TIP: Program your RC71 remote to control your RVU TV

With DIRECTV’s Genie DVR and a late model Sony or Samsung TV, you can have an almost wire-free experience. The new Sony and Samsung TVs have RVU technology built in, meaning that you don’t even need a client box to get DIRECTV service… just an ethernet connection. Now, DIRECTV offers the missing piece of the puzzle with the new RC71 Genie Remote. This is the same remote that comes packaged with the HR44 Genie DVR and C41 Genie Mini Client. Solid Signal should have these remotes for sale very soon, so bookmark this tutorial for when you get yours.

The process for programming the remote is simple:

First, press {MUTE} and {SELECT} at the same time and hold them both down for about 3 seconds. Some people have reported that it easier to press {MUTE} first and {SELECT} almost immediately after that.

You will have to wait a few seconds and then the green light on the top of the remote will blink twice. (Note: if you are not pressing {MUTE} and {SELECT} together, the remote will blink with each button pushed… you still have to wait a few seconds for that double-blink to happen again.)

On the remote, press the following:

  • For a Sony TV, press 5 4 0 0 1
  • For a Samsung TV press 5 4 0 0 0

The remote should now operate your TV properly. To reset the remote (if you want it to control a DIRECTV receiver) do the {MUTE}/{SELECT}/wait thing again and press 9 8 1.

About the Author

Stuart Sweet
Stuart Sweet is the editor-in-chief of The Solid Signal Blog and a "master plumber" at Signal Group, LLC. He is the author of over 10,000 articles and longform tutorials including many posted here. Reach him by clicking on "Contact the Editor" at the bottom of this page.