Things You'll Need:
- Brand of each device you want to control
- Model of each device you want to control
- An idea of how much you want to spend on a universal remote
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Step 1
Do you already own a remote that can control all of your devices? If you subscribe to a satellite or cable provider for your television viewing, chances are you already own everything you need. Grab your satellite or cable remote and position yourself in front of the television and cable/satellite receiver.
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Step 2
Make sure your remote is set to Satellite or Cable whichever is applicable. Then, with your remote pointed at the television , choose a function that works another device only, such as your television. For example, try to turn the volume up or down. You should receive a message on screen that you are attempting a function that is not controlled by your remote and an option to program the remote for other device functions.
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Step 3
Choose yes. Then you should see a list of devices, choose television as that is the example we are using. Then you will see a list of brand names, choose the brand of your television. From there follow the onscreen instructions and once completed, test your remote by trying to change the volume on the television again. If it works, perform the same steps for each of your other devices, DVRs, DVD/Blu Ray Players, etc., and your all set!
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Step 4
However, if your brand of device does not show up on one of these lists or you do not have a cable/satellite remote that will allow you to program for your other external devices, you will have to purchase a Universal Remote. There are many types to choose from and they range in price from as little as under $10 to as much as over $300.
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Step 5
You may be able to use the $10 universal remote, however, the more expensive the remote, the more expansive the list of devices that it will run. If you are at the electronics store, or other discount store, check the back of the remote to make sure all of your device brands are listed. If they are, once you get the remote home, you will need to match the brand names of all your devices with the possible codes listed in the instruction booklet that comes with the remotes. Some brands have multiple codes and you will have to try each one -- the trial and test procedure. Write down those codes once they work for future reference.
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Step 6
If you cannot find a remote with all of your devices, you may need to choose a "smart" remote. Some of these remotes can learn your devices by receiving information from either the computer or your other remotes via infrared technology. The easiest ones are more expensive. But with just the touch of a button, you can program an activity instead of having to remember which input the television needs and which devices need to be on or off each time. To use one of these remotes, you merely install the accompanying software CD and follow the directions. You will need to know for the initial set up, which devices you use for volume, watching dvds, playing cds and/or ipod music, etc. Then the software will guide you through selecting your devices and their functions. Once done, you push activities on your remote and choose, "watch tv", and all of your devices magically turn on or off, and the correct input is chosen automatically by the remote! These remotes can be very sophisticated, including touch screens, color and pictoral guides or you can choose a less expensive model with a monochrome screen and button navigation. Whichever one you choose, enjoy it.
