FAQ
TL;DR: "CEC lets you command and control up to 15 devices"—enable HDMI‑CEC on the LG TV and your decoder, then re‑run Universal Control to restore remote channel control after power or HDMI changes. [Consumer Electronics Control]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps LG Magic Remote MR21GA/MR21GC owners fix set‑top box control failures and soundbar quirks after outages or cable swaps.
Quick Facts
- For decoders, the Magic Remote transmits IR; aim it directly at the decoder. [Elektroda, gadek80, post #19853912]
- Turn on HDMI‑CEC/HDMI‑SYNC/Control via HDMI in TV settings to pass commands. [Elektroda, sosarek, post #20219387]
- Enable TV control (CEC) in the decoder’s menu so the TV can talk to it. [Elektroda, waldi19720122, post #20477990]
- A TV and decoder software update resolved this exact issue for the thread author. [Elektroda, Grooby1990, post #20592695]
- ARC/eARC is for audio return, not remote control of set‑top boxes. [*HDMI ARC i eARC — co to jest i do czego służy*]
How do I fix my LG Magic Remote not controlling my Ultrabox+/set‑top box after a power outage?
After power cuts or HDMI changes, the TV can lose universal‑remote mappings or CEC state. Update the TV and decoder firmware first. "Updates to the set-top box and TV software have introduced a solution to the problem." After updating, re‑run Universal Control and test channel change. Save the setup if it works. [Elektroda, Grooby1990, post #20592695]
Does the LG Magic Remote control the decoder via IR or Bluetooth?
For set‑top boxes, the Magic Remote sends IR commands. Aim it at the decoder’s IR window during tests. TV volume and system menus use RF/Bluetooth and do not need aiming. "The magic remote also has an irda (infrared) transmitter." [Elektroda, gadek80, post #19853912]
How do I turn on HDMI‑CEC on my LG TV?
Open the TV settings and enable control via HDMI. Look for HDMI‑CEC, HDMI‑SYNC, or Control via HDMI. This passes commands to connected devices over HDMI. After enabling it, re‑run the universal‑remote setup and try channel change. [Elektroda, sosarek, post #20219387]
How do I enable CEC on the decoder?
Open the decoder menu and find TV control (CEC). Set it to Yes or On. Save changes and test channel switching during setup. Without CEC on the decoder, HDMI control from the TV will not work. [Elektroda, waldi19720122, post #20477990]
The Universal Control test buttons don’t show or don’t work—can I force them?
You cannot force the missing test pane. The issue came from firmware. Update the TV and the decoder, then re‑run the setup. The thread author reports the skipping test step and control failures disappeared after updating. [Elektroda, Grooby1990, post #20592695]
Do I need HDMI ARC to control the decoder with the LG remote?
No. ARC/eARC returns audio from the TV to a soundbar or receiver. It does not provide device control. Use CEC or IR for control. [HDMI ARC i eARC — co to jest i do czego służy]
What’s the 3‑step way to reconfigure Universal Control for a set‑top box?
- Settings > General > Devices > Universal Control Settings > Set‑Top Box.
- Pick your provider/brand, then run the on‑screen test while aiming at the decoder.
- Save when a code works, or try the next code set. [LG: Universal Control Settings]
The decoder still won’t respond during channel tests—what else should I try?
Power‑cycle the TV and decoder by unplugging both for 30 seconds. Try a different HDMI cable between the TV and decoder. Some cables break HDMI features, including device control. As a last resort, reset the decoder to factory settings and repeat setup. [Elektroda, gadek80, post #20218605]
Will unplugging HDMI break a previously working setup?
It can. A user had a working configuration, unplugged HDMI, and the remote stopped controlling the box. Reconnect, then re‑run the Universal Control setup and CEC checks to restore control. [Elektroda, Sztejkowy, post #20218543]
Can HDMI‑CEC change channels on every set‑top box?
Not always. CEC can "command and control up to 15 devices," but features vary by vendor. Many decoders expose power and input only. Use the Magic Remote’s IR Universal Control if CEC does not pass channel commands. [Consumer Electronics Control]
Why is my LG soundbar muted after auto‑configuring the universal remote?
This can accompany failed Universal Control configuration. The original poster reported the soundbar muted while the decoder ignored commands. Delete Universal Control settings and reconfigure, then retest audio and channel control. [Elektroda, Grooby1990, post #19852762]
How do I reset and re‑pair the LG Magic Remote?
Unregister the remote by holding Back and Home together for five seconds. Then re‑pair by pressing the Wheel (OK) while pointing at the TV. A pairing message should confirm success. [LG: Register/Unregister Magic Remote]
Should I plug my decoder into the TV’s HDMI ARC/eARC port?
No. ARC/eARC ports are reserved for returning audio to a soundbar or receiver. Plug the decoder into any regular HDMI input. Reserve the ARC/eARC port for your soundbar connection. [HDMI ARC i eARC — co to jest i do czego służy]
