Steadily illuminated surrounds, remote from the receptive field centre, are shown to affect the responses of primate visual cells. Intensity-response curves of cells of the macaque lateral geniculate nucleus were measured using a successive contrast paradigm where chromatic or achromatic stimuli were presented in alternation with a white adaptation field of constant luminance. Adding white surround annuli around stimuli and adaptation field shifted the intensity-response curves to higher intensity ranges. Since response curves can be nonmonotonic, this remote surround effect can result in an increase or decrease in responsiveness (facilitation or suppression) dependent on stimulus intensity. Steady surrounds, remote from the receptive field centre, thus control cell sensitivity and responses by means of simultaneous contrast.