Uh oh.

It looks like JavaScript is disabled in your browser. To get the full experience on Sony.co.uk, please change your settings to allow JavaScript.

Article ID : 00127546 / Last Modified : 10/02/2026

How to setup the IR Blaster to control the TV and a set-top box during the Initial Setup process

Applicable Products and Categories of This Article

You can control your Android TV™ and set-top box (cable box) with the TV's Remote Control by connecting the IR Blaster included with the TV.

Before you start

This article applies only to specific products and/or operating systems. Check the Applicable Products and Categories section of this article before starting these steps.
A8, XH80, XH81, XH90, XH91, XH92, XH95, ZH8, AG9, XG85, XG95 and ZG9 series are all Set-top box control compatible models which can control a set-top box without an IR Blaster.
The steps to perform this procedure are detailed below, and a Video Tutorial is also available.
Make sure that the connected set-top box supports the IR Blaster function. Contact the device manufacturer to confirm its compatibility with the IR Blaster function.

Depending on your situation, follow one of the methods below.

How to set up the IR Blaster from the Initial Setup screen

The Initial Setup screen appears if it is the first time that the TV is turned on or after performing a factory data reset.
Please exit from the IR Blaster setting screen by pressing the BACK button if you set-up later or not wish the IR Blaster.
The display screen may differ depending on the model or OS version.

Follow these steps to set up the IR Blaster from the Initial Setup screen:

Turn on the Android TV and the connected set-top box.
Start the Initial Setup process of the Android TV.
When the message Control your TV and cable/satellite box with one remote or Control your TV and set-top box with one remote appears on the TV screen during the Initial Setup, select Yes or Setup.

On the Power on and Connect screen, select OK.
Connect the IR Blaster.

For a USB type IR Blaster	For a plug type IR Blaster

Set-top box or AV Receiver IR Blaster cable IR Blaster USB port	Set-top box or AV Receiver IR Blaster cable IR Blaster jack (socket)
Any USB port is acceptable. When a USB type IR Blaster is used, a message will appear on the screen to indicate that the device is connected to the USB port.

Select OK.
Place the IR Blaster near the remote sensor of the set-top box.

Once the IR blaster cord is in place, a message Searching for your cable/satellite box or Searching for your set-top box may appear.
Refer to the instruction manual of the set-top box or contact the device manufacturer for information about the location of the IR sensor on the set-top box.

Under the Select the input to which your cable/satellite box is connected or select the input to which your set-top box is connected screen, select the appropriate input being used.

Under the Select your service provider screen, select your service provider.

Enter your Zip code.

Under the Can you control your cable/satellite box or Can you control your set-top box? screen, select YES if you see the picture or signal on the Test screen.
Under the Set up TV program information screen, select Start. This function is useful for the guide program of the set-top box.
Under the Select your provider screen, select the name of the service provider in your area. This is a reconfirmation of your cable or satellite service provider.

Under Set-up is complete screen, select OK.
Turn on Set-Top box (Cable TV or Satellite TV) as follows.
Unable to control the set-top box or A/V receiver when using the IR Blaster function.

How to set up the IR Blaster from the Settings menu

If you have completed the Initial Setup process and skipped setting up the IR Blaster, you can set up the IR Blaster by following these steps.
(The display screen may differ depending on the model or OS version.)

Turn on the TV and make sure that the set-top box is connected and on.

On the TV remote, press the HOME button.
Select Settings.
The next steps will depend on your TV menu options:
- Select Watching TV — External inputs — Cable/Satellite box setup — Cable/Satellite box control setup.
- Select External inputs — IR Blaster setup — Set-top box control setup.
- Select External inputs — IR Blaster setup.

Connect the IR Blaster.

USB type IR Blaster	Plug type IR Blaster

Set-top box or AV Receiver IR Blaster cable IR Blaster USB port	Set-top box or AV Receiver IR Blaster cable IR Blaster jack (socket)
Any USB port is acceptable. When a USB type IR Blaster is used, a message will appear on the screen to indicate that the device is connected to the USB port.

Select OK.
Place the IR Blaster near the remote sensor of the set-top box.

NOTE: Refer to the instruction manual of the set-top box or contact the device manufacturer for information about the location of the IR sensor on the set-top box.

Under Cable/Satellite box setup or IR Blaster setup, select Setup by model number or Supported Models.
Under the Setup by model number or Supported Models screen, select Cable/Satellite box or Set-top box.

Under the Select your service provider screen, select your cable or satellite service provider.

Under the Search for your cable/satellite box manufacture or Search for your Set-top box manufacturer screen, enter the manufacturer name of the cable or satellite box.
Use Capital letters and enable CAPS on the on-screen keyboard.

Enter your Zip code.

Under the Select the input to which your cable/satellite box is connected or Select the input to which your set-top box is connected screen, select the appropriate input being used.