DVR doesn't respond to dtv universal remote

Likely because the receiver and remote are in different modes. What is your receiver model? Use your phone to go into Menu, Settings, and Remote Setup. From there, change the receiver to IR mode. If you’d like, once the remote controls the receiver as intended, change both the receiver and remote to RF mode. This does require a code to be entered on the remote.

Model HR 24-500.  It says it is in IR mode.  I can now make it communicate if I hole the remote a couple of inches from the IR sensor on the dvr.  We've changed nothing about the environment we watch in, but lately the remote would often not work (thus the new one).  I'm puzzled.  Thanks for your quick reply!

@NanPalm perhaps the IR sensor is blocked/dusty. You may try putting both the HR24 and remote in RF mode. Just verify that the remote is RC66RX or a similar capable-RF remote. 

Hi @NanPalm , we hope you're doing great today. @detuch254  thanks for your quick reply.

Let's get things cleared up with pairing your new remote control with the DIRECTV service.

Please follow these helpful steps to program your universal remote fast and easy.

Please let us know how it goes, we're here to help.

Juan, DIRECTV Community Specialist

Remote control model number?

RC66RX

What happens if you use RF mode instead of infrared?