OT Universal Remotes

I have an older (1990's) model Universal remote that I recently
rediscovered, except for the instruction sheet.

Questions:

1. Is there a current web site that list the codes?

mbilling...

I'd like a recommendation for a universal remote that is fairly
simple, i.e., you don't have to change modes to change things on
the TV, satelite box, DVD player, etc.

Stan Brown...

I think you're asking for a logical impossibility.

For instance, when you change channel, are you changing channel on
the TV, VCR, cable box, what? When you begin to play, does that apply
to DVD player, DVR, VCR, what?

Seems to me that it's necessary to identify which device you're
applying commands to.

TJG...

Check out the Harmony remotes by LogiTech. I have an older ones (model
748 and 768). They are programmed via a web page after you tell it the
brand and model of each component of you system.

I sometimes wish I had a few more buttons, but these are nice.
Reprogramming them does require going to their web page, so they
wouldn't be so good for taking to a hotel. I haven't used the newer
models so I don't know if all the extra buttons are better or worse.

mbilling...

Well, I'd rather have a whole lot of buttons (one set for TV, one
set for satellite box, one set for DVD, etc.) than deal with modes.
Right now I solve that by using different remotes (satellite, TV, and
DVD/VCR). Sounds like a remote whose buttons can be programmed is
the way to go.

I'd like either
- a remote that can learn all the functions needed to start up a DVD,
turn the TV on and set the screen width, or turn on the TV and satelite
box and set the screen width. Things like that.
or
- a remote that has the buttons for all the devices on the remote itself.
I don't want to press Sat, then power, then TV, then power to turn on
both the satelite box and the TV. I don't want to press DV and power,
then TV and power, then DV and menu. Just examples.

Any suggestions for favorite remotes?

Russell Watson...

Do a web search for the manufacturer's website. If they are still
in business they probably have one and it probably lists the codes for
the supported devices.

suzee...

Coincidentally, I think my VCR remote is going out on me and I was
searching web-search for codes for the RCA universal remote we have.

2. Does the code for each TV/VCR model work on any remote or does each
remote have it's own set of codes for every TV/VCR model? In other
words, is there a unique code for each appliance that will work for any
universal remote?

Russell Watson...

The codes for each device are different by model and manufacturer.
There is no universal code for universal remotes!

3. Will older universal remotes work on today's newer models or should I
buy a new UR?

Russell Watson...

You won't know that until you look at the website. Even then,
sometimes if you can't find the specific code for the TV or VCR you
have one the listed codes will still work, though maybe not with 100%
of the functionality that the original remote for that device would
have. You usually have to program the remote and try to turn the
device on. Go through the list of codes for the manufacturer of your
appliance until you find one that turns the device on, then try the
other functions like volume and channel control until you find the
code that seems to give you the most functions.

Watson deMeneux...

You can get a new, universal remote, with all the codes, and probably
even a learning function for less than $10. Why bother with your old one?

jab...

Because they still work.
JAB

khalleron...

I recently got a new DVD player, so I was asking myself the same
question. Mine's an Allforone brand UR, and yes there is a website
with all the programming codes.

Search for yours, if it's still in production, there should be a
website.

Kate
who believes in actually answering questions. I'm funny that way.