Technical one for you; My DVD player and Pre-amp remotes CONFLICT G*d dammit...what can I do?

Question

Now, I have them moved as far apart as I can, but the problem has me out of my seat changing back the pre-amp's source to video with every pause etc of the film!

And before you suggest changing either component - they were both a substansial investment (conrad-johnson Pre & Power, and Toshiba regionless and multi-format player)

So there is the challenge....what can I do about it?

Answer 1

If I had your problem this is what I would try. (Since it sounds like the DVD player remote is affecting the pre amp, I would concentrate on the pre- amp only.)

I would try and make it so that the pre amp's infra red remote sensor was more directional - so that only when you aim the remote directly at it would it respond. What I would try is a small cylinder about the diameter of the sensor. You'd have to experiment on the length of the cylinder but I would think longer would be more directional. Since you say you have moved your DVD player and pre amp apart, you would make sure you are not pointing your DVD remote towards your pre amp and hopefully this will solve your problem.

Answer 2

Sometimes, the high-end manufacturers like Conrad Johnson, Copland, Mark Levinson, etc. may occasionally source the internals for their remote controls from the mass market Japanese makers.

There is a slight possibility, therefore, that the C-J remote is actually based on a Toshiba unit, hence the conflict.

Answer 3

Some DVD players have a choice of remote codes for just such an eventuality. Check the manual. It's very rare for a conflict to occur.
Try a different remote such as a Toshiba CT-8003, which is multi function (TV, VID, DVD). Sometimes these are less likely to conflict.

Answer 4

You could get a couple of polarization filters, mount one horizontal and one vertical. Then polarize the remote output the same way, and see if holding the remote horizontal works one device, and vertical works the other.