3-10
Installation
DCT5100 Installation Manual
IR Blaster Transmitter
The optional IR Blaster provides control of the subscriber’s VCR from the DCT5100. It consists
of a low-power infrared transmitter attached to a six-foot cord and a mounting bracket. The
mounting bracket is a clear plastic holder that has a pad of adhesive tape that enables you to
install the IR Blaster near the VCR IR receiver. A mini-pin connector at the end of the cord
connects the IR Blaster to the DCT5100. The IR Blaster is sold separately as an accessory item.
The availability and functionality of the IR Blaster depends on the installed application
software.
Figure 3-8 illustrates the IR transmitter installed in the mounting bracket:
Figure 3-8
IR transmitter installed in mounting bracket
Once installed, the IR Blaster is activated automatically through the electronic program guide.
Individual VCR codes are broadcast through the out-of-band data channel and are updated
periodically as new codes are added.
The procedure for installing the IR Blaster is described in the following paragraphs.
Locating the IR Receiver on the VCR
The IR receiver area is not visible on some VCRs. To locate it:
Obtain a piece of opaque material, such as a 3- by 5-inch index card.
Use the card to block off areas of the VCR where the IR receiver might be located. Try to
turn the VCR on and off with the remote control pointed directly at it, and close enough to
reduce the possibility that the receiver will see IR reflections.
Note the blocked area where the VCR is unresponsive to the remote control. This region
contains the sensor and can be marked by loosely taping the index card to the area.
Because the IR Blaster radiates in an area approximately 40 degrees wide, you do not need to be
precisely on target with the receiver. You may prefer to offset the location of the IR Blaster
transmitter so that it is less likely to interfere with operation of the VCR remote control.
Adhesive tape
Mounting bracket
Transmitter
