Abstract: In a system that reduces interference between devices that transmit infrared signals, a first device transmits a first infrared signal to a second device during a first time period. The second device determines a command encoded by the first infrared signal. When the first time period has elapsed, the first device ceases transmission during a second time period. The second device transmits the second infrared signal to a third device during the second time period. As a result, transmissions from the second device to a third device are not affected by interference from transmissions by the first device. Selected signals from the first device may be permitted during the second time period, such as signals to cancel previous commands or to queue additional commands.