I have tried two identical remotes (the original one plus a brand new replacement) that both apparently work (infared tested through an lcd camera) and I cannot get any access. Unfortunately there are not enough buttons on the front of this unit to get by without a remote.

As such, I think the IR sensor is broken. Can anyone help me fix this or bypass it somehow? I have recordings on this machine that I really need access to but cannot get to without using the remote!

It's easy to see if your remote might have accidentally slipped into the wrong "Remote Control Mode" which sets it for Recorder 1, 2 or 3 (lets you use it with other equipment using a diff. code).

Press RETURN plus the #1 button and HOLD BOTH BUTTONS for 5-6 sec and see if the front panel display changes. If not, try RETURN + #2, then RETURN + #3.

If one code works to change the display, you can leave it there. If you want a diff. remote code than the one that works now, you can change the 640 to a diff. code in the Options menu, "Remote Control Code" option. If you change the 640's code number, then repeat the RETURN + # process for that number so the remote is in sync.

Thanks but I dont believe it is the remote code because I've tried multiple remotes. Ive also tried resetting the remote code as you say but to no avail.

Is there any way to use an external remote - that is plug in something to the back that would allow me to use soemthing completely different. Forgive my ignorance, I know nothing about that digital out remote extension stuff...

oops just fried some circuits. I still have the hard drive, so I either need to buy another recorder or find a way to remove the files from the hard drive some other way

How exactly did you "fry" it? Was there a power surge? How sure are you that its totally fried? Open the top cover and look around near the AC cord for a small cyclindrical fuse the size of your fingertip: if you're lucky, that burned before the recorder circuits could get damaged. Replacement fuses cost just a few bucks at Radio Shack. If replacing the fuse lets you turn it back on, then you just need to switch the remote code to match the recorder, as wajo advised in earlier, and everything will be like new.

Unfortunately there are not enough buttons on the front of this unit to get by without a remote.Yeah, despite their other flaws the Pioneer 533/633 had the 4-way controller buttons on the front panel and even without a remote there wasn't very much you couldn't do.

It really does seem unlikely that the unit doesn't receive codes. Can you use the front panel buttons to turn it on and off and use the play" and "stop" buttons normally?

Most remotes are set to "Remote 1", so trying a different remote tell you anything if the unit itself is somehow set to "Remote 2" or "Remote 3". So you should be sure to try the procedure to change the remote number on the remote: press and hold "return" and press and hold "2" at the same time until the remote's red LED flashes. If the unit doesn't respond to that then do the same thing but press "Return" and "3" and try again. (Don't forget to switch the remote back to "1" when you're done.

Failing that, you might try resetting the unit itself by pressing and holding the front panel "stop" and "power" buttons for several seconds.

oops just fried some circuits. I still have the hard drive, so I either need to buy another recorder or find a way to remove the files from the hard drive some other wayAre you sure it's fried? There are some things in there which, if disturbed, will render the unit useless without the service remote - but there's no actual damage to the unit.

If it really is fried, don't throw it out. You can probably get something for it from someone who'd like spares for their machine.

The remote code thing is a little confusing if you've never encountered it before. On the off chance you do get your 640 powered up again, here's a more specific set of steps for matching the remote to the recorder:

Check the front panel display on the recorder to see what remote indicator is lit. Look at the extreme left of the clock, near the edge of the display window thats closest to the DVD/HDD selector button.If that area is empty, the recorder is set to the default remote code of 1 and should be operable by a universal remote. But if you see a small lit-up "2" or "3", the recorder is set to one of those alternative codes. You will need the original Pioneer remote and you'll need to reset the remote to match the recorder display. You reset the remote by holding down the return key first, then while still holding it down press the 1, 2, or 3 key (whichever code you need for the recorder). As wajo said, hold both buttons down for about 6-7 seconds. Let go of the buttons, aim the remote at the recorder and see if it responds.