It is no secret that switching back and forth to different remotes to control different home entertainment system devices is a tedious task. You’d be surprised that the solution to this problem is very simple. All you have to do is purchase a universal remote controller. Hence, this blog will focus on various types of universal remote controllers, their working, and the advantages of having a universal remote controller.
What is a universal remote controller?
A universal remote controller gives you the control of several different types of TV devices, no matter the brand. It is an affordable solution to consolidate multiple remotes into a single one.
Once you purchase universal remote controllers, you do not have to use the original remote. You might need it when you’re trying to set up your TV for the first time. Once they are set up, you can toss the original remote away in a drawer and reap the benefits of the universal remote controllers.
Various types of universal remote controllers
Different companies have the universal remote controller that they recommend using. For example, branded companies such as Samsung, LG, Philips, Sony, etc., have their own set of universal remote controllers. Whereas the two main types of universal remote controllers available in the market are listed below.
1. Consolidation remotes
These remotes are capable of controlling several devices. The most common controls you get are controls of the TV, set-top box, sound bars, audio sets, gaming consoles, streaming devices, home theater sets, etc.
2. Smart control remotes
These remotes are advanced, and they are costly because of several types of control the user gets. You can set up this remote using a dedicated app and can connect up to five devices. Most of the smart and android TV manufacturers recommend using such smart control, universal remote controllers.
How do various universal remote controllers work?
The universal remote controllers work in several ways, and they are as follows.
1. Infrared remotes
Infrared remotes are the most common type of remotes you find in a household. This remote emits a small red light from the top of the remote controller to the device you’re pointed at. That is infrared light transmitting from the remote to the receiver in the device.
Since the frequency at which infrared travels is invisible to the naked eyes, we cannot see the light traveling. To use the infrared remotes, you need to point the remote directly to the device you’re controlling.
2. Consumer electronic control
In this remote, the signal is sent over the HDMI cable. This HDMI cable is connected between the connected device and the control center.
Once you use the remote, the control commands are then sent to the receiving device through the HDMI cable.
3. Ethernet or through local network
These remotes are connected via your local network or Ethernet. A signal is sent from the remote via your local network to the connected device. Since the devices are connected on the same local networks, it receives the signal, and the commands are carried out.
4. Bluetooth and Fire TV
As the name suggests, Bluetooth is responsible for the remotes to work. They are wireless remotes and operate in close proximity of around 30 feet. The commands are transferred to the connected device via Bluetooth and are used to control Fire TV mainly.
It is crucial to remember that only remotes and the connected device work on Bluetooth. You cannot use the remote to control other appliances such as Air Pods, Bluetooth speakers, or headphones.
5. Radiofrequency
With radiofrequency remotes, you can only connect and switch on the appliances. You are restricted from operating other controls with the remote.
For example, if you’re using a radio frequency remote, you can only command it to turn on the Nintendo Wii. The rest of the other commands will be controlled and executed via the Nintendo remote.
What are the advantages of using universal remote controllers?
Purchasing universal remote controllers has its benefits. Today we will be explaining some advantages that will help you switch from your regular remotes to a branded universal remote controller in no time.
1. You have a single remote, and that’s it
If you have a huge entertainment system, then it is obvious each system will have its remote controller. Having so many different controllers can be difficult to control and might feel complicated for some.
This takes too much space and time to set up your system for a date or a movie night. Hence purchasing universal remote controllers will help you control everything from a single remote.
2. It is an economical option
Having to change the remote for every system when they need repairs can be expensive. But with a single remote, you do not have to worry about excessive repairs.
Even if it is about batteries, all you need to have is a couple of batteries, and you’re set. If one of the remotes gets broken, it could throw your system off balance.
3. The setup is very easy
The universal remote controllers are very easy to set up. All you have to do is carefully purchase a remote that can control every system, and you do not have to worry about the setup. The manual will have all the instructions on setting up the remote, and the process is also very easy.
4. Enhances your movie-watching experience
Imagine you’re having a movie night, and in the middle of a crucial scene, you come to know that you cannot raise your volume because the TV remote stopped working.
This could ruin your movie-watching experience since you either need to find new batteries or need to turn up the volume from the buttons that most of the new smart TVs don’t even have.
Under such conditions, the universal remote controllers are always the best choice, as you do not have to compromise because one of your remotes stopped working.
Wrapping up
This was an overview of universal remote controllers along with their working and advantages.
