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3·2·1® home entertainment system

Sold from 1970 – 2006

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Cannot control another device using the Bose remote

You can program your Bose universal remote to control a device from another brand connected to your system—like a TV, cable box or Blu-ray player. If you cannot find a code to control or fully control a device, try the following:

Verify your Bose system remote can control your Bose system.

If the remote does not control your system, see Remote is intermittent or does not control your Bose product.

Be sure the remote is in Video 1 mode.

The remote must be in Video 1 mode to operate other devices. In Video 1 mode, the Video 1 button lights as the channel buttons are pressed. If the Video 1 button does not light, no code has been programmed.

Try the remote that came with the device you are trying to control.

Check if the original remote control for the device can control it. If it cannot, there may be an issue with the device.

Reset your media center.

A reset is used to correct occasional product issues. It is not something that a product should require repeatedly. For more information, see Resetting your product.

Reprogram your remote control.

For more info, see Programming your remote.

Reset your remote to its default state.

You can clear the codes in your remote and return it to its out-of-box state. This could be helpful if an error occurred with the remote. Once cleared, try programming your remote again. For more information, see Clearing devices programmed into your remote control and Programming your remote.

Check if the device you are trying to control accepts an IR commands.

Your Bose system controls devices via IR (infrared). So, if the device cannot accept IR commands, your Bose system cannot control it. While home theater devices are commonly controlled by IR, there are a number of devices that are controlled by RF (radio frequency) or Bluetooth®. Additionally, some devices have remote control options in the device menu where you can select how you want to control the device (i.e. via IR or RF). Check if the device you want to control accepts IRs commands or has related menu settings.

Tip: Find the remote that came with the device. If there is a translucent plastic piece at the top end of the remote, it likely uses IR. However, if you cover that piece with your hand and the remote still controls the device, it might be in RF or Bluetooth mode.

Functions of some devices might only be controllable by the device remote.

Universal remotes, like your Bose remote, might control all or only certain functions of the various devices they can be programmed to control. Certain device features might only be accessible using the remote that came with the device.

Your media center may need service.

If the steps provided do not resolve your issue, your product may need service. Follow the link below for more information on how to service your product. Depending on your product and region, you will be provided a contact number or the ability to setup service online.

Click here to start service
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