How to Make an IR Blaster for Tivo

Last Updated: December 27, 2021

Ever need an IR blaster for your TiVo but didn't want to wait for one to be shipped? Have an old remote and an old headphone cable? Well... you're on your way!

Steps

1
Find an old remote and remove its infrared LED
2
Find an old 1/8" stereo, or preferably, mono cable (old computer speaker system, old headphones, etc...).

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3
Identify the anode (+) and cathode (-) on the LED. Typically the cathode will be the lead with the most material inside the LED. It holds the "cup" inside the LED. The cathode is also typically the flat side of the LED.
4
Strip the headphone wire to reveal the conductors.
5
solder the insulated wire (the red insulated wire, if using a stereo cable) to the anode (+) and the non-insulated copper wire to the cathode.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I connect to the audio jack with negative and positive terminals?

Community Answer

The polarity does not matter in this case. It will work either way. Most of the time, the red wire is the positive terminal and the black wire is the negative terminal. Connecting it either way from the terminal will still work.
Question

To build an IR blaster can I use just one IR beam?

Community Answer

Yes, you can use 1 IR beam and it will still work. However, it is preferred to have 2 IR beams.
Question

Does this work with Android apps?

Community Answer

As long as the app supports the Tivo box and your phone has an IR blaster.