# Any suggestions on blocking a TV LED light while allowing remote to work? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [June 25, 2025, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-suggestions-on-blocking-a-tv-led-light-while-allowing-remote-to-work/1020143 "2025-06-25T22:49:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 14\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2025, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-suggestions-on-blocking-a-tv-led-light-while-allowing-remote-to-work/1020143/41 "2025-06-28T21:40:10Z")
No, but a suitable punch could make what is needed. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2025, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-suggestions-on-blocking-a-tv-led-light-while-allowing-remote-to-work/1020143/42 "2025-06-28T21:42:33Z")
Circle punches come in a large variety of sizes. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2025, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-suggestions-on-blocking-a-tv-led-light-while-allowing-remote-to-work/1020143/43 "2025-06-28T21:44:59Z")
[Here](https://www.amazon.com/CADY-Crafts-12mm%EF%BC%89Circle-Punches-Handmade/dp/B09WDB7P72/ref=asc_df_B09WDB7P72?mcid=461d2ff5e3eb3b24ab7598e87ecb947f&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693366139187&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18111079334504269438&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003344&hvtargid=pla-1946446222221&hvocijid=18111079334504269438-B09WDB7P72-&hvexpln=0&th=1) is one from Amazon, sized for a half-inch circle. Less than eight bucks. As I said, there are probably other people who want to block the annoying light but not the IR sensor. ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2025, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-suggestions-on-blocking-a-tv-led-light-while-allowing-remote-to-work/1020143/44 "2025-07-02T18:05:15Z")
> [@mixdenny](#): > > A few things I learned. Even though I used multiple layers of red gels the LEDs barely dimmed. They just kept passing the light on through. But when I found the correct shade of blue it stopped all the light! Played around with the blues and greens until it was just right. Well, yes, red colored filters _pass_ red light and filter out _not-red_ light. That’s why “blue-blocker” shades are yellow or amber. ---
**Author:** ![filmore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7993a0/32.png) [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2025, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-suggestions-on-blocking-a-tv-led-light-while-allowing-remote-to-work/1020143/45 "2025-07-03T00:57:57Z")
Another thing you could use is an IR repeater. These are devices which have a IR receiver and IR transmitter separated with a wire. The typical use is to control devices that are inside a cabinet. When the receiver gets and IR signal, it repeats it inside the cabinet. You could use one with your TV. Put the IR transmitter against the TV’s IR sensor and then tape it all up. The tape will block the light from getting out and the transmitter will forward the IR signals to the TV. ---
**Author:** ![Quintas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/48db29/32.png) [@Quintas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quintas)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2025, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-suggestions-on-blocking-a-tv-led-light-while-allowing-remote-to-work/1020143/46 "2025-07-26T01:45:34Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > The kind who knows people need to aim the remote at the TV for it to work. Where to aim? At the obvious white target. > > You’re welcome. Hmm. i’ll take your word for that. > [@LSLGuy](#): > > The kind who knows people need to aim the remote at the TV for it to work. Where to aim? At the obvious white target. > > You’re welcome. Nope. The light is only on when the TV is off. Thats the issue. When you turn it off to go to sleep. Perhaps you meant the light is so you know where to aim if you turn in on in the dark… That explanation doesn’t really fly either. As long as I point the remote vaguely in the tv’s direction it powers on. Unless i cover up that LED light. ---
**Author:** ![Quintas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/48db29/32.png) [@Quintas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quintas)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2025, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-suggestions-on-blocking-a-tv-led-light-while-allowing-remote-to-work/1020143/47 "2025-07-26T01:53:46Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > Depending on how tightly you trimmed the electrical tape, you may find the remote sensor is near, not inside, the brightly lit area. Remember those sensors can be small, ~1/8" diameter. Details matter. Hmm. maybe that is the case. I’ll do a closer inspection. In the meantime, my sorta solution was I have a friend that had some leftover window tint. I cut a small strip and put that over it. I can still see the LED of course but its much less blinding and the remote still works. But I like your suggestion better, that the sensor is not at all in the LED enclosure, it’s just nearby and very tiny and i need to locate and be sure not to cover it. ---
**Author:** ![ZonexandScout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zonexandscout/32/544_2.png) [@ZonexandScout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZonexandScout)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2025, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-suggestions-on-blocking-a-tv-led-light-while-allowing-remote-to-work/1020143/48 "2025-07-26T13:46:38Z")
I’m very sensitive to small points of light in a room when I’m sleeping. Charger LEDs, smoke detector LEDs, clocks, and TVs all need to be covered or obscured. When I travel, I always take a roll of electrical tape to cover the offending light sources. I do this regularly with TVs and I don’t believe I’ve ever accidentally obscured the IR receiver (if I’m careful and don’t go hog-wild with the tape). ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2025, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-suggestions-on-blocking-a-tv-led-light-while-allowing-remote-to-work/1020143/49 "2025-07-26T13:51:17Z")
I’ve been using a sleep mask lately. ---
**Author:** ![ZonexandScout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zonexandscout/32/544_2.png) [@ZonexandScout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZonexandScout)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2025, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-suggestions-on-blocking-a-tv-led-light-while-allowing-remote-to-work/1020143/50 "2025-07-26T13:54:46Z")
I tried that, but it didn’t seem too comfortable. I also take plastic clips to put on the drapes to hold them together, as well as asking for rooms away from light sources (front of hotel, parking areas, etc.) ---
**Author:** ![filmore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7993a0/32.png) [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2025, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-suggestions-on-blocking-a-tv-led-light-while-allowing-remote-to-work/1020143/51 "2025-07-26T14:35:46Z")
> [@ZonexandScout](#): > > When I travel, I always take a roll of electrical tape to cover the offending light sources. Gaffer’s tape works well for this. It’s the tape used in media and music productions to cover up wires and stuff. It holds strong like duct tape, but it comes off without leaving any residue. > [@ZonexandScout](#): > > I also take plastic clips to put on the drapes to hold them together, Many hotels provide hangers in the room which have clips for holding pants. Those clips work great for holding the curtains together. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2025, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-suggestions-on-blocking-a-tv-led-light-while-allowing-remote-to-work/1020143/52 "2025-07-26T14:40:21Z")
> [@ZonexandScout](#): > > I tried that, but it didn’t seem too comfortable. Yeah. Some of those things seem to confuse massive padding with comfort. Having a big bulky thing on your face is perhaps tolerable if you sleep flat on your back. But is a total PITA in any other posture. You might look into tanning or CPAP goggles. They’re small flexible silicone-like eye cups & an elastic string for around your head. Much more wearable if you don’t sleep flat on your back. They also provide absolute total darkness in any conditions. I can wear them laying on my back at the beach in the blinding sun and snooze that way. Here is one especially cheap example among dozens: > **[Amazon.com: Toeloioh 6PCS Hydrating Sleep Mask for Dry Eyes，Soft Silicone Sleep...](https://www.amazon.com/Toeloioh-Hydrating-Eyes%EF%BC%8CSoft-Goggles%EF%BC%8CMoisture-Relief%EF%BC%8CAdjustable/dp/B0DQWNC3TP)** > > Hydrating Sleep Mask for Dry Eyes，Soft Silicone Sleep Goggles，Moisture Chamber Goggles for Dry Eye Relief，Adjustable &Reusable Dry Eye Sleep Mask Here is another approach; just a thin bit of cloth. Easy to wear, but not absolute blackness. > **[Amazon.com: FRESHME Zero Pressure Sleep Mask - Lightweight Breathable Blockout...](https://www.amazon.com/FRESHME-Zero-Pressure-Sleep-Mask/dp/B0BPYG3WXD)** > > Buy FRESHME Zero Pressure Sleep Mask - Lightweight Breathable Blockout Eye Mask for Sleeping with Ear Hanging Elastic Strap for All Sleep Positions Men Women Soft and Comfortable Black Eye Blinder Travel on Amazon.com ✓ FREE SHIPPING on qualified... I find those work great for an afternoon nap in dim, but not dark conditions. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2025, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-suggestions-on-blocking-a-tv-led-light-while-allowing-remote-to-work/1020143/53 "2025-07-26T14:54:27Z")
Once again, it would be extremely useful for the make and model of the TV in question. I guarantee there’s a setting that can be changed. ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2025, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-suggestions-on-blocking-a-tv-led-light-while-allowing-remote-to-work/1020143/54 "2025-07-28T15:26:18Z")
I just sleep with a T-shirt over my face. Does the same thing. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-suggestions-on-blocking-a-tv-led-light-while-allowing-remote-to-work/1020143.md?page=2)