When you purchase a TV, it’s normal to expect the remote to control operations on your TV only.
However, this situation may only sometimes be the case. Therefore, it may leave you surprised and worried when you notice your TV remote also controls your LED light.
So, it’s not surprising that you want to find out why your LED lights respond to your TV control.
Your TV remote can control LED lights if you place your LED light close to your TV. This situation occurs because both your TV and LED light are infrared devices. So, this bulb can pick up infrared signals that your TV remote emits. While this is harmless, there are ways to stop this interference if it bothers you.
In this article, I will help you understand how remote controls work and how LED lights can respond to a TV remote.
Also, you’ll find out how you can stop your TV remote and LED light interference.
Why Do TV Remotes Work on LED Lights?
Television remotes work on LED Lights because the bulbs have sensors that can detect and pick signals from your TV remote.
First, most TVs are infrared devices like LED lights. Thus, they both can receive infrared signals from devices that emit them.
For instance, an infrared (IR) remote control works by sending infrared waves to the receiver. Once these waves reach a television, a LED light can also pick up and react to the same signal.
These IR TV remotes have LED lights that transmit messages like Infrared waves to your TV. In turn, your TV receives the signal and acts accordingly.
The light-emitting diode(LED) transmitter in the TV control is the same feature in LED bulbs. So, this feature enables your TV remote to send signals that LED lights can respond to.
Below, I’ll explain more about why your TV control works on your LED light.
#1. Closeness of Devices
One of the reasons TV remotes work on LED lights is the proximity of the TV and the bulb. If you place both devices within a short distance, there can be signal Interception.
This Interception can occur because your TV and LED light work on the same principle.
For instance, pressing a button on your TV remote will send a stream of infrared waves, which can change LED light from blue to red.
#2. Average Quality bulbs
Another reason your TV remote will work on LED lights is if you’re using an average or low-quality bulb.
Although most televisions and LED lights work on the same principle, both are different devices that operate independently.
That’s because of manufacturers design IR remotes with unique protocols. As a result, you can’t use a brand TV remote for a different brand of TV.
Consequently, a TV control shouldn’t work on a LED light. However, some manufacturers of average-to-poor-quality LED bulbs use the same protocol as IR TV remotes.
So, if you purchase a low or average-quality LED light, your TV remote can control the light.
#3. Reflective Surfaces
Another reason your TV remote will control your LED light is if there is a reflective surface close to your TV and LED light.
Reflective surfaces, like most metals and polished surfaces, can deflect the signal from your TV remote, which your LED light can pick up.
How Do I Stop My TV Remote Interference with My LED Lights?
You can take simple do-it-yourself steps to stop your LED light from interfering with your TV remote.
First, ensure a reasonable distance between your LED light and your TV, then go for high-quality LED lights.
Below are more steps to stop your TV remote and LED light interference.
#1. Separate Your TV and LED Light
IR technology makes use of line-of-sight for operation, unlike Bluetooth technology.
That’s why it’ll be difficult to operate your TV from a long distance since the IR remote has a short transmission range.
So, if your LED lights are very close to your TV, you should increase the distance between both devices.
You can move the LED RGB control box to a position where your TV remote won’t control the LED bulb.
For instance, you can place the LED light opposite your TV. Additionally, you can place them on different walls or in different rooms.
#2. Install an RF Shield Box
Another critical step is to place a shield between your TV and the LED light. An RF shield box will block electromagnetic waves from passing through.
So, you can place your LED RGB box in an RF shield box to prevent the signal from your TV remote from getting to it. Alternatively, you can create your shield with tin foil and a cardboard box.
You must tightly wrap the LED light receiver in many layers of tin foil and place it in a thick cardboard box. Ensure to create an opening to plug in your power cords.
#3. Block the Sensor on Your LED Light
Another step to prevent interference between your TV remote andLED lights is to block the sensor on your LED light. You can place enough tape over the sensor.
#4. Use a TV Remote Control App
Another solution is downloading and installing a remote control App on your smartphone for your TV. Most smart TV designs can enable you to use a smartphone to control them.
First, you’ll need to download and install the app from your phone’s store. Then, you need to connect your smartphone and TV to the same network and launch the app.
You can control your TV over WiFi, not infrared technology. Consult your TV manual to find the proper steps to use the app.
#5. Change TV Remote Frequency
If your IR TV remote is working on your LED lights, then the IR frequencies of both devices’ wavelengths are the same.
So, you can work your way around it by changing your TV frequency to allow remote work only on your TV.
First, you should consult your TV’s manual to check if you can change the IR frequency. Then, follow the steps in the manual.
#6. Use Quality LED Bulbs
Another way to avoid interference from your TV remote is to use quality LED lights.
Good-quality LED lights will have a unique protocol that won’t respond to any infrared signal from external transmitters.
How to Reset LED Light Remote
If yourLED light remote is malfunctioning, you can reset the remote to troubleshoot the problem.
You can perform a hard reset or remove the remote batteries to reset it.
Below is a table showing the steps to follow to perform each reset.
| Hard Reset | Removing the Batteries |
|---|---|
| First, locate the reset button behind or on the side of the remote. | First, remove your remote batteries. |
| Insert a tiny object in the hole to press the button until you hear a slight click. | Press the power button for 12 seconds. |
| Hold the button down for about 3 seconds. | Replace the batteries. |
| Next, check if the remote is now operating your LED light. | Check if the remote is now working. |
Additionally, you should try a factory reset option if you’ve done both processes above. This step should be your last option before you seek professional help.
Below is how to do a factory reset on your LED light remote;
- Locate the factory reset button behind or on the side of the remote.
- Use a tiny object to press the button for about 5 seconds. A LED light will flash on the remote.
- Next, program your remote. Check the brand’s manual for the steps.
- Check if the remote is now working correctly.
How to Change Frequency on LED Lights?
The LED light color depends on the frequency it operates within an electromagnetic spectrum. In RGB LED lights, the unique colors red, green, and blue (RGB) each have their frequency.
That’s to say; LED light gives off light at a single frequency or color, which you can’t change.
However, changing the colors from red to blue or green with the remote control will give off the individual frequency of each color.
For instance, red LED lights operate at a frequency of 474THz and blue at 638THz. So, switching from red light to blue light will change the frequency.
But you can’t modify the individual light frequency. Additionally, the green LED light operates at a frequency of 535THz.
Combining the three colors gives off a white light at the three frequencies. You can change the LED light’s color with the LED remote control.
With the color buttons, you can switch from one color to another. Also, with smart Apps, you can control the lights with your smartphone.
Additionally, smart LED light allows the use of voice apps like Apple Siri and Amazon Alexa.
Final Thoughts
Your IR TV remotes can control LED lights because the RGB receiver sensor can respond to the remote’s infrared signals.
You can stop the signal interference by:
- Separating Your LED lights from your TV.
- Using Shield Box.
- Blocking the sensor on LED lights.
- Changing the frequency of the TV remote.