Selecting and setting up a television remote control

Any TV is equipped with a remote control (RC). If it breaks or gets lost, you have to buy a new remote. But not every device is suitable for a specific TV – you need to choose them taking into account the characteristics 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 the user’s preferences. You can find an original remote control or limit yourself to a universal one.

Outwardly

This option for choosing a remote control is suitable for those who do not want to delve into the 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 its appearance:

1. Go to one of the TV brand directories. Select a brand and go to the desired page.
2. Find a remote control similar to the broken one from the photo.
3. Carefully compare the buttons on the remote controls – the labels 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 battery compartment cover – on the 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.

By vehicle model

There is a marking on the body 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 markings be located:

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

The markings 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, ask your consultant for help.

Compatible remote controls

In such well-known brands as, for example, LG and Samsung, most of the remotes are compatible with all TVs of the corresponding brand. In less popular brands, the 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 your neighbors or acquaintances for the remote control to check it for compatibility. If it fits, then you can safely buy this model. This option is useful in case you cannot find an exact copy of the broken remote control. Compatibility signs:

• correct interaction with a 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 consoles is the ability to process several signal variants at once. This ability allows one remote control to control TVs of different brands. Pros of universal remote controls:

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

Universal remotes are cheaper than counterparts from well-known 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 function – they can act as a remote control. And not only television. If you set up your phone to control appliances, you can find another use for it – you will “command” all appliances 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 appropriate line the brand and the 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. Your phone can now serve as a TV remote control.

How do I find my TV code?

There is a special code for the TV to pair with the remote control. With its help, 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 3-4 digit combination. You can find it in:

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

There are network services on the Internet, thanks to which you can find a TV remote control. Here, the search is usually carried out by the brand of the TV. An example of a 5-character code search service 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 memorized, or 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 console itself. Connection options:

• Infrared. A reliable communication channel that allows you to control a wide variety of devices. The signal may differ in strength. The transmission distance depends on the interference encountered in the beam path. 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 TV remotes

A universal remote control is a convenient device that allows you to control not only TVs, but also microwaves, dishwashers, washing machines, stereo systems, and other equipment. Below are the most popular universal remotes with short descriptions and prices. Popular remotes models:

• Philips SRP 3011/10. Ergonomic version with large buttons, suitable for different TV models. On Smart TV it slows down. Not suitable for other equipment. There is an infrared signal and 30 buttons. Range – 10 m. Average price: 600 rubles.
• Gal LM – P 170. Budgetary, compact remote control with infrared signal. Ergonomic, with a set of basic functions. With it, you can record video / audio, adjust parameters, stop playback. Easy and quick to set up, allows you to control up to 8 devices at once. There are 45 buttons, the signal acts on 10 m, weight – 55 g. Average price: 680 rubles.
• One For All URC7955 Smart Control. This infrared remote control can control not only a TV, but also game consoles, music centers and other equipment. There is a learning function – you can create your own macros. The keys are backlit. The body is very solid, monolithic. The signal spreads over 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 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 for creating your own macros. Signal range – 8 m, number of buttons – 48, weight – 110 g. Average cost: 1,000 rubles.
• One For All Contour TV. An infrared remote control designed to control a wide variety of devices. Suitable for a large room, since the signal spreads over 15 m. There are 38 buttons, two of which are backlit. The body is made of high-strength plastic, it is resistant to shock and deformation. 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 learning function. Can work with Smart TV. Suitable for controlling various equipment. It is ergonomic and its infrared transmitter has a wide viewing angle. 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 provides the functions necessary for comfortable use of Smart TV. In appearance, the remote control looks standard, but it allows you to control equipment without getting up from the couch – thanks to the built-in gyroscope, it detects deviations. The signal is transmitted via Bluetooth. Distribution range – 10 m. Number of buttons – 14. Weight – 46 g. Average price: 1,300 rubles.

Setting up the remote

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

By code

To set up your remote manually, you need your TV model code. Then you can start. Setting by code:

1. Turn on the TV and stretch the remote control towards it.
2. Hold 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.

Once the code has been entered, the remote is ready to control the TV.

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

No code

One of the options for configuring the remote control is to search for a code. It, like automatic, is used if the code is unknown. Follow these steps:

1. Turn on the TV and stretch 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 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 a different speed. In order not to miss the desired code, while pressing the select button, wait 2-3 seconds to catch the reaction of the TV.

Automatically

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

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 autotune 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 no longer be possible to make any corrections. The autotuning of different universal remotes may differ slightly. Let’s take an example of setting up the SUPRA remote control, which is usually used to control TV brands from Asian manufacturers. The procedure for setting up the Supra remote control:

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

Video on how to set up a universal remote control:

By original remote control

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

1. Place the universal and original remote control so that the indicators are opposite each other.
2. Enter the configurable remote control into the training mode. In remote controls, it can be turned on by different buttons, so check the instructions.
3. Press the learning button on the original remote control, and then press a similar key on its universal counterpart.
4. After that, the original remote control 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 control for your TV, proceed consistently, and do not rush to buy a new remote control without analyzing the situation. Find out which model you need, think – perhaps the universal option is more useful to you, or a smartphone will be enough.