Testing any Remote Control

I found detailed instructions on "How to Test your Remote Control" here: http://theremotedoctor.com/trouble.html
this page includes everything, like which buttons will not work.

I tried it on a remote I know is working on the camera on my cellphone and did indeed see 2 lights coming out of the remote!! But when I tried it on the remote for our yamaha home theater av receiver # RAV246 I did not see any light. So...that just confirms that our remote indeed isn't working! Now I need to know if the remote can be fixed or does it have to be replaced? I put in new batteries as the sound volume wasn't working on the remote thinking that was the only problem. I guess I need to research if I have to reprogram the remote when new batteries are installed in order for it to work or not. Very cool way to know if the remote is working. I will pass this neat tip to friends, thank you! ****