| Contemporary remote controls have become | | | | 2. The user finds the Code |
| quite complex. In the old days, it used to be | | | | |
| that a remote control was a simple electronic | | | | Once the device desired for programming is |
| device- one power button, a volume up and | | | | chosen, the appropriate code for the |
| down button, channel selections and perhaps a | | | | particular unit is needed. |
| mute control. Remote controls today have | | | | |
| become more universal, programming the user's | | | | Codes for most manufacturers and brands can |
| television, satellite receiver, VCR, DVD | | | | be found in the back of the remote control |
| player, stereo and any other part of the | | | | user manual. Satellite subscribers can also |
| user's home entertainment system. | | | | typically go online to their provider's |
| | | | website and if all else fails, contact the |
| The problem arises when the viewer is not | | | | manufacturer of your remote to get the |
| able to understand the options on the remote | | | | necessary codes. |
| control and it becomes useless. DirecTv's | | | | |
| remote control can be simply understood if | | | | 3. Program the Device |
| these directions are followed. DirecTV | | | | |
| incorporates specific features and special | | | | Using the keypad on the remote control, enter |
| options. A four-position slide switch for | | | | the number that's listed first for the |
| easy component selection , code library for | | | | device. When this is finished, enter the |
| popular video and stereo components, code | | | | appropriate key to indicate completion of |
| search to help program control of older or | | | | input. For some remotes, this might be the |
| discontinued components and memory protection | | | | asterisk (*) while other remotes might use |
| to ensure that the user will not have to | | | | the pound key (#). The mode light on the |
| reprogram the remote when the batteries are | | | | remote control will flash again and, if the |
| replaced. | | | | code was correct, the device can now be |
| | | | controlled with the remote control. The user |
| 1. The user chooses the Device | | | | should test the results by turning the power |
| | | | on and off. Does it work? If so, the device |
| The first thing the user is required to do is | | | | is now programmed. |
| choose which device is desired for | | | | |
| programming. Most remotes have separate | | | | There is no cause for alarm if the code |
| buttons that correspond to the various | | | | doesn't work the first time. |
| devices: | | | | |
| | | | Remotes come with several codes for the |
| SAT - controls the satellite receiver | | | | various device brands. If the first code |
| | | | doesn't work, start over using the next code |
| TV - controls the television set | | | | and the next and the next until the right one |
| | | | is discovered and the device is programmed. |
| VCR - controls the VCR | | | | |
| | | | What if the device isn't listed at all? Look |
| AUX - controls one of several additional | | | | through the list for "general" codes. If |
| units, such as a home stereo | | | | those codes are not found, then try scanning |
| | | | for the device. The user manual should have |
| The user presses the button of the device to | | | | specific advice for devices without a listed |
| program until the corresponding light on the | | | | code. |
| remote control begins to flash. | | | | |
| | | | Written by David Johnson. |