Selecting and setting up a TV remote control

Any TV is equipped with a remote control (DU). If it breaks or gets lost, you have to buy a new remote. But not every device is suitable for a particular TV – you need to choose them taking into account the features of both devices.

Remote control selection

If the remote control is broken, you need to quickly look for a replacement for it. If the required model is not on sale, the problem can be solved in other ways. The selection of the remote control depends on the brand of the TV and the control device itself, as well as on user preferences. You can find the original remote control or limit yourself to the universal one.

According to outward appearances

This option for choosing a remote control is suitable for those who do not want to delve into technical details. To do this, you need to have an old device in front of your eyes. It is desirable that the names of the buttons are visible on it. How to choose a remote control by appearance:

1. Go to one of the catalogs with TV brands. Select a brand and go to the desired page.
2. From the photo, find a remote control similar to the broken one.
3. Carefully compare the buttons on the remotes – the inscriptions must match. It happens that the name of the model is written directly on the remote control – it must also be identical.

By modification

This option is suitable if the control device has an inscription – the name of its model. How to find the remote control by model:

1. Find the inscription on the remote control. As a rule, it is written at the bottom of the front cover. It happens that the model name is written on the cover of the battery compartment – on its inside (like Philips) or on the outside (like Panasonic).
2. Type the name of the model into the search box on the catalog site, and start the search.

According to the technology model

There is a marking on the case of the old remote control, which should be followed when buying a new analogue in stores or when searching in catalogs of online stores. Where can the label be located?

• back side of the case;
• on the front cover;
• under the battery cover.

The marking can also be found in the documents for the TV – if the letters and numbers on the remote control are erased so that they cannot be read.

If you are not sure about the compatibility of your TV with the selected remote control, ask a consultant for help with this.

Compatible remote controls

In well-known brands such as LG and Samsung, most of the remotes are compatible with all TVs of the respective brand. For less popular brands, remotes are assembled from standard microcircuits, which means that you can always pick up a device from another TV for inexpensive TVs. If you live in an apartment building, you can ask a neighbor or friend for a remote control to check for compatibility. If it fits, then this model can be safely bought. This option is useful in the case when you can not find an exact copy of the broken remote control. Signs of compatibility:

• correct interaction with the television receiver;
• the TV obediently and without delay executes all commands sent to it from the tested remote control.

Universal remote controls

There are remotes that fit almost all TVs. For example, Dexp or Huayu. A feature of such remotes is the ability to process several signal options at once. This ability allows one remote to control TVs of different brands. Advantages of universal remote controls:

• fit thousands of TV models;
• wide range of action – 10-15 m;
• you can control other types of equipment;
• easy setup to work with a specific TV model – if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions (the instructions for the universal device contain codes for different TVs).

Universal remotes are cheaper than analogues from famous brands.

When choosing a remote control, consider the following characteristics and features:

• training mode;
• interaction zone;
• design;
• ergonomics.

Smartphone as a remote control

Modern phone models are equipped with a new feature – they can act as a remote control. And not only television. If you set your phone to control appliances, you can find another use for it – you will “command” all devices in the house that have a Smart function.
How to set up a smartphone to control TV:

1. Go to Google Play and download the corresponding mobile application to your phone. There are several of them, so choose any or read the reviews first, and make a choice based on them.
2. Run the program. After that, select the type of equipment from the proposed list – TV.
3. Indicate in the corresponding line the brand and connection method – infrared, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
4. After that, the program will start searching for the device. When the TV model name appears on the screen, select it.
5. A confirmation code will appear on the TV screen. Enter it into your smartphone.

This completes the smartphone setup. Now your phone can serve as a TV remote control.

How to find out the TV code?

In order for the TV to pair with the remote control, there is a special code. With it, the TV receiver can be combined with tablets and phones. A unique code allows you to recognize any third-party device and regulate its operation. The setup code is a combination of 3-4 digits. You can find it in:

• technical passport of TV;
• on the manufacturer’s website;
• in directories.

There are network services on the Internet, thanks to which you can find a TV remote control. Here, the search is usually conducted by the brand of the TV. An example of 5-character code search services is codesforuniversalremotes.com/5-digit-universal-remote-codes-tv/. Even if you did not find the code in the above sources, you can find it using the universal remote. It has an auto-tuning function for programmatic code search.

The TV code must be remembered, and even better – written down, as it may be needed in the future.

Console communication channels

There are several options for connecting remote controls to TVs. They depend on the design and model of the remote control itself. Connection options:

• infrared. A reliable communication channel that allows you to control a variety of devices. The signal may vary in strength. The transmission distance depends on the interference encountered in the path of the beam. Can only be used in one room.
• Wireless. The connection can be made via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Such devices are usually used in smart home systems.

Review of the best remotes for TVs

The universal remote control is a convenient device that allows you to control not only TVs, but also microwaves, dishwashers, washing machines, stereos, and other equipment. Next, the most popular universal remotes with brief descriptions and prices. Popular remote control models:

• Philips SRP 3011/10. Ergonomic design with large buttons, suitable for different TV models. On Smart TV slows down. Not suitable for other technology. There is an infrared signal and 30 buttons. Range – 10 m. Average price: 600 rubles.
• Gal LM – P 170. Budget, compact remote control with infrared signal. Ergonomic, with a set of basic functions. With it, you can record video / audio, adjust settings, stop playback. Easily and quickly configured, allows you to manage 8 devices at once. There are 45 buttons here, the signal is valid for 10 m, weight – 55 g. Average price: 680 rubles.
• One For All URC7955 Smart Control. This infrared remote control can control not only the TV, but also game consoles, stereos and other equipment. There is a learning function – you can create your own macros. The keys are backlit. The case is very strong, monolithic. The signal extends to 15 m, the number of buttons – 50. Weight – 95 g. Average price: 4,000 rubles.
• Gal LM – S 009 L. This universal remote control with an infrared signal is able to control 8 signals at once. It can be programmed by copying the commands of the original remote control. The device has a DIY button (“do it yourself”) – to create your own macros. Signal range – 8 m, number of buttons – 48, weight – 110 g. Average cost: 1,000 rubles.
• One For All Contour TV. Infrared remote control designed to control a variety of devices. Suitable for a large room, as the signal extends to 15 m. There are 38 buttons, two of which are with built-in backlight. The case is made of high-strength plastic, it is resistant to shock and deformation. The pre-programmed settings contain built-in codes to recognize hundreds of TV models. Weight – 84 g. Average price: 900 rubles.
• One For All Evolve. Programmable remote control with support for learning function. Can work with Smart TV. Suitable for controlling various equipment. It is ergonomic and its infrared transmitter has a wide field of view. The remote control is resistant to mechanical stress. Allows you to control only two devices at the same time. Signal range – 15 m, number of buttons – 48. Weight – 94 g. Average price: 1,700 rubles.
• Rombica Air R5. This remote control provides the functions necessary for the comfortable use of Smart TV. In appearance, the remote control looks standard, but it allows you to control equipment without getting up from the sofa – thanks to the built-in gyroscope, which fixes deviations. The signal is transmitted via Bluetooth. Distribution range – 10 m. Number of buttons – 14. Weight – 46 g. Average price: 1,300 rubles.

Remote control setup

Insert batteries into the new remote control and turn on the TV. In addition to it, there are other options: DVD, PVR and AUDIO. Do not release the key for about 3 seconds, wait for the indicator on the panel of the TV / other device to turn on. Further actions will depend on whether the user knows the model code or it is unknown – in this case, there is an auto-tuning.

By code

To set up the remote manually, you need the TV model code. After that, you can start. Customization by code:

1. Turn on the TV and hold the remote in its direction.
2. Hold down the power button on the remote control and, without releasing it, enter the code.
3. After entering the code, the LED light should light up – usually it is located under the buttons or near some button.

After the code is entered, the remote control is ready to control the TV.

If you buy for the remote control, instead of replaceable batteries, rechargeable cells, then they can be repeatedly infected from the mains.

No code

One of the options for setting up the remote is to search for a code. It, like automatic, is used if the code is unknown. Do the following:

1. Turn on the TV and extend the remote control towards it.
2. Press 2 buttons at once – “OK” and “TV”. Hold them for a couple of seconds – all the buttons on the remote control should light up. Wait until only the number buttons are lit.
3. Slowly press the “CH +” button, which switches channels. When the TV turns off, the code is found.
4. Save the settings by pressing the “TV” key.

In different TV models, the code is selected at different speeds. In order not to miss the desired code, when pressing the select button, wait 2-3 seconds to catch the reaction of the TV.

Automatically

Automatic tuning is used if the user could not find the code of his TV in the list of branded models. How to start automatic tuning:

1. Dial the numbers 9999 on the remote control panel.
2. Do not remove your finger from the “9” button until the TV turns on.
3. After that, the auto-tuning procedure begins, which can last a quarter of an hour.

With this setting, there is a risk of button conflict – when the function of one key is distributed to different devices. And if the search starts, it will be impossible to make any corrections. Auto-tuning of different universal remotes may vary slightly. Consider, for example, setting up the SUPRA (Supra) remote control, which is usually used to control TV brands from Asian manufacturers. How to set up the Supra remote control:

1. Turn on the TV.
2. Point the remote at the TV.
3. Press the “Power” key. Hold your finger on it for 5-6 seconds until the LED lights up.
4. When the volume icon appears on the screen, change the sound settings – make it louder or quieter. If the TV responds, then the setup was successful.

Video on how to set up a universal remote control:

By original remote

The universal remote can be easily adjusted (trained) for a specific TV. This is done in the following way:

1. Place the universal and original remote so that the indicators are opposite each other.
2. Enter the custom remote into learning mode. In remote controls, it can be turned on with different buttons, so check the instructions.
3. Press the learning button on the original remote control, and then press the same key on its universal counterpart.
4. After that, the original remote will emit a signal, which the universal model will remember and bind to the button pressed after reading the signal. This procedure must be carried out in turn with each button.

Video on how to choose a remote control for your TV:
When choosing a remote for your TV, act consistently, and do not rush to buy a new remote without analyzing the situation. Find out which model you need, think – perhaps a universal option is more useful to you or a smartphone will be enough.