Universal Remote Control Programming Tips

Remove clutter and consolidate all your remotes simply by learning a little about universal remote control programming.

Where Can You Buy a Universal Remote?

Universal remotes can be purchased either online or from any electronics store. Before purchasing your universal remote, do some research to determine which remotes will meet your needs and budget expectations. You will want to check that they are compatible with your make and model of TV and other electronics. Also, you may want to check what the top-reviewed brands are online and use that information to help you make a decision.

Top 5 Things You Can Do with Your Universal Remote

Once you consolidate all of your existing remotes for home theater electronics, including television, cable, VCR, DVD and audio equipment, with a quality universal remote, you should be able to:

1. Program your remote for set functions like turning on your TV, cable box and A/V receiver at the same time.
2. Navigate the menus on your DVD player and cable/satellite boxes.
3. Use the channel and volume up and down selectors to control cable, TV and audio equipment.
4. Control other electrical devices such as a ceiling fan or light switches.

Things to Know Before Programming Your Universal Remote

• You will need to locate the codes for all your remote controls to program your remote. Each brand and model number has a specific code. You can look for these in the product literature that came with the remotes, or find them online. If you can’t find the codes, many devices have a code search function that will help you locate a potential match.

• If you have a lot of devices, you will want to read your remote’s literature to determine how to program macros so that you can perform multiple functions at one time. This will be especially helpful when you want to do a specific function like watch a movie on your DVD player. By setting a macro, you can press one button and turn on your TV, DVD player and receiver and set the volume to a good level and open the DVD player to insert your movie.

• Pay special attention to the video recorder that you have. If you own a DVR recorder, ensure that the remote you select can handle these devices and that the volume and channel buttons can control other devices, including the receiver and cable box.

• Consider the remote’s power supply. Some remotes need to be reprogrammed when the batteries die. Purchase a remote that has either a charging station or uses flash memory to avoid having to reprogram your remote.