TV, Cable, DVD and Garage Remote have stopped responding

[def90]

Fluorescent and LED light bulbs will cause interference/jam IR ports on AV equipment.

[Aloha_Shooter]

The first three are probably IR remotes while the latter is RF. Is there a window now streaming light onto your entertainment center? What about dust or pet fur in the air or in front of the ports? Any possibility melting ice (or other source) of water is tripping your GFCI?

[funkymonkey1111]

The first three are probably IR remotes while the latter is RF. Is there a window now streaming light onto your entertainment center? What about dust or pet fur in the air or in front of the ports? Any possibility melting ice (or other source) of water is tripping your GFCI?

Yes, new batteries in all. There's a possibility of fur, and I'll check that out, but I can't imagine the level of fur or dust that would cause these three items (DVD/TV/Cable box) all to act nutty essentially simultaneously.

They will work but you need to be about 6" from the box, and that doesn't always cut it.

I do have a new 75W LED bulb in a fixture directly underneath where the items have stopped working. I'll have to make sure that isn't the culprit, but that light wasn't on the entire time this interference occurred.

I haven't broken out the tin foil yet, but my first impression was "is someone f'ing with me?"

[newracer]

LED lights will cause interference, especially with garage door openers. I bet that is the problem.

[merl]

LED lights will cause interference, especially with garage door openers. I bet that is the problem.

What? Did they forget to put in a lowpass filter after the PWM control?

[newracer]

I just bought two new garage door openers for my new house. In the manual it specifically states to not use LED bulbs in the head unit. Maybe they would be OK if they are in the vicinity, I just went with CFL.

[trlcavscout]

Yes LED Floro will cause WiFi problems also. Their are apps to find WiFi signals but I haven't found one for finding interference yet. If you find one let me know.

[james_bond_007]

Garage door:

there is also the set of IR emitter/recevier sensors, about a foot or so off the floor by the door tracks, that are used for safety.
If they don't align and emit/detect a beam, the doors typically won't respond...ymmv.
Make sure they are not blocked or knocked out of position, or covered with dust etc.
(I once had a spider build a "nest" on one...)

For the IR stuff:
You can often use your cell phone or a CCD camera in video mode to see IR.
Try looking at your remote, as you hold down the channel, volume or other keys, through your sell phone or iPad, or CCD based video camera.
Has to be something that will repeat a code. On/Off etc. occurs too quickly to see it.
You should see some white dots.

If you have a WII, point it at the "sensor bar" to see what I'm talking about. You can see the 4 LED emitters in the "sensor bar".
(Note: The Wii "sensor bar" is just an IR emitter....there is no sensor in it...the sensor is ijn the controller...the "bar" does not have to be connected to the Wii---but I diverge )

Also:
For the video stuff, is it going through a A/V receiver ?
If so, try hooking up directly as a "test".

As all the video stuff seemed to go "out", I'd look for something common.
Such as the cable from the A/V receiver to the TV, the A/V receiver itself, a universal remote, etc.

I'd also try to prove the remote was/was not the issue.
EX:
Do you only have ONE cable box ?
If you have two of the same kind (or if your neighbor has the same kind) , try the remote from Box A on Box B and vice versa.

Using a Universal Remote ? :
Try the original controller.

For the DVD, try hooking the DVD player directly to a tv/monitor, and use the original controller.

As mentioned, the TV/DVD/CABLE are typically IR.
To test them, you can create a "light shield" (long cardboard box with two ends open) and butt one end to the IR sensor on the device, and put the remote inside it and try to control it.
That should eliminate any outside interference, mentioned above.

Do you have pets or kids ?
Any chance a pet or kid got by the video wires and knocked them loose ?

Key to trouble shooting: Divide an conquer ---eliminate causes (prove certain things work) one by one.

Good luck.
Let us know what you find out....so we can provide more help.

[mackbamf]

I think you have a squadron of Prowlers constantly circling your house shutting you down. I can’t believe they haven’t shut off cell phone and wifi communications as well. They are probably just allowing those thru to monitor your every move...

[rockhound]

drop your weapons, they will be right there to collect... um help you