What do universal remotes work with

Tweet Share Email. In This Article. What Is a Universal Remote Control? Remote Control Programming Options. How Universal Remote Controls Work. Types of Universal Remote Control Commands. Alternatives to Universal Remotes. The Bottom Line. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Email Address Sign up There was an error. Please try again.

You're in! Thanks for signing up. There was an error. Tell us why! More from Lifewire. Universal remote, or smart remote, can connect devices from different manufacturers and brands, thus amplifying the user experience by connecting other vice disconnected services.

Many universal remotes also come up with nice ad-on features, such as glowing in the dark feature to make it easier to find the device as well as with options for saving user preferred fast key options.

In addition to TV, sound, gaming, and other entertainment systems, universal remotes can communicate with smart home devices, such as climate control, lighting systems and smart home hub. Some of the more advanced smart remote controls, such as Logitech Harmony , are compatible with over , devices.

Universal remotes can be divided into two distinctive categories: learning remotes and multi-brand remotes. Learning remotes often come with some preprogrammed functions that are compatible with popular electronic models. Still, they also have the ability to read and internalize the functions of other remotes, such as your original TV or smart home control.

This learning ability is based on infrared signals. Learning remotes can manage various home devices, including smart home hub, entertainment, and utility devices, crediting them a title as the truly universal remote. Multi-brand remotes are preprogrammed to operate a variety of devices from various brands.

Therefore, the user does not need to spend time configuring the remote with several devices. Even so, not everyone likes voice controls or finds them accessible, so until voice tech is advanced enough to take over entirely and interpret your voice perfectly, there are still reasons to palm the remote when you need it — even if you just want a premium experience with one of the best TVs.

So, which is the best universal remote you can buy, and what makes it worthy of your hard-earned cash? Most of the time, yes, a universal remote should work on any television. But it'll depend on the make and model of your remote and your TV. On the whole, your universal remote should work with all TVs made in the past ten years or so. But it's worth checking out the specific requirements of each before you buy one.

There are two key scenarios where universal remotes are ideal: either you've lost your original remote and are looking at a pricey replacement, or you're wanting to have fewer remote controls because your AV experience needs streamlining.

If you fall into one of those two camps, then yes, they're worth it. The set up process for your universal remote depends on the make and model. But on the whole, you'll need to ensure that your remote is fitted with the correct batteries and that you can point your remote at the TV, or other device, you're trying to control.

From there, there are a couple of different ways to search for and add new devices, whether that's direct code entry, auto code search, brand code search or manual code search. It'll all depend on which remote you have, so be sure to follow the set-up instructions that come with it.

Simply put, universal remotes are more advanced remote controls — exactly like the ones that come with your TV. The difference is that these devices are able to imitate the signals sent by your TV's original remote, AV receiver or other device. If you're wondering why you should buy one, there are two key scenarios where they're ideal: either you've lost your original remote and are looking at a pricey replacement, or you're wanting to have fewer remote controls because your AV experience needs streamlining.

The best universal remotes are the perfect answer in both cases, and almost every universal remote uses infrared or IR : the same signal protocol used by remote manufacturers as well. Bluetooth FireTV Only : Most people are familiar with Bluetooth, which is a short range about 30ft wireless signal that uses this band of Radio Frequency to transfer control commands. Please note: Control Center does not connect to airpods, speakers or other headphones using Bluetooth technology. Radio Frequency RF : For devices that use RF, Control Center can recognize the device and switch to the correct source, but it cannot operate more specific controls within the navigation.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest. Recent Posts. Caavo Remote, our next-generation Caavo app, is available now for Caavo customers in the iOS app store. Our refreshed app includes a full Caavo universal remote so you can control any Caavo-connected TV, plus, a new video calling beta feature. You have no items in your cart Continue shopping.