Power Macintosh 5500,6500: TV remote stops working

The Apple TV or TV/FM Radio System ships with a remote control to power the computer On/Off, among other functions. Some Power Macintosh 5500/6500 users with either the Apple TV or TV/FM Radio System claim that after powering up their computer with the remote control under Mac OS 7.6.1, 8.0, or 8.1, they no longer have remote control functionality.

Is this true? If so, how can one correct this behavior?

Yes. This behavior can happen under Mac OS 7.6.1, 8.0, and 8.1 on Power Macintosh 5500 and 6500 series computers. The behavior could occur if you clicked any of the remote control buttons during start up. Typically, a user would be adjusting the volume buttons on the remote control during startup. After the computer booted to the Finder, it would not respond to any of the buttons that were pressed on the remote control.

Once it occurred, the only way to reset the remote control sensor on the computer is to shut down the computer, unplug the power cord for 1 - 2 minutes, then restart without pressing any of the remote control buttons.

This behavior has been resolved in Mac OS 8.5 and later. Information on upgrading to Mac OS 8.5 can be found at the following URL: http://www.apple.com/macos.

Published Date: Feb 18, 2012