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