Many people today are getting rid of their old remote controls and replacing them all with just one new device - an rca universal remote control. These feature laden remotes can perform the myriad of jobs that the existing controls had to and leave space to even add in extra functions.
So how do the new universal remotes work and what are the functions you should be looking out for?
Most major universal controls work on the same premise - to control using special built-in codes, the electronic devices scattered around your house and perform all the same functions that the parent remotes would. How the new remotes achieve this performance is what makes them stand out from the crowd.
To get the most out of your new URC it really needs to have the capacity to control hundreds if not thousands of electronic pieces of equipment, after all, that is the main reason why you'd buy the controller, so this is the most important feature.
A URC can acquire these universal codes in one of three ways. It can learn them from an existing remote, it can download them from an online database via Wi-Fi or installation disk or it will already have the codes built-in.
If a URC already has a database of codes built-in it will be ready to go straight out of the box and a good remote should include thousands of these codes. This database should incorporate all of the main manufacturers and models of electronic equipment, so the up to date nature of this system is very important, otherwise the remote could quickly become obsolete.
Instead of having a large internal database, some URC's have a learning facility which basically enables them to learn any new codes for devices. This can usually be done quick and easily by pointing the existing remote at the new URC and pressing the stated buttons from the manual to record the signal. If a URC doesn't incorporate either of these two functions, then the remote will quickly become useless if it isn't already.
If the controller fails in the first two options, which is unlikely, but nevertheless a possibility, there is a third option. Using a WI-Fi connection or disks included with the product, you can access the online database for the controller and download updated codes for new electronic devices this way. IF the codes are installed via disk, this could cost extra money, but it's not something we've come across yet.
All URC's feature at least one of the above three options, after all, if they didn't how would you get continued use out of the device. It would quickly become as useful as a chocolate teapot.
Two other important features to consider are ergonomics and user interface (UI). Remote controls spend a lot of time in our hands, so it's important that the fit is a good one and the device is comfortable to hold. Look for remotes that have natural shape which match the contours of the hand and that the buttons are sensibly placed for easy operation.
The user interface is what allows you to control all the functions and better models have lovely big, bright touch screen LED's. Is the UI big enough to read comfortably and can you alter the display settings. You also want to choose a model with decent buttons that are placed where they make logical sense.
To wrap things up in this article we'll just say a quick word on useful extras that can take the rca universal remote from being good to being great. Does the URC include a dock with which to stand and charge the device? Are the keys powered by backlights? Two simple factors that can greatly improve performance and enjoyment.
So how do the new universal remotes work and what are the functions you should be looking out for?
Most major universal controls work on the same premise - to control using special built-in codes, the electronic devices scattered around your house and perform all the same functions that the parent remotes would. How the new remotes achieve this performance is what makes them stand out from the crowd.
To get the most out of your new URC it really needs to have the capacity to control hundreds if not thousands of electronic pieces of equipment, after all, that is the main reason why you'd buy the controller, so this is the most important feature.
A URC can acquire these universal codes in one of three ways. It can learn them from an existing remote, it can download them from an online database via Wi-Fi or installation disk or it will already have the codes built-in.
If a URC already has a database of codes built-in it will be ready to go straight out of the box and a good remote should include thousands of these codes. This database should incorporate all of the main manufacturers and models of electronic equipment, so the up to date nature of this system is very important, otherwise the remote could quickly become obsolete.
Instead of having a large internal database, some URC's have a learning facility which basically enables them to learn any new codes for devices. This can usually be done quick and easily by pointing the existing remote at the new URC and pressing the stated buttons from the manual to record the signal. If a URC doesn't incorporate either of these two functions, then the remote will quickly become useless if it isn't already.
If the controller fails in the first two options, which is unlikely, but nevertheless a possibility, there is a third option. Using a WI-Fi connection or disks included with the product, you can access the online database for the controller and download updated codes for new electronic devices this way. IF the codes are installed via disk, this could cost extra money, but it's not something we've come across yet.
All URC's feature at least one of the above three options, after all, if they didn't how would you get continued use out of the device. It would quickly become as useful as a chocolate teapot.
Two other important features to consider are ergonomics and user interface (UI). Remote controls spend a lot of time in our hands, so it's important that the fit is a good one and the device is comfortable to hold. Look for remotes that have natural shape which match the contours of the hand and that the buttons are sensibly placed for easy operation.
The user interface is what allows you to control all the functions and better models have lovely big, bright touch screen LED's. Is the UI big enough to read comfortably and can you alter the display settings. You also want to choose a model with decent buttons that are placed where they make logical sense.
To wrap things up in this article we'll just say a quick word on useful extras that can take the rca universal remote from being good to being great. Does the URC include a dock with which to stand and charge the device? Are the keys powered by backlights? Two simple factors that can greatly improve performance and enjoyment.
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We trust this article has given you an insight into universal remotes, which is what we discuss in detail at RCA Universal Remote Controls. If you'd like further advice about universal remotes, please visit our website by clicking here.
