Tired of juggling four different remotes just to use your stereo? With a universal remote, you can combine the different functions of your remotes. In fact, it's generally programmed in two different ways: by directly entering a code or by searching for a code. To explain this to you, Le Dépôt Electronique has decided to create a tutorial.
So read on to find out how.
Turn on the device you want to control to program your universal remote
Press and hold the appropriate DEVICE button on your universal remote. Note that some remotes require you to press a setup button before pressing the device button. This will cause the device's LEDs and power buttons to light up.
Tip : Although the buttons may be labeled for a specific device, you can use them for any compatible device. Just remember which button corresponds to the device you're controlling once you're done programming.
Press and hold the device button on the remote control and enter the code for the device brand. Alternatively, if a brand has multiple codes, start with the first one. When you enter the correct code, the power button on the remote control will turn off.
After entering a code, press and hold the device button. If the control power button lights up and stays lit, then you have entered the correct code.
On the other hand, if the power button flashes several times, then the code you entered is incorrect. Each time you fail, repeat the code entry step for each code until one of them works.
After programming, verify that the universal remote controls the basic functions of your device. For a TV, you should be able to turn it on and off, change the volume, channel, and source input. If you're using direct code entry, write down the successful code(s) in your owner's manual for future reference.
Automatically search for the code of your universal remote control
Automatic code search can be used in a given situation. For example, if you do not have access to the specific code for the brand or type of device you want to control. For this purpose, the universal remote control searches the entire list of codes in its database and tests several codes at once.
Here is an example of probable steps:
- Turn on your TV or any other device you want to control,
- Briefly press the DEVICE button on your remote control associated with the product you wish to control. As mentioned, you can operate any device with one of the labeled buttons,
- Press the device button and the ON/OFF button at the same time again. The power button will turn off and on again in this case,
- Release both buttons,
- Briefly press the PLAY button on the universal remote and wait a few seconds. This is done to see if the device you are trying to control turns off. If it does, the remote has found the correct code. If your device is still on, press the PLAY button again. Wait and deactivate the process. Do this until your device turns off.
- Next, press the REVERSE button on your remote every two seconds until your device turns back on. When it finally does, the remote has successfully searched for the correct code,
- Press the STOP button to save the code,
- Test different functions on the universal remote and see if they work for your device.
Search by universal remote control brand code
Using a similar procedure to the automatic code search, you can narrow your search to a single brand. This is useful if the brand offers multiple codes.
So here are the steps:
- Turn on the device you want to control (TV, VCR, DVD, DVR, satellite receiver or cable box),
- Find the brand code(s) in the list that came with your universal remote.
- Press and hold the DEVICE button you want to program (TV, DVD, Aux etc…). When the light on that button turns on and stays on, press and hold that button,
- Press and hold the device button, press and hold the ON/OFF button. The power button should light up,
- Release the power and device buttons. The device button should remain lit (if not, repeat the steps),
- Using the universal remote control keypad, enter the first CODE for the brand you are looking for. The LED for that button on the device should then remain lit.
- Press the power button repeatedly until the device you are trying to control turns off. When the device turns off, the remote has found the correct code.
- Press the STOP button on your remote control to save the code (the LED will turn off).
- Use different buttons (volume, etc.) to see if the device can now be controlled with your universal remote.
Alternatively, if your device does not turn off and the LED flashes four times, this means you have exhausted the codes for that brand. You must then use a different programming method.
Also read: Best universal voice-controlled remotes
Manual Universal Remote Control Code Search
Instead of having the universal remote automatically search for all brand codes, you can program it by checking each code at a time. However, be aware that due to the large number of codes, this process can be time-consuming.
Here are the steps to launch this option:
- Turn on your TV or any other device you want to control,
- Simultaneously press and hold the corresponding DEVICE and ON/OFF buttons on the remote control. Wait for the power button to light up, then release both buttons.
- Point the universal remote at the TV or other device. Press the power button on the remote and wait 2 seconds.
- If the power to your TV or device turns off, the remote control has found the correct code. Finally, press STOP to save the code.
- However, if your device does not turn off, press the power button again. This will cause the remote to check the next code in the database. Follow this step until a code is found.
Conclusion
This concludes our tutorial on how to program a universal remote control. We're sure it will serve as a guide whenever you need it. Additionally, with the Electronic Depot , you'll benefit from several services.
Indeed, we are both sellers and repairers of electronic equipment. In case you need our services, we will be happy to welcome you . To do so, please contact us or visit our premises located at 3335 rue jean talon est. Montreal Qc, H2A 1W6 Canada +1 (438) 388 2689.
