Universal remotes have revolutionized how we control and optimize our home entertainment and smart home devices, making control more seamless and efficient. Whether you are consolidating multiple remotes into one or programming an advanced smart remote, understanding key terminology is essential for a smooth experience. This comprehensive glossary breaks down important terms, helping you make informed decisions, program your remote with ease, and troubleshoot any issues effectively.
A
Activity-Based Control: A feature that allows a remote to execute multiple commands in sequence, such as turning on the TV, receiver, and cable box with one button press.
Auto Code Search: A method of programming a universal remote where it automatically scans for the correct device code.
Alias: A method of linking a button to an existing infrared code or macro instead of storing multiple copies. For example, rather than saving the “System On” macro or “Volume Up” command on multiple buttons, the remote stores it once and references it as needed. This saves memory and makes future updates easier. Punch-through is a related feature that applies aliases to multiple buttons automatically.
B
Backlit Buttons: Buttons on a remote that are illuminated to improve visibility in low-light conditions.
Battery Saver Mode: A feature that helps extend battery life by automatically turning off the remote after a period of inactivity.
Bluetooth Remote: A remote that uses Bluetooth technology instead of infrared (IR) to communicate with devices.
C
Code Entry Method: A manual way of programming a universal remote by entering a pre-defined numeric code for a specific brand or device.
Command Repeater: A feature that allows the remote to send the same command multiple times to ensure the device receives it properly.
D
Delay: A pause between steps in a macro. It ensures devices recognize separate commands or have time to power up. Some remotes include preset delays, while others let you adjust them.
Discrete Codes: Specific IR commands that perform a single function, such as turning a device on or off, regardless of its current state.
E
Extended Function Codes (EFC): Specialized codes that allow access to advanced features or functions not typically available through standard remote buttons.
F
Firmware: The built-in software that controls a remote’s functionality, which can sometimes be updated for improved performance.
H
Hotkeys: Dedicated buttons for quickly accessing commonly used features like volume, input selection, or streaming services.
Hub-Based Remote: A universal remote that uses a central hub to communicate with multiple devices, often via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
I
Infrared: A portion of the light spectrum above our visible range, used by many modern remote controls to transmit signals.
Infrared Emitter: A small LED in a remote that sends infrared signals to control devices. Stronger emitters improve signal range and coverage, sometimes eliminating the need to point directly. They are usually located at the top of the remote, behind a red plastic window.
Infrared Receiver: The part of a device that receives remote signals. It works best with a clear line of sight but can reflect off surfaces like walls and glass.
IRDA: A standard for infrared communication, sometimes used in remote controls. However, some companies use an incompatible pulse system designed for computers. Some UEI-based remotes can be upgraded to support these devices.
J
JP1 Interface: A connector found on some remotes that allows for advanced programming and customization via a computer.
K
Keypad: The physical buttons on a remote, often referring to the numeric keys (0–9).
L
Learning Function: A feature in some universal remotes that allows them to copy commands from an existing remote control.
Light Sensor: A feature that automatically turns on the backlight when ambient light is low.
Line-of-Sight: The requirement for IR remotes to have a clear, unobstructed path between the remote and the device it controls.
M
Macro: A function that allows a remote to execute multiple commands with a single button press (e.g., turning on a TV, AV receiver, and cable box simultaneously).
Memory: The storage in a remote for settings like codes, learned signals, and macros. Memory usage varies by remote, making direct comparisons difficult.
Mode Button: A button on a universal remote that switches between different devices (TV, DVD player, sound system, etc.).
Multi-Device Control: The ability of a remote to control multiple devices, such as TVs, soundbars, and streaming devices, from a single unit.
O
Operating Distance: The range at which a remote can reliably control devices, typically up to 30 feet for infrared.
P
Pairing: The process of linking a remote with a device, especially in Bluetooth and RF remotes.
Parity Bit: A changing part of a remote signal that alternates with each press. Some remotes use this to prevent duplicate signals, which can cause issues with learning remotes, making them unable to repeat commands like “55” correctly.
Pickup Sensor: Also called a motion sensor, it automatically turns on the backlight when the remote is moved or picked up.
Pre-Programmed Remote: A universal remote that comes with built-in codes for popular brands, reducing the need for manual setup.
Programmable Remote: A remote that allows users to customize buttons and functions based on personal preferences.
Programmable Soft Keys: Buttons that can be customized to perform specific functions or macros based on user preferences.
Punch-Through: A functionality that allows certain commands (like volume control) to be sent to a specific device regardless of the selected mode.
Q
Quick Access Buttons: Dedicated buttons that provide immediate access to frequently used functions or devices.
R
Rechargeable: Some remote controls come with or support rechargeable batteries. These may include a dedicated charging dock or require a separate recharger. This eliminates the need for disposable batteries, offering convenience and long-term cost savings.
Remote Finder: A feature that helps locate a misplaced remote by triggering a sound or light signal.
RF (Radio Frequency): A wireless technology that let remotes control devices without a direct line of sight, even through walls. There are two types: RF to Component, which directly controls RF-enabled devices like satellite receivers, and RF to Infrared, which sends RF signals to a base station that converts them into infrared. Universal remotes cannot directly control RF-only devices unless they also support infrared.
RF Extender: An optional device that receives RF signals from a compatible remote and converts them into infrared to control standard IR devices.
S
Scene Control: The ability to set and recall predefined configurations of multiple devices to create a specific ambiance or setup.
Sleep Timer: A function that turns off the controlled device(s) after a set period.
Smart Remote: A remote that integrates with smart home systems and voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant.
Streaming Remote: A remote designed specifically for streaming devices like Roku, Fire Stick, or Apple TV. They have dedicated buttons for accessing major streaming services.
T
Transport Control: A term for media playback buttons on remotes, including play, pause, stop, fast forward, and rewind, commonly used for VCRs, LD players, and DVDs.
Two-Way: A feature where devices send feedback to the remote during use. While no universal remotes support true two-way communication, most two-way devices can still be controlled with one-way remotes, sometimes requiring special workarounds for learning signals.
U
USB Programming: A method of configuring a remote by connecting it to a computer via USB to load device codes or update firmware.
V
Voice Control: A feature in some advanced remotes that allows users to control devices through voice commands.
W
Wi-Fi Remote: A remote that connects to devices over a wireless network, often used for smart home integrations.
