What is a universal remote control
If you have become a happy user of digital television, then you have a new remote-controlled device in your apartment - a set-top box receiver.
And in order not to add another remote control to your daily life, let's learn how to use a universal remote control. Despite all the technological innovations, remote controls have not changed at all. They may have different shapes, but the design of any remote control still consists of a housing, an electronic circuit, buttons, LEDs and an autonomous power source.
A universal remote control has an identical internal structure, only it can be configured to control multiple devices at the same time. For example, having purchased such a device, you can put your TV, set-top box and multimedia remote in a closet and register all their functions to a universal remote control.
Can the remote control be universal? No. Although they are similar in appearance, their internal electronic circuitry is different. Only devices designed for this purpose can be configured to manage multiple devices.
Is it possible to transfer LG from analog TV to digital reception without a set-top box?
To understand how to reconfigure your TV to digital television, you need to find out whether it has a DVB T2 reception module. LG models released in 2012 and later are equipped with digital modules . These devices can receive digital broadcasts without additional equipment.
Important! To make the transition, the TV must be equipped with a DVB-T2 module. The DBV-T tuner will not be able to receive the new broadcast format. You can check the module version in the operating instructions.
If the documentation for the device has not been preserved, it can always be found on the official website of the manufacturer www.lg.com.
The principle of operation of a universal device
Control of televisions and receivers is based on infrared light. The remote control emits invisible signals, and the device executes the command: change the channel, increase the volume, enter settings, and so on.
Each button contains three zeros and one signal. This is called pulse code modulation. For example, “011” on one model might mean the TV is off, but on another device it might mean turning up the volume.
A universal device can be configured or “trained” so that some signals suit your TV and others suit your receiver. All that remains is to point it in the desired direction and press the button. But before you start, you must configure the universal remote control for the set-top box and TV so that all the buttons correspond to the necessary signals. Fortunately, this happens automatically. In the vast majority of cases, to connect a universal remote control to the set-top box, you just need to perform a few simple steps with it. This may take about 20 minutes.
However, the important principle is that you only need a universal device. There is no way to connect the set-top box to the set-top box TV, because there is a chip inside with preset signals. The programmable device you need has a completely different “stuffing” that can be configured.
Another way to gain full control over your device is to use your smartphone as a remote online device. But this opportunity is available only for “smart” gadgets: Smart TV and receivers with the Android operating system. Therefore, I will not dwell on this point, but will analyze exactly how to configure universal remote controls.
Peculiarities
If you have become the owner of a digital set-top box, you have obviously encountered some problems when using it. Regardless of which receiver you use (cable, terrestrial or satellite), you need to use 2 remote controls when watching TV channels. One is needed for a digital decoder, the other for a TV.
Demand for digital television equipment remains high. In this regard, modern electronics manufacturers have released remote controls with a large number of buttons to control different types of equipment.
Universal remote controls for digital TV set-top boxes are available in a large number of models. At the same time, some variants reached the position of leader.
After special settings, the user receives all the capabilities of the remote control.
How to choose a universal remote control for your receiver
Many users often get bored with the large number of remote controls in the house. The solution to this problem is to purchase a universal type remote control. The choice of one model or another depends on the user’s preferences and the monetary value that he is willing to part with for the sake of this device.
The lower price category includes UPDUs, which are manually configured using special codes assigned to specific equipment. Another disadvantage is the limited number of devices supported simultaneously by this UPDU. In the middle price category there are consoles that can be taught a certain sequence of actions. Such devices can only be configured by technically savvy users. The most expensive universal remote controls have touch screens. They also have the ability to connect to a PC and update over the Internet.
The difference between the original and universal remote control
Although outwardly nothing gives the device versatility, there is a fundamental difference in the microcircuits. For this reason, some remote controls may only work with the device they were originally designed for, such as a set-top box, while using that remote control to work with the same TV will no longer work.
The operating principle of the control panel is based on the following three actions:
- The TV receiver's phototransistor receives this infrared signal and converts it into an electrical impulse, which is sent to the control unit. This ensures that the command specified by the user is executed.
- When a certain button is pressed, a microcircuit is activated, in which a sequence of electrical impulses occurs.
- The LED receives a command, which, converting the pulse into an infrared beam, transmits the signal to the appropriate equipment.
The communication method used to control devices using a remote control is called PCM or Pulse Code Modulation. Its peculiarity is the assignment of a three-digit code to each command. Example:
- 111 - turn on the TV, etc.
- 010 — return to the previous channel;
- 011 — increase volume;
- 001 - select the next TV channel;
- 000 - turn off the TV;
- 100 — volume reduction;
Then, when you press the remote control buttons, the microcircuit activates an infrared diode, which operates according to the specified rule “111” - ON, ON, ON with a certain signal step length of a couple of milliseconds. Suppose if the user presses the volume button, which has a code of 011, the diode performs these three maneuvers with a certain delay (turn off, turn on and turn on again).
Original and non-original remote controls are designed for a specific device model and cannot be reconfigured to work with others. The first option involves consoles from the equipment manufacturer; the second type of device can be manufactured by different manufacturers.
Universal options are training devices that allow you to configure and use them for any type of equipment in place of the original (or non-original) version, for example, if your own remote control is lost. Such a device has built-in special software with a code base, which allows it to be used for almost any television device.
How to switch to DVB-T2 on older models with a regular home antenna?
Digital terrestrial television can be received with almost any antenna . There are no special antennas for receiving digital signals. You can use the old one that was installed earlier to watch analog television. Any decimeter antenna and the so-called “Polish” one will also work.
LG TV models released earlier than 2012 are not equipped with a DVB-T2 tuner and cannot independently receive digital broadcasting. How to convert these models to digital? An external receiver is required for this. Broadly speaking, they can be divided into two types:
- DVB-T2.
- Smart TV that receives over-the-air channels and streaming video.
The antenna is included in the set-top box, and it is connected to the TV.
How do the types of receivers differ from each other, how to make a choice?
The functions of DVB-T2 set-top boxes are usually limited to receiving a digital signal and transmitting it to a TV.
They are distinguished by their low price, ease of setup and connection. Smart TV set-top boxes have more functions; they have :
- internal memory that allows you to record broadcasts;
- USB port for connecting flash memory or external drive;
- support digital video streaming;
- in most cases, they are made on the Android platform, which allows you to run mobile applications on your TV, communicate on social networks, and receive and send mail.
The stores offer a wide selection of receivers of both types in different price categories.
How to set up a universal remote control
Programming UPDU to work with a TV is done regardless of the brand of the TV device. The user can make the expected settings for using the universal remote control when controlling the TV in several ways: manually, using the appropriate code when it is known, and automatically (the selection process is carried out by a given command).
Each remote control, depending on the manufacturer, has its own configuration nuances. The procedure is described in detail in the instructions supplied with it, and the principle of operation is the same for all copies. Let's look at how to connect a universal device to a TV using the example of several models of widely used control devices.
During the process of pairing the remote control (regardless of the manufacturer) with the TV receiver in any way, the device with which the connection is being established must be turned on. You should also make sure that the remote has batteries.
Preparation
Before setting up a universal remote control on your digital set-top box, you must follow the standard steps.
First, you need to select and purchase a remote control. The known models described below are pre-configured and suitable for most devices. As mentioned above, you won’t be able to connect the remote control from the set-top box to the TV or configure the remote control from the TV to the set-top box—you need a universal gadget.
An important point before setting up is to install working batteries or charged batteries into the device. This is important because setup may take some time.
Automatic
Dial the number “9999” on the UPDU digital keypad without lifting your finger from the “9” key until the TV receiver turns off. After this, the automatic channel selection procedure will begin, which may take up to 15 minutes.
This method is used if your device brand code is not in the brand list. However, if there is a conflict between control buttons (the function of the button applies to several devices), it will be impossible to correct them if the search was launched across the entire database (with the combination “9999”).
In different models, the combination of buttons may be different; it is better to look at the information on the packaging from the remote control or in the included instructions.
To set up the SUPRA (Supra) remote control, which is often used to control LG, Samsung or Philips TM TVs, the algorithm will be as follows:
- Wait until the volume icon appears on the screen. Try changing the sound setting, if the TV responds, the setting is successful.
- Point the remote control towards it;
- Press the “Power” button on the remote control and hold it for 5-6 seconds until the LED lights up;
- Turn on TV;
HUAYU UPDU is configured according to the following scheme:
- To exit programming mode, press the “Set” button twice.
- Press the "Set" button on the remote control panel, then the "Power" button, then release both buttons at the same time;
- Make sure the volume symbol appears on the screen;
- Turn on TV;
- Press the "Power" button again;
Some universal remote control models also have a third auto-tuning option:
- Wait for the process to complete and check the operation of the remote control with any command: if the TV responds, the remote control is configured correctly.
- Press the “TV” button and hold until the LED lights up;
- Press and hold the "Mute" button to activate the search;
- Turn on TV;
Manual
All TVs have their own pairing code, and knowing this, you can quickly set up a universal remote control. Find out your model code and do the following:
SUPRA UPDU
- When the device LED flashes 2 times, release the Power button."
- Turn on the TV receiver;
- On UPDU, hold down the “Power” button and, without releasing it, enter the code of your TV model;
HUAYU UPDU
- The indicator should go out, exit by pressing the “Install” button.
- To enter the programming mode, press two buttons simultaneously: “Power” and “Set” and wait until the PU indicator lights up steadily;
- Enter the four-digit code;
UPDU Beeline
- Operation is checked with the “Vol” button.
- Press 2 buttons: “C” and “Settings”;
- Wait until initialization is completed and after the indicator flashes 2 times, the buttons can be released;
- Turn on TV;
If you fail to enter the code within one minute, the TV will return to normal mode and you will need to start the installation again.
1 Insert batteries into the remote control
Most universal remote controls come with batteries, but you may have to buy your own. The correct type of batteries should be indicated on the device packaging.
You should immediately remember that many universal remote controls “forget” all the settings made on them if you remove both batteries from them. Therefore, replace the batteries one at a time. This will provide enough current to the device so that the universal remote control's settings are not erased.
2 Turn on the TV
Before setting up the remote control, turn on the TV or device you intend to use it on. To do this, use the old remote control or the button on the device body.
Enter device programming mode
On the device packaging, in the instructions, or, in some cases, on the body of the device itself, it should be written in detail how to enter the device setup mode. This is usually done by pressing a button or combination of buttons such as SET and POWER.
Some universal remote controls can be configured from a computer or smartphone using special applications. Others use a TV screen or even a separate small display built into the remote itself.
4 Assign a device control button
Next, you need to select a button; when pressed, the remote control will switch to controlling the device. For example, if you are thinking about how to set up your remote to control your TV, select the TV button on your remote control and press it. Depending on your remote control model, you may need to hold the button longer until the indicator lights up.
Necessary equipment
To watch digital broadcasting, as opposed to analogue, you will need a receiver that decodes the signal. Many modern TV models (Philips, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba, LG, Panasonic, etc.) are equipped with such a unit. To make sure of this, you should refer to the user manual, this brief instruction is included with each product. At the same time, check whether the built-in tuner supports the DVB-T2 format; if not, you will need to purchase a receiver.
Receiver Supra
Depending on the set of functionality, the cost of such a device can vary from 800 to 3000 rubles. Note that many digital cable television providers provide receivers for rent to subscribers.
In addition, we will need to receive a digital signal. In cities and large towns this will not be a problem; just contact your local providers. Residents of rural areas will need to install a UHF antenna or satellite dish. The latter is preferable, since it is not a fact that your home is within the coverage area of the nearest digital repeater. In addition, the option with a satellite dish provides a wider selection of television channels.
Determining the device code
Some universal remote controls include a table with the most popular devices and their codes. These numbers are needed in order to set everything up conveniently and quickly. But if your device is not on the list or it is difficult for you to determine its model in principle, then there is automatic configuration. In any case, having the code will make your work easier.
The code for the TV and set-top box can be found on the Internet. In some cases, but this doesn't always work, you can use YouTube. If your TV or receiver can connect to YouTube, you'll need to go into the app, choose to connect to your smartphone and "Connect manually," then make a note of the number that appears on the screen.
Setting methods
The following buttons are used in the remote control setup procedure:
There are two ways to program the remote control:
- automatically - when you turn on the auto search for a suitable code from the internal list embedded in the remote control.
- manually, when entering a code suitable for the TV model, using buttons;
Important! During the code selection procedure, the TV must be working properly.
How to customize Android TV remote control buttons through the application?
What's the secret to customizing your Android Smart TV Box remote control? It's actually simple.
By default, on the set-top box remote control, each button is assigned an action. But we all know that there are also gestures such as long press or double tap. And the most common remote control of the popular Xiaomi Mi Box is capable of detecting them - you just need to program them.
To do this, you need to download and install an application called “Button Mapper”. It's free and available for free on the Google Play Store.
Once installed, don't try to launch it right away, as you'll first need to give it permission to manage your Android TV system. To do this, launch the set-top box settings menu
And we are looking for the article “Features”
Here we scroll down the list and go to "Button Mapper"
We turn on this application by moving the virtual slider to the active state
How to assign buttons to the remote control of a TV set-top box?
Now you can go to the second item of the same menu - “Configuration”. Click here
And let's move on to the program settings. Unfortunately, many features are only available in the paid version. But even in the free one, you can safely reassign or add some action to the main control panel buttons of the Android TV set-top box.
To do this, click “Add Buttons” and get access to the list of functions that have already been reassigned. To add a new one, we again select the menu section with the same name and then press and hold the button on the remote control that we want to reconfigure.
Then it will appear on the same page.
Now move the selection to it and press the middle "OK" button on your remote control. The programming configuration for that key will open. At the moment they are not active, so first you need to unlock their reassignment in the Settings menu
Now we have the ability to set three values for this button at the same time:
- long
- for a short press,
- double
Let's say there is a double
Now all that remains is to select the function of the TV set-top box on Android, which will be activated by double-clicking the button. There is so much
How to resolve remote control conflicts
Sometimes, due to internal errors in setting up the remote control, the latter begins to behave incorrectly, simultaneously executing commands for the set-top box and the TV. For example, when you press the volume button, the channels begin to change. To resolve this issue, the user must follow these steps:
- Point the remote control at the set-top box, hold down , POWER until the POWER indicator flashes red twice, that is, the remote control goes into setup (programming) mode.
- We compose code 3220, try to add or reduce sound in the field. If the problem persists, start over, but dial 3221 if you can't dial 3222, 3223, or 3224.
It also happens that two remote controls go wrong at the same time, from the Rostelecom set-top box and from the remote control of your TV. For example, using the TV remote control, instead of adjusting the volume, the channels begin to switch and the menu is activated. To fix the problem, you need to do the following:
- We enter the settings through the menu, select “System Settings”, then click “Remote Control”. In the section, select the commands that have been configured on the console. Don’t be afraid to make a mistake, the set-top box will not accept the wrong code, moreover, it will indicate the correct one below.
- Now let's try adding sound again using the TV remote control. If the problem is not resolved, go to the “Remote control” section again, select “Allow all”, try setting up the remote control with a different code.
As a rule, everything is solved on the first try, since the TV remote control in such failures only works according to the given codes.
Questions and answers
During the process of installing equipment and setting up digital television, various questions may arise that are not covered in the instructions or subscriber’s memo.
How many digital channels will be available?
It all depends on the package and country of connection. There are 2 multiplexes available in Russia - 20 basic channels. In Ukraine there are 32 channels. If you connect through a provider, package channels will be available - from 50 or more, but a monthly subscription fee will be required.
Why did the message “no signal” appear on the screen?
If everything worked before, there could be two reasons - a broken cable plug or a bad signal due to maintenance work at the television station.
Why are not all channels displayed?
The standard terrestrial digital television package includes a limited number of channels. If a channel that is part of the connected multiplexes is not displayed, you need to check the signal level - there may be problems with the antenna.
Can I receive cable and digital channels at the same time?
Yes, this is possible, but this will require the additional use of a television signal adder. Such adders are usually sold in television equipment stores.
Why do channels freeze?
If during viewing the image on the screen begins to freeze or decompose into pixels, there is only one reason - signal deterioration due to a malfunction of the antenna or bad weather conditions. If you purchase a satellite dish, you don't have to depend on the weather.
Knowing the basic information on connecting and setting up digital television reception, you can independently make the transition to it from analogue technologies. If for some reason you cannot install the software or configure channels, it is better to contact a service center and entrust the task of switching to digital television to professionals.
5 / 5 ( 4 voices)
Possible malfunctions, their causes and methods of restoring functionality
Currently, there are a huge number of companies involved in the manufacture of equipment. However, none of them will guarantee the eternal operation of a particular device. Likewise, remote controls do not work under certain conditions.
Checking the functionality of the remote control for the receiver
This requires a smartphone. Activate Camera mode on your device, point it at the top of the remote control where the infrared light is located, and press any button on the remote control. When the remote control is working correctly, you can see the LED flash thanks to the camera lens. If you observe this phenomenon, it means that the problem is with the receiver or other device that this remote control belongs to.
Don't forget to check the functionality of the remote control
If the LEDs do not blink, the remote control is faulty and requires replacement or repair. If your device stops responding to key presses, wipe the batteries first. Open the battery compartment cover and remove the old batteries. Next, you need to inspect the contacts for rust. Usually appears when the batteries are leaking. Before removing new batteries, remove rust by removing the contacts and spraying with alcohol.
Various types of contamination can cause the remote control to fail.
There are many reasons why a Tricolor receiver or other device does not respond to the remote control. Often the cause of failure of individual keys is the entry of various contaminants or liquids into the housing during operation of the device. For example:
- Due to the appearance of a greasy layer on the surface of the graphic coating, there may be periodic or constant lack of contact of this surface with the rubber base of the keys. The main symptom of this problem is that when pressing buttons, it takes a lot of force to change channels. To solve this problem, first read the instructions for disassembling the remote control.
- To avoid accidentally turning on the receiver when disassembling the remote control, remove the batteries from the appropriate compartment. After disassembling the device, you will need a cotton swab. It must be moistened with a liquid containing alcohol. Use this cotton swab to gently clean your desk surface. The remaining parts can be washed in soapy water using a brush.
Possible mechanical damage, after which the remote control stops responding
The remote control is adversely affected by various drops or impacts on hard surfaces. If the device does not work, first of all, look at the weak points of all remote controls. These are the contacts located in the battery compartment. Usually the solder in them breaks or the contacts simply “break”. In this case, just solder the contacts and the remote control should work.
In addition, the infrared diode often falls out. To restore functionality, it is necessary to re-solder the fallen contact of the diode. Another element that can fail if dropped is quartz. In various devices it has a certain frequency. To find an identical part, you need to contact a specialized store that sells radio equipment and related components. The biggest mistake is a crack in the board. This is not always noticeable when viewed visually. Repair of cracks on the surface of copper rails is carried out by welding.
Important! Cracked boards cannot be repaired in coal aisles.
Pros and cons of a universal remote control
Before programming a universal remote control for a digital set-top box, familiarize yourself with all the pros and cons of the selected device, read reviews and information about it. In general terms, the following disadvantages may arise when using a universal remote control:
- Build quality. Typically, the original remotes of these brands are made better than other devices.
- The codes match. It is possible that the button triggers an action on both the set-top box and the TV. To solve this problem, you will have to go through the codes for a long time. But in some situations, for example, with “unnamed” Chinese receivers, in principle it will not be eliminated.
- Such remote controls sometimes cannot replace all the capabilities of the original. The functionality will be slightly reduced.
In my opinion, the advantages of a universal remote control are much greater. Receive only one controller to use. One quick installation and you can use it for years. In addition, such a gadget can be configured with other devices in the house. Therefore, if your old switch is broken or you have lost it, I advise you not to look for a similar one, but to connect a new one - a universal one. I hope this article will help you choose and configure it.
Advantages of digital television
Compared to analog television, digital technology benefits from a longer list of advantages, significantly expanding the capabilities of TV users. The main advantages of digital television:
- improved sound and picture quality;
- expansion of the number of channels in the same range;
- the ability to record television programs and create archives;
- no need for powerful transmitters;
- choice of broadcast language and subtitles;
- the ability to add a radio to the multiplex;
- ability to receive EPG signals.
Digital television has very few disadvantages:
- During a thunderstorm and other adverse weather conditions, the signal may be poorly transmitted;
- if the signal weakens (often this depends on the choice of antenna), individual fragments of the image or the entire picture as a whole partially freeze.
What's the result?
- Of the two, the manual is faster, but you need to have a code table handy. Automatically longer, but it is possible to tune in to a TV model that is not in the list.
- The remote control may not be programmed for all existing TV models.
- To reconnect the remote to a new TV, you can do a hard reset and get everything set up quickly.
- It is possible to fix a conflict between remote controls (if they use the same communication channel), although this is quite rare.
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