| Fed up with finding the remotes of each of your | | | | programmed to work on the concept of activities |
| electronic devices, then a universal remote control | | | | and not on the devices. In this instead of controlling |
| comes as an easy answer. In general a universal | | | | each device individually the user can instead focus on |
| remote is a remote control that can be easily | | | | the activity that they want to perform. For instance |
| programmed to operate various brands and one or | | | | the user might want to watch a movie, or listen to |
| more types of electronics devices such as TV, music | | | | some music, or just watch TV. |
| system, Air-conditioners and many other devices. | | | | It is when a particular activity is selected the universal |
| Typically, the low-end universal remotes can only | | | | remote control may send out the necessary signals |
| control a set number of devices pre defined by their | | | | and commands to various necessary devices in to |
| manufacturer, while the mid- and high-end remote | | | | turn on and to configure device to accomplish the |
| controls allow the user to program in new controls | | | | desired activity. For instance selecting an activity like |
| codes to the remote for controlling a number of | | | | watch a movie the remote control might turn on the |
| other devices. | | | | TV, configure the TV to the DVD video input, turn |
| With the increasing use of these remote controls | | | | on the amplifier, configure the amplifier to the DVD |
| many remotes sold with various electronic devices | | | | audio input, turn on the DVD player, and start the |
| include universal remote capabilities for other types | | | | DVD playing. One of the most popular activity based |
| of device, which allow the remote to control other | | | | remote controls is the Logitech Harmony line of |
| devices apart from the device it came with. | | | | remotes. |
| The universal remote controls can be broadly | | | | The journey with the universal remote control just |
| classified in two types like | | | | doesn't stops there, but can continue with the up |
| Device Based Universal Remote Controls | | | | gradations that are required with the changing |
| Most universal remotes that are sold today are | | | | electronic devices. That is why many universal |
| device based and they are quite popular. The use of | | | | controls allow the code lists programmed into the |
| the device-based remote control is simple and the | | | | remote to be updated to support new brands or |
| user has to press a button associated with the | | | | models of devices not currently supported by the |
| desired device to control and then uses the remaining | | | | remote. |
| buttons to control that single device. | | | | Interestingly the lower end universal remotes |
| Controlling other devices is also simple as the remote | | | | accomplish this by allowing audible signals to be sent |
| control identifies the other devices when the user | | | | over a telephone to a receiver on the remote. This is |
| presses a different device button and then the | | | | applicable when the user calls customer service, an |
| remote starts sending command to the new device. | | | | operator can have the caller place the remote next |
| An example of a device-based remote is the Home | | | | to the phone's speaker and then send a signal over |
| Theater Master line of remotes. | | | | the telephone to upgrade the remote for any |
| Activity Based Remote Control | | | | requested new brand of model of supported device |
| These types of the universal remotes are | | | | type. |