Are You Looking For a Universal Remote Control? - Here is a Checklist

By Mick Karrass


Do you feel the need for consolidating all remote controls in the house? Are you quite often trying the incorrect remote on your stereo, or perhaps searching for the one that works? Well, maybe it is high time to get a universal remote and do away with the many remote controls in your house. This can tremendously simplify your life, as well as help you to spend less on batteries and protect nature. If you on a regular basis use four or more remote controls, a reliable universal remote control will be a worthwhile idea.

You may be asking yourself, which universal remote can I keep using, no matter how many appliances I buy? Which universal remote is straightforward to use and setup, and stays up-to-date?

Today, I'd like to share with you the most important things to consider when shopping for an advanced universal remote:

Currently, there's definitely an excellent variety of good brands and types on the market. On top of that, innovative companies seem to be moving into the market. Indeed, sometimes they give the famous makers a run for their money.

Fortunately, the more expensive universal remotes aren't necessarily the best ones. Rather than exclusively focusing on brands, you need to focus on usability, functions that ultimately work for you, and a bit of enjoyment while using the remote control.

Listed below are the important features I believe you need to check when selecting the universal remote control for your TVs and other products:

* Check that the remote control has a decent selection of device codes in its data bank, so you can truly utilize it for all manufacturers and models. Quality remote controls comprise at least five thousand codes and can be set to manage as many as 15 or more gadgets at the same time.

* Check the layout of the universal remote control: It should be effortless to hold as well as have illuminated control keys, allowing you to utilize it at night. For additional comfort, get yourself a universal remote control with a display. The better units often feature a touch screen.

* Smart remote controls feature a learning mode, allowing you to control even models which aren't part of their database. This is cool because you can rest assured that this remote generally remains up to date even if the supplier goes out of business. In addition, you can handle outdated hardware including VCD and VCR players.

* Make sure, that the universal remote control can be updated via the Internet or through a computer. Remote control units allowing for an Internet or USB connection normally can download and install the latest equipment codes from the producer.

The top universal remote controls I know of have a color touch screen. The touch screen display enables you to jump straight to your favorite program and turn on numerous gadgets at the same time. For example, with one touch you can start all components in the right order to watch a DVD or listen to music.




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