TV-B-Gone: How It Works, Range & TV Compatibility

TV-B-Gone is a keychain-sized infrared remote that turns off almost any television within its range by cycling through a built-in library of power codes. You point it at a TV and hold the button; it transmits thousands of IR power-off signals until the set responds. The device works with most TVs from the 1980s onward, and its effective range is typically 15–45 meters (50–150 feet) depending on the model and line of sight.

Background: Why TV-B-Gone Exists

TV-B-Gone was created by Mitch Altman, a hardware hacker and educator, and first sold in 2004. Altman designed it as a playful tool for “culture jamming”—a way to reclaim public spaces from unwanted television. The device became popular among pranksters, activists, and anyone who wanted to silence a TV in a bar, waiting room, or restaurant. It also gained a following as an educational kit, helping people learn to solder and understand infrared communication.

The original TV-B-Gone was a simple circuit with an infrared LED and a microcontroller. The microcontroller stored a database of IR power codes for thousands of TV brands and models. Over the years, the device has been updated with more codes and a more powerful transmitter. The current production version, the TV-B-Gone Pro, includes a more extensive code library and a higher-power IR LED for longer range.

How TV-B-Gone Works

TV-B-Gone exploits the fact that most TVs are turned off by a standardized infrared remote signal. The device stores a large collection of these “power toggle” codes—the exact bit patterns that each brand uses to switch a TV between on and off. When you press and hold the button, the device rapidly transmits these codes one after another, covering a wide range of manufacturers and models.

The transmission sequence is not random. Each code is sent multiple times to ensure the TV receives it, and the device cycles through the entire library in a few seconds. The TV-B-Gone Pro has a code library of over 2,000 models, and it can cycle through all of them in about 30 seconds. Once the TV receives a matching code, it turns off, and you can release the button.

The device uses a modulated infrared signal, typically at a carrier frequency of 38 kHz, which is the standard for most consumer IR remotes. The microcontroller generates the exact timing for each brand’s protocol, such as Sony SIRC, NEC, RC5, or Panasonic. The IR LED emits the signal, and the TV’s IR receiver decodes it, triggering the power-off function.

Range and Line of Sight

The effective range of a TV-B-Gone depends on the model and the environment. The original TV-B-Gone has a range of about 15 meters (50 feet) in typical indoor conditions. The Pro version, with a more powerful LED, can reach up to 45 meters (150 feet) in ideal line-of-sight conditions. However, real-world range is often shorter due to obstacles, ambient light, and the angle of the IR beam.

Infrared signals travel in a straight line and cannot pass through walls, furniture, or other opaque objects. The IR LED has a narrow beam, so you must point the device directly at the TV’s IR receiver, usually located on the front bezel or near the brand logo. Reflective surfaces, such as mirrors or glossy walls, can help bounce the signal, but they also absorb some energy. Bright sunlight or strong incandescent light can interfere with the IR receiver, reducing the effective range.

To maximize range, hold the TV-B-Gone steady and aim it at the TV’s IR sensor. If you are too far away, the signal may be too weak to trigger a response. If you are too close, the IR beam may be too narrow to hit the sensor. A good rule of thumb is to stand about 3–10 meters (10–30 feet) away for the best results.

TV Compatibility: Which TVs Work?

TV-B-Gone is designed to work with virtually any TV that uses an infrared remote control. This includes almost all consumer televisions manufactured from the 1980s to the present, regardless of brand. The device’s code library covers over 2,000 models from more than 100 brands, including Sony, Samsung, LG, Panasonic, Vizio, TCL, and many others.

However, there are a few exceptions. Some newer TVs, especially smart TVs, use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi remote controls instead of IR. These TVs do not have an IR receiver, so TV-B-Gone cannot turn them off. Additionally, some TVs have a feature that disables the IR receiver when the TV is in a specific mode, such as “Hotel Mode” or “Store Mode,” which may prevent the device from working.

If you are unsure whether your TV is compatible, you can test it by pointing your TV’s original remote at the TV and pressing the power button. If the TV responds, the TV-B-Gone will likely work too, as it uses the same type of IR signal.

Common Problems and Limitations

• TV does not turn off: The TV may not be in the code library, or the IR signal is blocked. Try moving closer, changing the angle, or checking for obstructions.
• TV turns off but then back on: Some TVs have a “power toggle” that alternates between on and off. If the device sends the code twice, the TV may turn off and then back on. Release the button as soon as the TV turns off.
• Device does not work on new TVs: Newer TVs may use Bluetooth remotes or have IR receivers that are not compatible with the standard 38 kHz carrier. Check the TV’s manual to see if it has an IR receiver.
• Range is short: The IR LED may be weak, or the battery may be low. Replace the battery (CR2032) and ensure the LED is clean.

How to Choose a TV-B-Gone

There are two main versions of TV-B-Gone: the original keychain model and the Pro version. The original is smaller, cheaper, and has a range of about 15 meters. The Pro version is larger, has a more powerful LED, and includes a more extensive code library, with a range of up to 45 meters. If you plan to use it in large public spaces, the Pro is worth the extra cost. For personal use or as a prank, the original is sufficient.

You can also buy TV-B-Gone as a kit, which includes all the components and instructions for soldering. This is a great way to learn about electronics and IR communication. The kit comes with a printed circuit board, a microcontroller, an IR LED, a battery holder, and a case. Assembly takes about an hour and requires basic soldering skills.

Cost and Safety

TV-B-Gone is relatively inexpensive, with the original model typically costing around $10–20 and the Pro version around $30–40. The device is powered by a single CR2032 coin cell battery, which lasts for many months with normal use. There are no recurring costs, and the device has no moving parts.

Safety-wise, TV-B-Gone is harmless. The IR LED emits low-power infrared light that is not visible to the human eye and poses no risk to eyes or skin. The device does not transmit any data or connect to the internet. The only potential issue is that it may annoy people if used inappropriately, but it is not illegal to turn off a TV in a public place, though some venues may have rules against it.

Alternatives and Legal Considerations

If you want to turn off a TV without a TV-B-Gone, you can use a universal remote that has a code search feature. However, this is less convenient because you have to manually enter codes. Another alternative is to use a smartphone with an IR blaster, which can emulate a TV remote. Many Android phones have built-in IR blasters, and there are apps that can send power-off codes.

It is important to note that using TV-B-Gone in a public place may be considered a nuisance, and some jurisdictions have laws against interfering with electronic devices. However, the device is legal to own and use in most places, as long as you are not causing damage or violating trespassing laws. If you are using it to turn off a TV in a store or restaurant, you may be asked to leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does TV-B-Gone work on all TVs?

No, it does not work on TVs that use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi remotes, or on TVs that have the IR receiver disabled. However, it works on the vast majority of IR-controlled TVs made in the last 40 years.

How long does it take to turn off a TV?

It depends on where your TV’s brand is in the code library. It can take as little as a second or as long as 30 seconds. The Pro version cycles through the library faster, so it is usually quicker.

Can TV-B-Gone turn on a TV?

Yes, the power codes are toggles, so they can turn a TV on as well as off. However, the device is marketed as a “TV-B-Gone” because the primary use is turning off TVs.

Does it work through walls?

No, infrared light cannot pass through walls. It requires a direct line of sight to the TV’s IR receiver.

Is TV-B-Gone legal?

Yes, it is legal to own and use in most countries. However, using it to disrupt a business may be considered trespassing or disorderly conduct, so it is best to use it responsibly.

Can I build my own TV-B-Gone?

Yes, there are open-source designs and kits available. Building one is a good electronics project, but it requires programming the microcontroller with the IR code library.

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