Changing TV channels, accessing consoles or managing Bluray, these and many more are the options that make the universal remote control an essential companion for playful moments.
In case you have lost or broken yours, follow this guide, we will explain how to choose one compatible with your devices and perfect for your needs.
There are many types on the market, however, and it is not easy to understand what features a universal remote control must have, or what criteria it must meet, to obtain maximum satisfaction from the purchase. Stay with us and any doubts on the subject will disappear.
Here we had listed out the best universal remotes that are given below.
Buyer Guide to Choose the Best Universal Remote
As you have seen, current remote controls are more complex than expected. Their degree of compatibility varies because today there are more and more remotely controllable devices.
In order not to get lost in this “jungle” of information, let’s answer the most frequently asked questions about these particular products.
What Are Remote Controls and What Are They For?
The answer to this question may seem obvious, but as technology has changed a lot in the past twenty years, a small step forward is needed. Remote controls are nothing more than an electronic device that allows you to operate machines and appliances remotely, in a very simple way.
Generally, this type of equipment is associated with televisions. However, the convenience of the best remote controls has also landed in the world of gaming and desktop computers: with them, it is possible to manage.
For example, video streaming applications such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video in a much simpler way.
What Advantages Do the Best Remote Controls Offer?
Man exerts a cruel tyranny on technologies, which he uses for his hedonistic ends in the name of a more pragmatic life. For this reason, remote controls do not have many disadvantages, but above all advantages. The following table summarizes these pros and cons:
Advantages
- Greater freedom of movement
- Ease of use
- Low energy consumption
- Long useful life
- High compatibility
- Ergonomic and accessible design
- Powered by AAA batteries
Disadvantages
- Some models may have incompatibility problems with some devices
Can Universal Remote Also Be Used for Computers?
Certainly. Obviously, not all universal remote controls have this possibility, but many yes: to find out, just consult the product specifications.
The connection is usually made by connecting the remote control to the computer through a USB cable; then, before starting to use the device, it must be installed and configured according to your tastes.
If you still have doubts about how you can synchronize the remote control with your desktop or laptop, don’t panic! As we have already said in the previous paragraph, simply connect, install and configure it.
If these procedures don’t seem clear enough, here is a step-by-step guide to everything you need to do:
- As we have already said, the first step is to connect the remote control with a USB cable. Usually, this is found in the product packaging.
- When the connection is active, the computer will open a window with precise instructions for installing the new software (remote control).
- In some cases, it is required to download the specific driver or codes from the manufacturer’s web page. If this is the case, it will all be explained in the device instructions or in the window opened by the computer.
- After that, you can configure the functions you want to combine with the remote control. Once done, the installation process can be completed and, at this point, you will be ready to enjoy your purchase.
- Remember that not all remote controls are compatible or suitable for use with computers. On the contrary, the more sophisticated ones can be connected to the computer to be configured and subsequently manage the PC as a TV.
A sequence of Commands or Macro Commands?
To answer this question we can connect to the previous point. If you’ve read it, you already know that some models of the best remote controls can be configured to your liking.
In this way, you can create sequences of commands or macro commands that allow you to make the most of the product. Of course, isn’t it? The ability to program your remote control is undoubtedly an advantage.
For example, if you want to watch a movie, you can configure the remote control so that at the push of a button, the movie starts. Obviously, this configuration is not available in all remote controls, because some are already programmed in a certain way from the factory.
How Do I Configure a One for All Universal Remote Control?
To configure a One For All universal remote control, generally follow the same procedure on most models and explanations are attached to the package. However, to give you an example, proceed as follows.
Turn on the TV manually; press the “TV” button on the remote control we want to configure, then the “Magic” button until a red light starts to flash.
At this point, self-configuration occurs, ie the remote control recognizes the television and the relative functions are already active. Alternatively, you need to enter a code that varies depending on the model of the TV and the brand.
Usually suggested in the manual of the remote control itself or available online. Finally, the “Magic” button must be pressed again to confirm the success of the configuration.
Purchase Criteria
These types of devices are more complex than it seems: now you understand it. For this, when you want to buy one of the best universal or specific remote controls for your device, you have to follow a series of criteria. These are not a guarantee, but you can ensure a good purchase.
- Ease of use
- Flow
- Additional Functions
- Materials
- Number of devices
Ease of Use
Obviously, this aspect does not completely depend on the product itself, but on your familiarity with using new technologies. The manufacturer must also take his share of responsibility. You have to find a model that is easy to use, not only day by day, but also at the time of configuration.
Flow
There is nothing more annoying than a remote control that forces you to stay very close to the TV or device you use it with, or even worse, which must be directed precisely to the command receiver. On average, the range of remote control is 8 meters: the greater this distance, the better.
Additional Functions
Not all remote controls on the market can perform all the functions available on the device with which they are used. The Air Mouse is a very good option, which works like a pc mouse, but with a Smart TV.
Other models offer direct access to streaming applications, while others do not. You have to evaluate all this well.
Materials
Most of the models, even the best ones, are made of plastic materials. However, some of the plastics used are of better quality.
If you live with children or animals, we advise you to make sure that the product you are going to buy is made of robust materials, in order to extend its useful life. We can’t forget the keys: they can have a softer or stiffer finish and pulse depending on the model.
However, this is an aspect that does not affect the response sensitivity, which instead depends on the internal circuits. Then, choose the option that is most convenient for you; obviously, the hard rubber keys will wear less.
Number of Devices
Some of the best remotes can be used with a single device; others, equally good, allow to be used with two or more systems: televisions, consoles, computers, DVD or Blu-Ray players.
If you want to reduce the number of remote controls, the best thing is to look for the model with very high compatibility.
Conclusions
The modern user who uses various devices always looks for one of the best universal remote controls on the market; if you add to this the possibility of using it with various devices, all the better.
Sometimes, however, there are models focused exclusively on a certain system (such as the PDP PS4 remote control). If your faithful remote control is gone, or you are looking for a better one.
Investing in the best universal remote control on the market, both cheap and medium-high range, is not a bad idea. You need to evaluate certain aspects such as the size of the model, the ease of use and also the materials.
