What Does IR Out Mean on Xbox One?

If you own an Xbox One you may have noticed a port on the back labeled IR out. What does it do and how can you use it? In this article we will explain what IR out means on Xbox One how it works and what other audio options are available on the console.

Quick answer

IR out stands for infrared output. It is a port that allows you to connect an IR blaster (not included) to your Xbox One and use it to control your TV or other devices wirelessly. You can use IR out to turn your TV on and off change the volume switch inputs and more. You can also use voice commands or the Xbox app to control your TV via IR out.

What is IR out on Xbox One?

IR out is a 3.5 mm (1/8 inch) port that is located on the back of the Xbox One next to the HDMI in and out ports. It is designed to send infrared signals to your TV or other devices via an IR blaster.

An IR blaster is a device that emits infrared light which is invisible to the human eye but can be detected by some electronic devices. IR blasters are commonly used as remote controls for TVs DVD players cable boxes and other devices.

How to use IR out on Xbox One?

By connecting an IR blaster to the IR out port on your Xbox One you can use your console to control your TV or other devices wirelessly. This means you don’t need to use the remote that came with your TV or device which can be convenient if you have misplaced it or if you have multiple devices connected to your TV.

You can also use voice commands or the Xbox app on your phone or tablet to control your TV via IR out. For example you can say “Xbox on” to turn on your TV and console at the same time or “Xbox volume up” to increase the volume of your TV.

To use IR out on Xbox One you need to have an IR blaster (not included) and a compatible TV or device. You also need to set up the IR out feature on your console by going to Settings > TV & OneGuide > Device Control > IR Out¹.

What are the benefits of using IR out on Xbox One?

Using IR out on Xbox One has several benefits such as:

• You can control your TV or other devices without using their remotes.
• You can use voice commands or the Xbox app to control your TV or other devices.
• You can turn on your TV and console at the same time with one command.
• You can switch inputs on your TV easily with one command.
• You can adjust the volume of your TV without affecting the game audio.
• You can create custom commands for different scenarios with the Xbox app.

What are the limitations of using IR out on Xbox One?

Using IR out on Xbox One also has some limitations such as:

• You need to buy an IR blaster separately as it is not included with the console.
• You need to have a compatible TV or device that supports infrared signals.
• You need to have a clear line of sight between the IR blaster and the TV or device as infrared signals cannot pass through walls or other objects.
• You may experience some delay or interference with the infrared signals depending on the distance and angle of the IR blaster and the TV or device.
• You may need to adjust the settings of your TV or device to enable infrared control.

Is IR Out related to G Points on Xbox?

Yes, IR Out is related to G Points on Xbox. By using the IR Out port on your Xbox, you can connect it to an infrared device, such as a cable box or TV. This allows you to control these devices through your Xbox. To learn more about G Points on Xbox, check out the official Xbox website.

What other audio options are available on Xbox One?

Besides using IR out there are other audio options available on Xbox One such as:

• HDMI: HDMI stands for High-Definition Multimedia Interface. It is a cable that connects your Xbox One to your TV or monitor. It transmits both video and audio signals in digital format. HDMI is capable of delivering high-quality sound such as Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. HDMI is also compatible with most modern TVs and monitors.
• S/PDIF: S/PDIF stands for Sony/Philips Digital Interface Format. It is a port that allows you to connect an optical audio cable (not included) from your Xbox One to a sound bar or AV receiver. It transmits only audio signals in digital format. S/PDIF is capable of delivering high-quality sound such as Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. S/PDIF is also compatible with some sound bars and AV receivers.
• Audio out: Audio out is a 3.5 mm (1/8 inch) port that allows you to connect a headphone jack from your Xbox One to a pair of headphones external speakers or a home theater system. It transmits only audio signals in analog format. Audio out is capable of delivering stereo sound but not surround sound. Audio out is compatible with most headphones speakers and home theater systems.

The following table summarizes the differences between the audio options on Xbox One:

Audio option	Cable type	Signal type	Sound quality	Compatibility
IR out	IR blaster	Infrared	Variable	Some TVs and devices
HDMI	HDMI	Digital	High	Most TVs and monitors
S/PDIF	Optical	Digital	High	Some sound bars and AV receivers
Audio out	Headphone	Analog	Medium	Most headphones speakers and home theater systems

FAQs about IR out on Xbox One

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about IR out on Xbox One:

• Q: What is the difference between IR out and IR in?
  • A: IR out is a port that sends infrared signals from your Xbox One to your TV or other devices. IR in is a port that receives infrared signals from your TV or other devices to your Xbox One. You can use IR in to control your Xbox One with your TV remote or other device remote.
• Q: What kind of IR blaster do I need for IR out?
  • A: You can use any IR blaster that has a 3.5 mm (1/8 inch) plug and is compatible with your TV or other devices. You can buy an IR blaster online or at a local electronics store. Some examples of IR blasters are:
    • Xbox One Media Remote: This is an official remote control for Xbox One that has a built-in IR blaster. You can use it to control your TV and other devices via IR out.
    • Inteset 4-in-1 Universal Backlit IR Learning Remote: This is a universal remote control that can learn the codes of your TV and other devices. You can use it to control your Xbox One and other devices via IR out.
    • Cable Matters Infrared Remote Extender Cable: This is a cable that has an IR blaster at one end and a receiver at the other end. You can use it to extend the range of your existing remote control and control your TV and other devices via IR out.
• Q: How do I set up voice commands for IR out?
  • A: To use voice commands for IR out you need to have a compatible headset microphone or Kinect sensor connected to your Xbox One. You also need to enable voice control on your console by going to Settings > Kinect & Devices > Digital Assistants > Enable Digital Assistants. Then you can use voice commands such as:
    • “Hey Cortana turn on the TV”
    • “Hey Cortana mute the TV”
    • “Hey Cortana switch to HDMI 1”
    • “Hey Cortana launch Netflix”

You can also use Alexa or Google Assistant as your digital assistant by downloading their respective apps on your phone or tablet and linking them to your Xbox One.

• Q: How do I set up the Xbox app for IR out?
  • A: To use the Xbox app for IR out you need to have the Xbox app installed on your phone or tablet. You also need to connect your phone or tablet to the same Wi-Fi network as your Xbox One. Then you can use the Xbox app to control your TV and other devices via IR out by following these steps:
    • Open the Xbox app and sign in with your Microsoft account.
    • Tap the hamburger menu icon on the top left corner and select Console.
    • Tap the Connect icon on the bottom right corner and select your Xbox One console.
    • Tap the Remote icon on the bottom left corner and access the remote control screen.
    • Use the buttons on the screen to control your TV and other devices via IR out.

You can also create custom commands for different scenarios with the Xbox app by going to Settings > Console > Custom Commands.

• Q: How do I troubleshoot IR out issues?
  • A: If you encounter any issues with using IR out on Xbox One such as:
    • Your TV or device does not respond to IR out commands.
    • Your TV or device responds inconsistently or incorrectly to IR out commands.
    • Your TV or device interferes with other devices when using IR out commands.

You can try these troubleshooting tips:

- Make sure your IR blaster is connected properly to the IR out port on your Xbox One.
- Make sure your IR blaster is positioned correctly and has a clear line of sight to your TV or device.
- Make sure your TV or device supports infrared signals and has its infrared receiver enabled.
- Make sure you have selected the correct TV or device model and brand when setting up IR out on your console.
- Make sure you have updated your console software and firmware to the latest version.
- Restart your console TV and device and try again.

If none of these tips work you may need to contact Xbox support or your TV or device manufacturer for further assistance.

IR out is a feature that allows you to control your TV or other devices wirelessly with your Xbox One. You can use IR out to turn your TV on and off change the volume switch inputs and more. You can also use voice commands or the Xbox app to control your TV via IR out. To use IR out you need to have an IR blaster a compatible TV or device and a clear line of sight between them. You also need to set up the IR out feature on your console by going to Settings > TV & OneGuide > Device Control > IR Out.