The term “Universal” on a universal remote means something special. Why it is so called? You know.
Obviously, there is something special about universal remotes when compared to the other normal ones. That is going to discuss here. About the features, specialty, functions, etc.
Basically, a universal remote is designed and developed to work with multiple devices.
So, Yes! A universal remote control can work with two TVs of different brands. For this, we have to pair or set up the remote control for the device we want to control with a special code called universal code. The process is commonly called programming.
For example, GE is a well-known universal remote control brand, budget-friendly, and easy to program. It has a code library where we can select the appropriate code for our devices while we pair with the device. GE can be able to pair with two different branded TVs like LG, and Vizio by using different universal codes.
What types of universal remotes can work with multiple devices?
Almost all the universal remotes available in the market can work with multiple devices at our home. The compatibility features may vary based on the features and functions.
Based on the budget, features, and functionalities, we can classify the universal remotes into different categories like
- Normal
- Smart
- Advanced smart universal remotes with a hub
Normal universal remotes
It looks like an ordinary remote control but it can be programmed up to 8 different devices. Depending upon the number of devices, 3-device, 4-device, 6-device, and 8-device remotes are available. This means the same can be programmed up to such a number of different devices using some specific universal codes.
Let me show you an example,
What does it mean 4-device universal remote?
If you have a GE 4-device remote control, it can be programmed for 4 devices. For example, if you have one Samsung branded TV, Vizio TV, LG DVD player, and a Home theater system in your living room. It’s very arrogant managing all of those devices with separate remote controls. In such cases, you can use the GE 4-device remote programmed to all those 4 devices.
There are 2 – 3 simple steps you can set up the remote control. The device selection buttons are on the top. Setup button on the top. Each and every remote control brand should have its unique way of programming. So, carry out those steps accordingly.
Consequently, your table will be clean and simple.
Smart universal remote
This type of remote has some smart features like a display, and multiple connectivities like WiFi, Bluetooth, IR, etc. In this type of model, you can connect more than 10 devices, the most popular model, Sofabaton U1, as of now available in the market can be programmed for up to 15 devices.
The way of pairing may be entirely different in these smart controllers. Rather than using some codes, we can simply use smartphone applications to carry out the programming process.
First of all, connect the smart universal remote to the smartphone application Via any Bluetooth or WiFi connectivity. The preference will be given by the manufacturer. There will be a simple easy-to-use graphical user interface to pair the device with the remote control.
You just need to select the brand name, model number, etc from the drop-down menu, and the rest of the things will be carried out by the application itself. It searches for the best universal codes in the cloud database and will be set for your device.
Advanced smart universal remote with a hub
This is advanced. The advanced smart universal remote can work with multiple devices at your home located in different rooms with the help of a dedicated hub. And hence, it’s suitable for designing smart homes. I can quote a good example of the pioneer Logitech’s advanced smart universal remote called Harmony. But unfortunately, it was discontinued a couple of years ago.
But, the best replacement was invented by Sofabaton, the advanced smart remote with a hub called Sofabaton U1. It really looks like the Logitech Harmony remotes. You can use it with or without a hub, but if you want to use so advanced features, then you should also use the hub that comes with the remote.
Here, in this case, we use a mobile application for pairing the devices. We can connect up to 20 devices, which is huge.
The control wheel is there on top using which we can select the device we want to control. When we scroll the wheel from top to bottom or vice versa, the list of connected devices will be shown on the display. If the smart TV is visible on the display and is selected, the remote will then control that smart TV.
How to switch a universal remote between multiple devices?
This may be a common doubt you may have while using a universal remote control. Switching between the devices is super easy. There will be some device selection buttons on top of the remote control where you can simply select the type of device you want to control.
For example, there are TV, DVD, CBL, and STRM, keys available. These keys are commonly called device selection keys.
When you press the TV button, the remote control will be switched to control your TV. Each and every control key you pressed on it will control the TV.
- TV – TV, smart TV, etc
- DVD – For DVD players
- CBL – Cable box
- STRM – The streaming devices
Conclusion
Keeping a universal remote at your home is beneficial because whenever any of your device’s remotes have been broken or damaged, you can simply program it and use it. No need to wait for a new one. You can simply own a new one if you have a budget of less than 10$. The same universal remote can use with multiple devices.