How to Program Your Optimum Remote (For All Models)

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Programming your Optimum remote allows you to control your TV and cable box with a single device. However, Optimum has provided different remote models over the years, and the programming steps can vary.

This guide will first help you identify which remote you have, and then provide easy, step-by-step instructions to get it programmed and working correctly.

Step 1: First, Identify Your Optimum Remote

Look at your remote and compare it to the descriptions below. This is the most important step!

Model A: The Optimum “O” Remote

  • Has three buttons at the very top: TV POWER, TV INPUT, and CBL POWER.
  • Features a large, round Optimum key in the center (a dark “O” with a small orange ring).
  • The word “optimum” is printed at the bottom.

Model B: The Cablevision “iO” Remote

  • Has two buttons at the top: TV and CBL.
  • Features a large, white iO key in the middle (an orange “i” and a black “O”).
  • The word “CABLEVISION” is printed at the bottom.

Once you have identified your model, skip down to the correct set of instructions below.

Instructions for Model A (The Optimum “O” Remote)

Method 1: Using Pre-Programmed TV Codes

This is the fastest method for popular TV brands.

  1. Turn on your TV.
  2. Press and hold the TV POWER and SEL keys at the same time until the round Optimum key blinks twice.
  3. Point the remote at your TV and press and hold the number key corresponding to your TV’s brand from the list below.
    • 1: Insignia
    • 2: LG
    • 3: Panasonic
    • 4: Philips/Magnavox
    • 5: RCA/TCL
    • 6: Samsung
    • 7: Sharp
    • 8: Sony
    • 9: Toshiba
    • 0: Vizio
  4. Hold the number key until your TV turns off, then release it. The programming is complete.
  5. Test it: Press the TV POWER button to turn the TV back on. Test the VOL (Volume) and MUTE buttons to ensure they work.

Method 2: Auto-Code Search

Use this method if your TV brand is not listed above or if the code didn’t work.

  1. Turn on your TV.
  2. Press and hold the TV POWER and SEL keys at the same time until the Optimum key blinks twice.
  3. Point the remote at the TV. Press and hold the SEL key. The remote will now automatically cycle through all possible codes.
  4. The moment your TV turns off, immediately release the SEL key to lock in the code.
  5. Test it: Turn the TV back on and test the volume and mute functions.

Instructions for Model B (The Cablevision “iO” Remote)

This remote uses an auto-search method to find your TV code.

  1. Turn on your TV.
  2. Press and hold the TV and SEL keys at the same time for about three seconds, until the iO key lights up and stays lit.
  3. Point the remote at the TV. Press and hold the POWER button.
  4. The moment your TV turns off, immediately release the POWER button.
  5. To save the code, press the TV key once. The iO key will blink twice to confirm the code is saved.
  6. Test it: Turn the TV on and off and check the volume controls.

How to Control Volume (For All Models)

By default, your remote is set to control the TV’s volume. If you want it to control the volume on your cable boxinstead, follow these steps.

To Switch Volume Control to the Cable Box:

  1. Press and hold the CBL and SEL keys simultaneously until the center key (Optimum or iO) blinks twice.
  2. Press the VOL + (Volume Up) button.
  3. Press the CBL key. The center key will blink twice to confirm the change.

To Switch Volume Control Back to the TV:

  1. Press and hold the TV and SEL keys simultaneously until the center key blinks twice.
  2. Press the VOL + (Volume Up) button.
  3. Press the TV key. The center key will blink twice, and your remote will now control the TV’s volume again.

Conclusion:

Your Optimum remote is now paired and ready for action. You’ve successfully synchronized it with your television using either the direct code entry or the auto-search method. Enjoy the ease and convenience of controlling your entire media setup from a single, powerful remote.

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