How to Program a Universal Remote.
Have you ever lost your TV remote? Unless you’re a wizard, the answer is likely to be a resounding yes. Everyone loses their remotes, and this is where universal remotes come into play. These devices can be programmed to work with almost any type of TV, DVD player, cable box, or other home theater system and restore the convenience you’ve lost.
How to Setup and Program a Universal Remote
They are especially useful if you are buying a CRT. If you are looking for deals on universal remote control, the Philips Universal Remote is one of the most affordable and easy to use. Don’t panic at the thought of programming your universal remote – it only takes a few minutes and doesn’t require any technical skills.
How to Setup and Program a Universal Remote Control
There are several ways to program a universal remote, but the two most common are direct code entry and automatic code search. Before you begin, make sure you have new batteries in the remote and that the TV is connected to the mains. The programming process may take several minutes. to complete, but you do not want to interrupt during this time. If the signal between the TV and the remote control is lost, you will have to start over.
Another thing to keep in mind is that not all universal remotes use the same programming methods. Although this manual is a general article on how to program your remote control, please refer to the specific instructions that came with your brand of remote control.
A note about remote types
Each brand of a universal remote is different. Some of them will have a number of buttons for specific devices such as the DVR, while others will have more general buttons such as TV, STR, and AUD. A little-known fact is that it doesn’t matter which button you use – any device can be linked to any button.
If you want to control your Blu-Ray player but don’t have the appropriate button on your remote control, simply select the device button. Write it down so you don’t forget it later.
How to program a universal remote using direct code entry
Direct code entry is the most recommended method for programming the universal remote control. It is based on the included device-specific code list, although the same list can be found online depending on the brand of your remote control.
If you have the included documentation for your universal remote control, look up the codes for your specific brand of TV or device. If you don’t have documentation, look up a list of codes online. Press and hold the setup button on the remote control until the red light comes on.
Press the button on the remote control for the type of device you want to control, be it a TV or set-top box. The red light will turn on and stay on.
Use the numbers on the remote control to enter the first of the four-digit codes listed in your code list. The red indicator on the remote control will turn off after you enter the last digit.
After you have entered the last digit, point the remote at your device and check if it controls the device as you would expect. If not, repeat steps two through four. Once you find a code that works for one device, repeat all of the above steps as many times as needed for each device you want to control with the remote control.
How to Setup and Program a Universal Remote
Not every code in the code list will control every aspect of your device. For example, one code can turn the TV on and off and change channels, but will not control the volume. If you find a code that only controls part of the device, keep testing the codes until you find one that works for all aspects, then writes that code down for safekeeping.
How to Program a Universal Remote Control with Automatic Code Finder
Automatic code lookup is probably the easiest programming method as it requires the least amount of input on your part. It goes through the internal database and tries code after code until it finds one that works. The previously mentioned Philips Universal Remote uses an automatic code search and is programmed as follows:
Turn on the TV or device you want to pair the remote with. Press the setup button until the red light on the remote turns on.
Press the button on the remote control corresponding to the device you are trying to program; For example, let’s say TV. The red light will blink once and stay on.
Point the remote at the TV
Now press and release the power button on the remote. The red indicator will blink a few times and then stay on when the codes are transmitted.
If your TV has turned off, manually press the power button on the TV itself. If not, repeat steps 4 and 5 . Aim the remote at the TV and press the volume up button. This will resend the first ten codes from the fourth step. If the TV turns off, it means that you have found a code that works for it. If not, press the volume up button to check other codes, holding for about three seconds between presses. Repeat this until you find the correct code.
Press the power button on the remote to turn the TV back on, then check the other buttons on the remote to make sure everything is working properly. If the button doesn’t work, go back to the second step.
Please note that the automatic code search will only work with a device that has an on/off button. If your TV does not have manual control features (or they are broken), you need to use direct code entry instead.
What Are the Most Common Universal Remotes?
If you start looking for universal remotes, you’ll soon find that every brand from Magnavox to Sanyo makes one. Keep in mind that you don’t have to match the brand of your universal remote with your TV.
It doesn’t matter if you have a Sylvania TV and an Orion remote – if the remote is a programmable universal device, it will work with just about anything. However, the most common universal remotes are from RCA, Philips, and – if you want to invest in a more expensive option – Logitech.
RCA provides the Remote Code Finder website, a database that allows you to easily enter your remote control model, version, brand, and device type, and easily find the code list.
If you want to control more modern TVs (and even streaming services like Apple TV), take a look at the Logitech Harmony. This is a high-end universal remote control that can control a huge number of devices.
How to Program a Universal Remote
How to Program a Universal Remote