I tried several things. Banging the remote against the side of a chair wasn't one of them though :-)

The remote was emitting infra-red light when you pressed a button (there are various ways to test for this).

Even after I downloaded the 170 page pdf service manual complete with schematics fixing the set was a nightmare. Fixing that Philips TV required some specialized diagnostic tools (and software Philips only let's their Auth. Serv. Centers access to). That 32 " Plasma was VERY computer-like inside, and difficult to work on the way it was constructed. I spent quite a few hours working on it before selling it to a guy on Craigslist ( who probably sent it to a landfill shortly thereafter ).

All the manufacturer had to do was have a few "buttons" on the thing and it would have continued to be worth something.

It wasn't a real big deal because it was given to me not working (no picture) and I got the picture part fixed, but then the remote problem was discovered. The set was given to me, I would have never purchased a product like this that had no buttons on it. The reason should be clearer now that I've explained the details.