If your PVR501 Platinum Remote is in the "SAT" mode it should pass an antenna or cable signal thru to another TV. I do this all the time in my bedroom. Of course, what it is actually doing is turning off the DISH feed on the Ch3/4 modulator. It's just like the TV/VCR button on a VCR.
Since it works when the rcvr is off you must be connected right.
Keep trying.
If you have a "monitor/receiver" TV the button should switch the inputs of your TV when the Remote is in TV mode. Does that work?
Since it works when the rcvr is off you must be connected right.
Keep trying.
If you have a "monitor/receiver" TV the button should switch the inputs of your TV when the Remote is in TV mode. Does that work?