Universal remote controls

[arieswoman]

I have watched TV through my Sagem digibox for 4 years withut any problem but now the digibox remote is not working properly. Some, but not all, of the buttons just don't respond when pressed. This is making it difficult to use. I know that if you buy a universal remote you can put in a code for your TV to enable you to use the remote - but - are you able to put in a code for the digibox? I am rather ignorant on this matter and would appreciate any advice. Thank you.

[MichaelZZ]

I also had a Sagem STB which gave excellent service. It finally packed up - nothing to do with the remote control - and I bought a replacement (Philips) box for around £20.
I don't know whether universal remotes work with a digital STB. I understand that they are a bit of a faff to set up anyway.
It might be worth checking the batteries and cleaning the lens at the front of the remote. They are a bit sensitive to bits of gunge on the end.
Replacement of the box may well be your best solution as at 4 years old it's getting on a bit and if you were to go down the universal remote route (how much are they? £15?), it is possible that the box will expire before you've got yor money's worth out of the remote.

[arieswoman]

Michael - thanks for your comments. It's definitely the keys on the remote and not the batteries. The 'up' of the up/down buttons and my 'button B' (which lets me select a programme on my recorded list) have stopped working - all the other buttons still work!

My box itself has a 250 mb hard drive (with quite a few programmes I've not yet watched), was over £100 when I purchased it and is still working really well - other than this 'just-appeared' problem. I would be very reluctant to get a new box when all I need is a remote that works. If anyone else knows about programming a universal I'd really appreciate some advice. Thanks.

[Graham-W]

Found this on a forum. The model number of your box may help us find what you need.
codes for the sagem dbox2 gemini remote

hi...here is the codes for the sagem dreambox2....the gemini universal remote 4 in one from asda works the sagem like a dream (i flashed it and other things with this remote) the code for the sagem dbox2 is .... 0604 ....and i'll give you the button configuration on the remote for coloured buttons needed and dbox button......

the SKY button is the dbox menu button
the backup/exit button is the home button
the rewind button is the red button
the play button is the yellow button
the stop button is the green button
the ff button is the blue button
the ok button selects the programme or selection
the 0 button is last channel

[Graham-W]

Also found this at Amazon.
http://www.amazon.co....r67250t/dp/B001TEA7YU

[arieswoman]

Graham, thank you so much for the information and your effort. As I wasn't sure if anyone would be able to answer my question I found a remote on Ebay which is for my make and model and at a reasonable price. I am assured it will work instantly once the batteries are put in. Can't wait to receive it as mine is driving me mad. Once again Graham, many thanks.

[Postdog]

Look online and you can probably find a new remote specific for your make and model. I did that with a Philips TV than was over ten years old.

[AlBags]

Just buy another Freeview box .. It will be cheaper!

[Graham-W]

It's not just a freeview box. It's a 250gb recorder. Can't get them for £15.

[arieswoman]

Albags - graham beat me to it. It's not just a freeview box - it's a personal video recorder with 250 mb hard drive, and double tuner so I can record 2 programmes at once. I can rewind live television etc. just like a Sky box. It's all-singing, all-dancing - and when I do eventually replace it, I shall just buy the same thing again but a 500 mb one! :)

[AlBags]

Yes .. I saw your more detailed second entry.
Universal remotes are programmable to a certain extent .. fully learning types better.
Original is always going to be worth having .. if you can find one .. which you seem to have! Hope it's ok.

[arieswoman]

Just as a follow-up, I ordered one from ebay on Sunday. It arrived this morning; put the batteries in and I am up and running again - thank goodness. Well worth the money. Would like to thank everyone who bothered to offer advice. x