THE FIX
you guys....it's the REMOTE that' the problem; not the box; it's actually pretty good quality build....BUT: the remote??? CRAP.
PROBLEM: the battery terminals get corroded quickly with that 1st crappy batteries we get when NEW (remember? no name crappy one?) and it merely won't send IR emissions `cause it ain't running anymore `cause the battery is not making contact inside battery bay. The $@$*!& REMOTE APEX USES...
TO PROVE: Use fingernail to split open remote halves. Clean; rinse; repeat. Re-assemble. Reinstall good new batteries and test. SEE?
BETTER SOLUTION: Get a good quality UNIVERSAL REMOTE and program it for "APEX" TV or VCR or TUNER (if they have)
It's same as others. Get better user interface IE: a BETTER REMOTE