The universal remote control is a device designed to provide maximum comfort. Now losing the TV remote control is not a problem, because... at any time you can buy a universal remote control and connect all the necessary devices to it: TV, air conditioner, etc.
This review will tell you how to set up a universal remote control, as well as what to look for when purchasing a device.
General characteristics
In terms of basic parameters, a universal remote control is no different from a standard television remote control. Both devices have a set of buttons for switching channels, adjusting volume, timer, etc. Usually, for a universal remote control, you can use the same batteries as for a standard one.
Advantages of a universal remote control
The main difference between a regular remote control and a universal remote control is that universal equipment can be used for several devices at the same time.
For example, using one remote control you can control a home theater, air conditioner, TV, as well as any other device that provides remote control, as well as change the internal settings of cable or satellite television.
The second advantage of this device is its price. It is much easier and cheaper to purchase it than to look for a replacement for the original model in case of loss. In addition, purchasing such a device is the only opportunity to replace the remote control on an older model TV, because Spare remote controls were not produced for them.
The third advantage of a modern controller is its service life. The universal device lasts much longer than standard control systems.
Selecting a Universal Controller
To choose the right remote control controller, you need to have a rough idea of what you want to get from this device. Based on these requirements, the following criteria can be distinguished: accuracy, reliability, ease of use.
In order not to make a mistake with your purchase, you can look at reviews of the device model you are interested in on the Internet, read information about it on various forums and websites, or just hold it in your hand before purchasing.
Device design
Almost all remote controls have a standard shape and palette within their brand.
You can, of course, try to find a control panel of an unusual shape or color, or paint it yourself; if the new design does not interfere with the functioning of the device, then any design solution is acceptable.
Setting up a universal remote control
The procedure for connecting the device to the TV is standard:
- Turn on the remote and point it at the TV.
- Press the OK or SET button (the name of the button varies depending on the model) and hold for 3-5 seconds.
- Enter the TV code.
- Press the TV button to make sure it is connected.
If after these manipulations the result was not achieved, you must repeat them using a different device code.
Determining the code of the connected device
Each model of TV, stereo or other equipment that requires remote control has its own code for contacting the remote control. This is a combination consisting of a set of characters. Usually there are three, four or five.
The easiest way to find out the code is to refer to the instructions or technical data sheet of the device to which the remote control is connected, since you need to enter the code of the connected device, and not the remote control code.
Connecting all the necessary devices to a universal control panel makes life easier and brings a feeling of comfort and relaxation. Now that all the subtleties of selection and settings are known, all that remains is to go to the supermarket, where you can find a universal remote control for your TV and add well-deserved comfort to your life.
Photo of a universal TV remote control
Losing or breaking the TV remote control is an unpleasant event. If it is not possible to restore or find the old remote control, you will have to buy a new one. It is first important to figure out how to properly match the device to a specific TV model. There are various types of remote controls on sale, the difference in cost can vary by 10 times. How to determine which remote control can fully replace the original one? Tips and recommendations on search and selection will help you figure this out.
Selecting the remote control according to the markings
Each remote control supplied complete with has its own marking. Depending on its device, you can find it:
- on the back cover of the case;
- on the front side of the case;
- under the battery compartment cover.
Attention! The remote control marking does not correspond to this parameter of the TV, even if they are from the same set. Therefore, it is important to find exactly the markings of the remote control.
It happens that the markings on the case are worn out. In this case, it is worth finding the operating manual for the equipment and finding information there. After finding this data, all that remains is to go to a specialized store and buy the appropriate device.
Selecting a remote control using the selection method
If the remote control is lost and there is no chance of finding out its exact marking, you can resort to an alternative selection method. You should take several remote controls from other TVs, borrowing them from friends. Check different remote controls for compatibility with your specific TV. This method is based on the similarity of microcircuits used in remote control of different brands. It is likely that there will be a device that completely matches the TV. If one is found, you should simply buy a similar device.
You can also focus on the appearance of the device. Choose something that is visually similar in the catalog or among the assortment in the store. In this case, you should check with your consultant for compliance with a specific brand.
Advice. It is important to check whether all commands are executed by the remote control.
Buy a universal TV remote control
In cases where the previous methods, for some reason, cannot be implemented, the third option remains - to buy a universal remote control. The operating principle of such a device is based on reading and reproducing the signal from a controlled TV. The remote control's memory contains several types of signals, which allows it to successfully interact with not just one, but many models.
Universal multifunctional remotes have a number of advantages over specialized ones:
Original and non-original remotes
When choosing a remote control, you have to deal with the concepts of originality and non-originality of the device. The first category includes remote controls:
- made in compliance with production technology;
- under quality control;
- supplied with TVs.
They are of high quality. Their validity period can be 7 years or more. The disadvantage is the high cost, if replacement is necessary. Also, original models tend to lose their relevance. For those TV models that are no longer in production, components, including remote controls, are no longer produced. Thus, 10-15 years after purchasing the equipment, the original remote control either disappears from sale or is sold at a very inflated price.
The second category includes devices that are as similar as possible to the original. However, the quality of the plastic and assembly of the board may not be at a high level. Depending on the brand, such a remote control can last from 1 year or more. A significant advantage of such a device is its cost. Considering that technology is improving every year and the quality of such remote control systems is improving, more and more consumers are inclined to choose analogues rather than original devices.
When purchasing a remote control, you should not always focus on popular models. This choice may turn out to be just a beautiful, but expensive addition to the equipment. Budget models, in most cases, have sufficient functionality.
What else you need to pay attention to for the right purchase:
- device characteristics;
- range width;
- possibility of automation;
- presence of a training mode;
- appearance and practicality (these parameters can be assessed not only in the store, but also after reviewing video and photo materials about the model);
- price.
Choosing and buying a remote control is not always an easy task. If you know the number and brand of the device, the likelihood of quickly finding a replacement is very high. In other cases, you will have to make an effort to find a suitable device. In any case, you can always opt for a universal device.
How to repair a TV remote control: video
Today, universal remote controls are sold in almost any hardware store, as well as on the Internet. With such a variety of choices, it is quite difficult for the buyer to navigate and choose exactly the station wagon that is suitable both in terms of technical data and external appearance. Don’t rush to buy the first cute remote control you come across! Read, consult, choose thoughtfully - then you won’t regret it.
The phrase “universal remote control” is too multifaceted and includes a large number of remote controls that are completely different in purpose and functionality.
I think that when choosing, you should start by defining your goals: what exactly is a universal remote control for? Usually there are two options:
First option. The remote control is purchased to replace the original remote control, which is lost/broken/gnawed. Here the person’s idea is simple: if there are universal remote controls, it means that they are suitable for any equipment and can easily be configured for anything (for acoustics, for TV, and for a fan), but this is far from the case! Universal remote controls can be configured, but not for all equipment and not for all functions, for example; A station wagon may not support the menu function and program settings for the TV, without which the control will be incomplete - do not spend extra money on such options.
That is why purchasing a universal remote control to replace a native one is not always the easiest solution and shortcut; in this case, it is better to look for a native one or, with the help of, for example, our specialists, select a universal remote control that will be precisely tuned to the buyer’s equipment and can be reconfigured in the future for something else.
Second option. The remote control is purchased as one remote control for all equipment, for many devices at once, and all original remote controls are available. It is precisely in this situation that you can already “take a walk” with the choice. And it’s best to pay attention to models of universal remote controls with a learning function.
Since we’ve already talked about the learning function, it’s worth pointing out in more detail what the fundamental difference in settings between the remote controls is:
Remote controls come with presets - this is when the manufacturer reads signals from native remote controls into its database, numbers these readings for certain codes, and the user enters a code corresponding to his brand into the remote control and tries to control the equipment, first with one code, then with another, etc. .d. (unless, of course, the code is clearly written instead of a specific native remote control, but just a list of codes for a given brand is indicated).
Remote controls can be configured via a computer using special software. The point is that there are a lot of settings for various devices on the manufacturer’s server and, having selected these devices in the program, then just click the “update remote control” button and all the necessary information will be “poured” into this “smart” station wagon. Compatibility with the buyer’s specific equipment in this option can be checked in advance on the manufacturer’s website. A prominent representative with a very rich base of settings for various equipment is Logitech.
Remote controls come with a learning function. The point is that for each button of the new remote control you can learn a signal from any button on your original remote control. That is, these are remote controls that are capable of receiving, remembering and then reproducing signals from native remote controls. Training is usually carried out by placing remote controls opposite each other at a distance of 5-10 cm. Depending on the number of devices provided in the universal device and the number of buttons on each layout, the total number of buttons that can be trained is added up. There is also an important point: if the buyer has rare brands of devices with initially “non-standard IR signals according to the protocol,” then not every universal remote control can learn from the native remote control (for example, the remote control from the Motorola VIP-1200 satellite receiver). Therefore, if a person has such rare non-standard native remote controls, then it is worth paying attention to ensuring that the remote control is as “omnivorous” as possible, that is, so that the learning remote control has a sufficiently large range of supported signals. This information is not indicated on the remote control and is acquired only with experience in setting up training programs, so for information about the omnivorousness of a particular model of a universal remote control, it is better for the client to read the descriptions on our website or check with our store operators when calling.
Also, remote controls can combine possible configuration options, for example, be programmable + teachable or configured via PC + learnable.
Next, having decided on the optimal option for setting up the remote control, you can choose a universal remote control based on the number of supported devices, appearance, color, weight, price, as well as various additional options (for example, the presence of macro commands).
A separate point is the ability to control an air conditioner from a common universal remote control. This is only possible if the remote control has a display and is one of the controlled AC (air conditioner) devices. Moreover, you can configure such a remote control for an air conditioner only using preset codes (if a suitable code was not found, it means there won’t be one again...), but the learning function in the version with an air conditioning remote control no longer works. The fact is that air conditioning remote controls initially have a different control system than, for example, a TV - the degree + button at each degree gives its own signal, and not a constant one like a TV. Therefore, in one button there are already many signals “stitched” for all possible temperatures - and so on for all the buttons of the air conditioning remote control - that is, it is unrealistic to learn all these signals for training and such an option is not provided in universal models.
Another useful note: in our opinion, it is better to pay attention to those manufacturers who professionally produce remote controls, have large code bases and a good range for training; you should not be fooled by famous brands that produce remote controls only as accessories, but in fact they are beautiful remote controls - toys turn out to be quite useless in practice.
In general, if a buyer is looking for a universal remote control for all the equipment in the house, then, of course, you should choose thoroughly “like a cow,” because you will have to use the remote control every day and an initially unimportant little thing, overlooked when choosing, can irritate over time. The most correct thing, in my opinion, is, of course, to consult on the forums, from the specialists of our store (for example) and read the descriptions, because a “lazy person” should please you every day and exists for convenience, and not vice versa.
More and more electronic devices are appearing in our lives, without which we can no longer imagine life. One of them is the remote control. Due to their small size, they are often lost, and due to their fragility, they break (as a result of falling or water). And so that if you lose or break the original remote control for your TV, you don’t have to look for exactly the same one, you can take a universal one, suitable for most existing models.
From this article you will learn how to choose and how to properly use a universal remote control for televisions (TV).
The principle of operation of a universal TV remote control
This remote control works on the principles of capturing the signal of the device that needs to be controlled, recognizing it and using the built-in database of certain codes, gaining access to control a specific TV model.
Depending on how the universal TV remote control is configured, they are:
- programmable;
- trained.
And according to design they are divided into:
- similar to regular remote controls;
- universal remote control key fob – multi-brand model (suitable for 90% of TV brands).
Such remote controls differ not only in design, but also in functionality, since a small key fob can only perform basic functions: on/off, volume control, silent and AV modes, menu settings, channel switching, numbers and timer .
How to set up a universal TV remote control?
If you bought a trained remote control that already has built-in control programs, then you only need to enter the model of your TV on it and you can use it.
But, if you took a programmable one, then you need to act like this:
- Turn on the TV
- Press and hold the SETUP or Set button on the remote control until the red LED lights up continuously.
- Point the remote control at the TV screen and press the Vol + button (i.e. increase the volume). It is correct when the indicator reacts (blinks) to each button press. With each press, the remote sends a signal to the TV to complete the task using a different code.
- When the remote finds the code for your TV, a volume bar will appear on the screen. Press the SETUP (Set) button to memorize.
After this, you need to check whether the universal remote control can control your TV; if not, then the setup must be repeated.
There is another way to set up a universal TV remote control, but for this you will need an original remote control (which can sometimes be problematic).
The setup procedure is as follows:
- Press the buttons on the universal remote control in a certain combination.
- At the same time, you press the same buttons on the original remote control.
- The universal remote control will remember the signal and will work the same way.
It's very easy to set up a multi-brand TV remote control. To program it, you just need to point the remote control at 
TV and press the mute button or any other button (switch channels or turn on/off). After the command begins to be executed (a scale appears on the screen), this means that the signal is captured and the button must be released.
The most important criterion for choosing a universal remote control is the availability of codes for your TV model.
They usually say that by purchasing a universal television (TV) remote control, all problems are solved and you can replace several remote controls at once. But very often, universal programmable remote controls for TVs “forget” everything over time and stop working. This usually happens with cheap Chinese-made remote controls. In this case, programming must be done again.
Today, various types of remote controls are sold in all specialized retail stores and online stores. In a chic assortment, buyers often get lost and cannot independently choose a remote control for their favorite equipment. The remote control must always be selected first by its technical characteristics, and then by its appearance. In practice, girls choose devices with their eyes and make thoughtless purchases, which they later regret.
Useful information for choosing the right remote controls
Product group universal remote controls is extensive and contains many very diverse functional devices. Before purchasing, everyone should clearly determine what they need universal remote control.
- First option
The device is purchased for the purpose of replacement in case of loss or failure. Users mistakenly think that universal remote controls can be adjusted to any equipment and will definitely fit. Always consult with the seller and do not make unnecessary purchases. Experts recommend immediately looking for a native remote control in the presented assortment for the necessary equipment.
- Second option
The device is purchased with the goal of replacing a huge number of remote controls for all equipment in the house with one remote control. The choice on the Russian market of such universal remote control devices is huge. People from any far corner of the country have the opportunity buy universal remote control with delivery in popular specialized online stores.
Classification of universal remote controls
- Preset Remotes
Leading manufacturers receive signals from native devices into a personal database and number them with certain codes. The consumer must enter an individual code that must match the brand.
- PC-configurable remote controls
Special software guarantees high-quality setup of a universal type remote control. The user independently selects the necessary settings from a huge database and updates the device. After simple steps, the device becomes fully compatible with the declared technology.
- Remotes with a useful learning function
To set up, all the buttons of the new device are trained with signals from the old remote control. This type of remote control can receive, record and reproduce signals from native remote controls. The learning process is carried out at a distance of 15 cm. Unfortunately, remote controls with rare IR protocol signals cannot be configured using this method. Experienced sellers always warn buyers about such nuances and always provide help in choosing a remote control.
The CLICK remote control online store specializes in selling branded and universal remote controls from leading manufacturers. Leading experts advise buyers to pay attention to bestsellers:
The code base and functionality of these devices is enormous.
In a situation where a person chooses universal remote control for all equipment in the house, you should approach the choice very thoroughly and seriously. It wouldn’t hurt to get professional help from leading specialists from the largest online store of remote controls in the country, CLICK. With a chic assortment of remote controls, it is very easy and quick to choose the appropriate model. The cost of universal remote controls always compares favorably with competitors!
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