Universal remote controls normally substitute the branded remote control units that come along with electronic gadgets such as DVD and VCD players, VCRs, television sets, cable box, and stereo components. It is designed and encoded to run numerous electronic units.

Such remote controls are handy with multiple electronic gadgets having individual remotes. You can keep these separate remote controls and just use one universal remote control to make all your gadgets functions.

While not every wireless system is attuned with a universal remote control, device manufacturers typically supply a catalog of models and brands which can be encoded. By cataloging and knowing the command codes implemented by individual makers, a universal remote control is able to copy and perform the functions of the originally-issued controller.

Different brands and or manufacturers of electronics devices make use of different command codes. There are IR remotes that are pre-programmed to hold more than one brand command codes allowing them to run manifold types of electronic units of various makers or brands. So for instance, if your home entertainment system features devices from three various brands or manufacturers, you can choose to employ three different remote controls to run your system or you can employ just one universal remote. You can also put in additional functions to a universal remote but you have to find out the command codes for the electronic system that you wish to run. You normally obtain these codes in the remote manuals.

What are Macro commands?

Macro is a string of commands programmed to come about one after the other by the press of a button. Typically, macro functions as activity command. It can be systemized to enable the user to press a button to sequentially set off everything.

There are remote controls that feature pre-programmed activity commands and others allow for downloading macros from the Net.

What is a Learning Remote?

Learning remote receives and stores codes sent out by another remote. It then conveys those codes to manipulate the electronic device that recognizes them. For example, you own a receiver having pre-programmed remote, and you have a new television set having a universal learning remote. This learning remote understands and picks up the signals the receiver remote transmits, remember those transmits so the learning remote can control your receiver as well. Command codes need not be keyed in as learning remote remembers and keeps the signals that another remote control conveys.

Some high-tech universal remote controls can be hooked up to the USB port of the computer. Through this, downloading of graphic icons or command codes and installation of software is possible. While there are some remotes with more technologically advanced approaches of keying in commands, a large number of remote controls today still employ the button-pushing scheme. There are also remote controls that run through an LCD touch screen, or a joystick for directional and voice commands.

Remotes are progressively expanding the functions, tools, and gadgets that they can control. Several universal remote controls designed for home entertainment systems can execute commands for wireless-manipulated lights, and with a single push of a button, they'll begin a movie for you and at the same time, turn the lights dim. You can now run your home entertainment systems, alarms and lighting by means of just one receiver. One of these days, you'll only have one remote control that will deal with all electronic devices in your home and place of work.