All About Universal Remote Controls

Unclutter your coffee table

While it has brought the enjoyment of movies, music, and television to a new level of technical greatness, the proliferation of home electronics, each device accompanied by its own discrete remote control, has also brought with it the seemingly intractable problem of clutter.

Remote control holders can help organize the mess and put the appropriate buttons at one's fingertips, but a better solution requires a single unit to run multiple devices.  Universal remote controls allow users to power up, cue, and adjust any number of electronic devices, from home theater components to ceiling fans and lighting.

Getting with the program

Universal remote controls come with preprogrammed codes assigned to the electronic equipment of every major brand.  Entering the appropriate code for each piece in the system allows the remote control to operate the major features of each device.

The number and type of devices that can be controlled by a single remote depends on the model.  Typically, the operation of between 6 and 8 components can be consolidated by a single universal remote control, but more deluxe remotes, such as those by RCA, Harmony, One for All, and others can control significantly more.  Accessing the more complicated setting of a device, say the surround sound effects of an audio receiver often requires additional programming.

Learning curve

Programmable remotes clone the codes from the remote control for each individual device in the system, thus removing the need for complicated programming prior to use.  By pointing the old remote at an equipped universal remote control, the new unit captures the precise infrared signals.

Some learning remotes can even be set up by computer. Manufacturers of more complicated units provide downloadable configurations.  A questionnaire or wizard collects all the vital stats about a user's home theater set up, including the type and model of each device, then transfers all the pertinent codes to the remote control via USB cable.

Push the button

Macros group the tasks for each device in the set up to complete one complex, user-defined task.  A learning remote capable of recording a macro might turn on the television, DVD player, and receiver, dim the lights, and close the drapes for a function entitled "Watch a Movie."  The effect the routine has on each device can be streamlined and customized in an infinite variety of ways.

Screen legends

Increasing sophistication in home electronics has led to increased sophistication in remote controls. LCD screens display system information in a pleasing and slick presentation.  Convenient backlit displays allow viewers to alter settings without turning up the lights and breaking the mood.

Touch screen LCDs can be customized with different button layouts.  The large surface of the remote displays the status of each component and can include graphics and animations.  Further, the virtual buttons on the screen can be moved, deleted, combined or altered to create the perfect instrument.

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