Alternative remote for Pro Box

[wenklaw]

The problem I have is the Pro Box remote wont control my TV as I use a HDMI over Cat5/6 adaptor due to the limitations of being able to run a proper HDMI through very small gaps to the wall mounted TV, using CAT6 i was able to thread it through the gaps and then terminate the RJ45 afterwards, this however doesnt support CEC so the remote wont control my TV.  Anyway I have looked as wireless HDMI, again doesn't support CEC so my only solution is maybe a One4All type universal remote, looking at them is super confusing if its compatible and if it will use bluetooth to control the Pro Box (which is what i want as the pro box is hidden away) and IR to control my Panasonic TV?

Anyone any recommendations?  Even one that's just going to use IR as I can possibly sort the line of sight issue out.

[DarrenDev]

Are you able to connect an HDMI cable between TV Box and TV just temporarily?  It only needs the CEC long enough to identify the TV, after which the remote then sends IR commands directly to the TV.  So if you can connect an HDMI cable and reset the remote, you can then restore your current set up again and the remote will continue to operate the TV.

[wenklaw]

Yes i read that but it doesnt work.

I connect the Pro Box up direct with a HDMI cable and yes the Pro Box remote then controls the TV fine BUT as soon as i reconnect back up to the HDMI over CAT5/6 adaptor it stops working

just noticed i didnt reset the remote, is that part critical?  will retry and let you know

[wenklaw]

So I plugged the pro back in directly to the TV using a HDMI cable, reset the remote and repaired and yes the pro box remote controls the TV, i unplug the HDMI from the TV and the pro box and the pro box remote STILL controls the TV but then as soon as i plug back in to the HDMI over CAT5/6 adaptor it stops working 😓

[DarrenDev]

Hmmm. That's strange, as the remote isn't supposed to automatically adjust to changes in connection. Once paired, it's supposed to stay paired until reset.
The only other suggestion I can make then is to use either a generic IR learning remote, or obtain one of the older IR-only remotes. You can see the older remote here:
https://www.bt.com/content/bt/help/en/tv/fix-a-problem/remote/which-remote-do-you-have.html

[wenklaw]

Agreed very strange, I have even tried turning CEC off on the TV after I have paired the remote, the remote again stays connected and will control the TV up until i plug it back in the HDMI CAT5/6 adaptor.

[DarrenDev]

Another option you can try is to google for a "CEC-less HDMI adaptor". It's a tiny plug you add to one end of the HDMI cable, which disconnects pin 13. Use this between the TV Box and CAT 5 adaptor, and the TV Box won't receive any CEC messages at all.