What is a Universal Remote Control?
A universal (or multibrand) remote control handles more than one product. It may be included with one product, such as an audio/video receiver, or may be purchased as a separate product in itself. The simplest universal remotes aren’t very universal — they just control additional products from the same brand. For instance, a VCR remote may include volume up/down buttons for that manufacturer’s TV sets. The most useful universal remotes are the programmable ones, including the preprogrammed and learning types (see next question). How is a learning remote different from a preprogrammed remote? Both are programmable. The distinction lies in the origin of the control codes. A preprogrammed remote, the more common kind, has a built-in “library” of codes for the various components it controls. Depending on the model, this selection of codes may be updated to control future products. A learning remote can receive codes from the original remotes that came with your TV, your CD player, etc. It
A universal remote is a remote control that can be programmed to operate various brands of one or more types of consumer electronics devices. Low-end universal remotes can only control a set number of devices determined by their manufacturer, while mid- and high-end universal remotes allow the user to program in new controls codes to the remote. Many remotes sold with various electronic devices include universal remote capabilities for other types of device, which allow the remote to control other devices beyond the device it came with. For example, a VCR remote may be programmed to operate various brands of televisions. Because programming a universal remote can be a fairly complex procedure, it is most often performed by technically-minded individuals, although non-technical users can often operate the remote after it has been programmed. A universal remote control often replaces the factory-issued remote control included with a television, cable box, VCR, DVD player or stereo system
A universal remote control often replaces the factory-issued remote control included with a television, cable box, VCR, DVD player or stereo system. Often a universal remote control can be programmed to operate several electronic devices, reducing the need for individual controllers. Not all wireless systems may be compatible with a universal remote control, but manufacturers of these devices usually provide a list of brand names and models which can be programmed. With so many electronic entertainment systems featuring wireless technology, it’s not unusual for consumers to lose individual remote control units. This can lead to frustration if the television must be tuned manually while the VCR or DVD remote still function normally. Fortunately, several companies realized a need for replacement remotes which were not programmed for a specific brand of electronic device. Customers who lost both a Sanyo television and Hitachi DVD remote shouldn’t have to buy two factory-issued replacement
A Universal Remote Control allows users to consolidate the remotes from their television and various other types of AV equipment. These remotes are capable of operating multiple devices, even those from various manufacturers. To do this the user must program in the command codes of each piece of equipment they want the device to control. Information on command codes is generally found in the owner’s manual for the equipment. To save time, a “learning” type of universal remote control is an option. These remotes are able to read signals transmitted by other remotes and to then begin transmitting those same signals without the user having to program the command codes.
