, 8300HD, eHDD, Panasonic TCP65S1, Denon AVR4310Ci; 8300HD, eHDD & Sony KDL40W3000 Posts: 50,340	Call one of the Rogers stores and check to make sure they have stock. They will exchange your remote at no charge. Harmony remotes have been discussed extensively on this forum - seek out those threads. Useful post - FAQs, Search Tips, Optimization, etc: http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=57741 __________________ 57's Home Theatre (Latest equipment & photos) 57's Optimization Services (Home Theatre Optimization)

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2011-05-18, 11:07 AM	#3
jbracing24 Veteran Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Thorold Ontario Posts: 2,265	Have you tried changing the batteries?

2011-05-18, 11:19 AM	#4
cbernard Rookie Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Kitchener, ON Posts: 12	I have noticed the same thing with my remote. I would frequently play the games that are on the Quick Start guide (yeah, I am THAT guy), and lately a few buttons have been rendered close to useless. The OK/Select button is the worst one of them all. Been thinking about getting a Harmony remote, but probably will just switch out for a new remote for now.

2011-05-18, 12:29 PM	#5
athens237 Rookie Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 4	Thanks for the quick replies! I'll check with a local Rogers cable store. Yes, first thing I tried was new batteries, it made no difference. It's as if the actual hard wiring of the remote has fallen apart. For example, to select the Cable mode button, it doesn't matter how hard I press it, the button could even be pressed below the plastic surface of the remote, it still won't light up. But if I press it medium-hard and hold it for 10 seconds or so, it randomly selects. Same goes for many other buttons.

2011-05-18, 07:24 PM	#7
athens237 Rookie Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 4	Oh, thanks for the info. Makes much more sense. Got it replaced for free at a local Rogers Plus store. Just brought the remote in, nothing else, and they gave me a new-ish looking one in a clear plastic bag. That was simple enough. Saved me much thumb-aches! Thanks for the tips everyone.

2011-05-20, 09:42 PM	#8
BlazeHemi Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oshawa, ON Posts: 90	You don't have to do an exchange. I just walked into the rogers store and asked if they sell the remotes one day because I was walking around the mall. The guy just handed it to me and said here you go. He said they give them out all the time. It was a brand new remote. I didn't have to give any info or anything. Greg