14 DAY TRIAL // Apple this week updated a handy support document which outlines the proper method for Apple TV users to control their set-top boxes with third-party infrared remotes.
Apple allows customers to use a remote that came with their TV, cable box, or DVD player to control the Apple TV.
The hardware shipped by Apple is a complete solution, in that it also comes with its own remote. However, if a user wishes to program additional remotes to control their Apple TV, he / she can do so by following a few simple instructions.
Apple first asks customers to note that “this feature is different from what is offered by programmable remotes.”
“The Learn remote feature of Apple TV allows Apple TV itself to learn how to be controlled by various remotes, as opposed to a programmable remote that has to learn how to control various devices,” the Cupertino giant explains.
Support document HT3296, updated April 5, 2013, outlines the proper steps to configure a third-party remote with Apple TV.
Users can program multiple remotes to control their Apple TV, and they can rename, delete or revise their button choices for a selected third-party remote at any time. It’s all explained in the respective knowledge-base article which also includes troubleshooting instructions for when the Apple TV fails to pair with a remote.