Universal Remote Controls: Which One Should You Use?

Are you tired of looking for all your remote controls for each and every electronic device at your home or office? Is the situation made worse by the fact that you can't recall where you last placed the remote and it is imperative that you change your TV channel because what is on the screen is not good for your teenage daughter's viewing? There is a solution to your worries; the Universal Remote Control. This is a remote control that can be used to control one or more electronic device at a time. This means that you have the control of your TV, music system, air conditioner, DVD and others at the touch of one button as opposed to each device with its own remote control.

Depending on the remote controls' capability, universal remote controls are considered to be either low-, mid-, or high-ended. The low-end remote control is pre-set by the manufacturer to control a given number or type of electronic devices. The mid- and high-end controls are more user friendly as they can be programmed with new codes and be used to control multiple devices.

Most remote controls available in the market have universal remote capabilities for use with other types of devices, making it possible to use the remote to control other electronic devices apart from that it came with.

Universal Remote controls are generally classified into two categories: device based and activity based.

Device Based Universal Remote Controls

This type of remote is readily available in the market as they are sold with most of the electronic devices. The device based Universal Remote Control has a button programmed to select one device and the other buttons are for controlling the given device.

As each device has its own programmed selection button, controlling other devices associated with the Device Based remote is easy because the control of each device is only effective after one has selected a particular device button. The Home Theater Master line of remotes is an example of a device-based universal remote.

Activity Based Remote Control

This type of remote is programmed to control an activity rather than a particular electronic device. What this implies is that the remote is used to control multiple devices if one wishes to for instance watch a movie or listen to music.

Selecting the activity "Movies" in the activity based remote will send signals and commands to all associated electronic devices. By pressing a single activity button you will turn on the TV and configure it to the DVD video input, turn on the amplifier, configure it to the DVD audio input, turn on the DVD player, and ultimately start the DVD playing. The Logitech Harmony line of remotes is an example of activity based remote control.

The Universal Remote has advanced in its uses and capabilities with the ever changing electronic devices within the world markets. It is now possible to upgrade your remote control as the code lists programmed into it can be updated to support newer brands or models of devices that are not currently supported by the remote.

The lower end universal remote can be upgraded by having audible signals sent into it through the telephone when a receiver is placed on the remote. All that you have to do is to call customer service then place the remote next to the phone's speaker and the operator sends a signal over the telephone to upgrade the remote to a new brand or model of supported electronic device type.

So whichever type you choose, universal remote controls can make watching easier and more enjoyable.

Sources:

*Consumer Reports, "Universal Remote Controls", consumerreports.org