We will help you choose a replacement remote by answering the following questions:
1. What technology does my remote use?
2. Does my television work on a one-way system or two-way?
3. How do I figure out if my remote works on and IR or RF?
4. What are my favorite features my original remote offered?
5. How often am I willing to replace the batteries in my remote?
6. What is a learning remote?
7. What is a pre-programmed remote?
1. It is important to know which technology your original remote utilized because it will determine what functions you will or will not be able to use should you not replace your remote with the original replacement remote. Most original remote controls are employed with Infrared technology (IR).
Infrared Technology (IR) was developed to remotely control devices that would otherwise use cables to connect. Its distance range is 1 meter and the speed at which it transmits information is 9600 bps to 16Mbp. IR technology cannot penetrate solid objects.
Some remotes employ Radio Frequency (RF) waves. RF waves operate with a low and high radio frequencies and UHF which offer a larger range of mobility than IR. RF remote signals can penetrate solid objects and have a range of mobility of around 100 ft. This technology is often utilized in laser remote controls that many professional lecturers often use.
2. A one-way television remote control system is one where you depress the key to let the television set know what function you want it to carry out and the signal is sent to the unit. No further information is communicated. A two-way television remote control set performs that basic function and sends information back to the remote control. If you have a two-way remote control system a universal remote will most likely not be able to control all your functions you are used to using with your original remote. *At this time there are no universal remotes that are programmed to work on a two-way system.
3. You can determine if your remote works on IR or RF simply by looking at the remote. If you see a bulb at the tip of the remote then your system uses IR technology. If you do not see a bulb then the transmitter is built-in and is using RF technology.
4. Do you find that you use the VCR, DVD, tuner, fast-forward, play, stop, pause, shuttle/jog, menu, timer, or sleeper functions on your original remote control? You might take for granted the fact that your original remote buttons light up? If you choose to replace your original remote with the same model you ensure that you will be able to continue enjoying these features. However, you may end up losing many of these features and functions from the remote control if you replace your original remote with a universal remote because many universal remotes do not have the ability to recognize all manufacturers codes. *See answers number 6 and number 7 for further explanation.
5. Most remotes use AA or AAA batteries. If you have a remote with an LCD display your remote may use a rechargeable battery. Battery life for an IR and RF original remote usually lasts around six months. The more functions you use and the more often you use them the shorter the battery life will be.
6. Learning remotes require you to have your original remote control. You face your IR remote control at the learning remote and send the code from the original remote to the learning remote. If your original remote is lost or stolen a learning remote won’t work for you unless it has the ability to be programmed. *Many manufacturers design the coding systems of the original remotes to change the code each time you depress a key. If your original was designed that way it will be nearly impossible to learn the codes necessary to remotely control you television set.
7. A pre-programmed remote comes set with a determined amount of codes. Each brand is assigned a code, usually a three or four digit code. The pre-programmed remote comes with a pamphlet that you will need to refer to. Through trial and error you choose from the list that the manufacturer has included with the universal remote and see if you can “lock” in the code with your television unit. *Codes vary between remotes and the number and format depend on the manufacturer. Not all pre-programmed remotes carry all manufacturers' codes.
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