The breakdown of an old television remote control or its poor working condition leads to the question of selecting a new correct control device. It is a mistaken opinion that all “remote controls” are identical and are suitable for any TV model. However, for a certain TV model you need to choose your own special remote control. Of course, you can take the same model that you had before, but this does not guarantee support for all existing functions. Next, we’ll look at how to choose the right remote control for your TV.
Remote control selection
If the remote control is broken, you need to quickly look for a replacement. If the required model is not on sale, the problem can be solved in other ways. The selection of the remote control depends on the brand of the TV and the control device itself, as well as on the user’s preferences. You can find an original remote control or limit yourself to a universal one.
By external signs
This option for choosing a remote control is suitable for those who do not want to delve into technical details. To do this, you need to have an old device in front of your eyes. It is desirable that the names of the buttons are visible on it.
How to choose a remote control based on external features:
- Go to one of the catalogs with TV brands. Select a brand and go to the desired page.
- Using the photo, find a remote control similar to the broken one.
- Carefully compare the buttons on the remote controls - the labels should match. It happens that the model name is written directly on the remote control - it must also be identical.
By modification
This option is suitable if the control device has an inscription indicating the name of its model.
How to find the remote control by model:
- Find the inscription on the remote control. As a rule, it is written at the bottom of the front cover. It happens that the model name is written on the cover of the battery compartment - on the inside (like Philips) or on the outside (like Panasonic).
- Type the model name into the search bar on the catalog website and start the search.
By equipment model
There are markings on the body of the old remote control that should be followed when buying a new analogue in stores or when searching in online store catalogs.
Where the markings may be located:
- back side of the case;
- on the front cover;
- under the battery compartment cover.
Markings can also be found in documents for the TV - if the letters and numbers on the remote control have been erased so that they are impossible to read.
If you are not sure about the compatibility of your TV with the selected remote control, ask a consultant for help in this regard.
How to choose a TV remote control if the old one is broken?
A broken TV remote control is an unpleasant situation, since today it is one of the most useful and necessary accessories in the home. If the remote control is broken and it is impossible to restore it, you can find an analogue in several ways.
| Method | Explanation |
| Decide on the remote control model | • The easiest way is to look at the brand and model of the original device and buy the same one in the store. This data is usually indicated on the bottom of the device or on the back panel. |
| Decide on the TV model | • If the brand and model cannot be determined (for example, the remote control was lost, or this data was erased over time), you should select the remote control according to the model of the TV itself. When going to the store, it is better to take the instructions with you, after studying which the sales assistant will tell you which devices are compatible with your TV equipment. |
| Ask a service center consultant | • Similar information can be obtained by calling the service center or customer support center in person. Consultants will tell you the manufacturer and model of the remote control that is compatible with your TV. |
| Buy a universal remote control | If none of the methods works, you can use the simplest and most practical solution - buy a universal remote control. Simple remote controls of this type can control only one device (TV) at a time, but at the same time they are able to recognize a huge number of built-in codes, so they fit almost any TV. More complex devices can simultaneously control the operation of five or more devices, so purchasing such a remote control is an excellent decision not only from a household, but also from a financial point of view. |
Compatible remote controls
In such popular brands as, for example, LG and Samsung, most of the remote controls are compatible with all TVs of the corresponding brand. For less popular brands, remote controls are assembled from standard microcircuits, which means that for inexpensive TVs you can always choose a device from another TV.
If you live in an apartment building, you can ask your neighbors or friends for the remote control to check its compatibility. If it fits, then you can safely buy this model. This option is useful in cases where you cannot find an exact copy of a broken remote control.
Signs of compatibility:
- correct interaction with a television receiver;
- The TV obediently and without delay executes all commands sent to it from the remote control being tested.
Universal remote control
There are remote controls that fit almost all TVs. For example, Dexp or Huayu. A special feature of such remote controls is the ability to process several signal options at once. This ability allows one remote control to control TVs of different brands.
Pros of universal remote controls:
- fits thousands of TV models;
- wide range of action - 10-15 m;
- you can control other types of equipment;
- easy setup for working with a specific TV model - if you follow the manufacturer's instructions (the instructions for the universal device contain codes for different TVs).
Universal remote controls are cheaper than analogues from famous brands.
When choosing a remote control, consider the following characteristics and features:
- training mode;
- interaction zone;
- design;
- ergonomics.
Smartphone as a remote control
Modern phone models are equipped with a new function - they can act as a remote control. And not only television. If you set up your phone to control appliances, you can find another use for it - you will “command” all the devices in the house that have a Smart function.
How to set up your smartphone to control TV:
- Go to Google Play and download the corresponding mobile application to your phone. There are several of them, so choose any one or read the reviews first, and make a choice based on them.
- Launch the program. After that, select the type of equipment from the list provided - TV.
- Indicate in the appropriate line the brand and connection method - infrared, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
- After this, the program will begin searching for the device. When the TV model name appears on the screen, select it.
- A confirmation code will appear on the TV screen. Enter it into your smartphone.
This completes the setup of the smartphone. Now your phone can serve as a TV remote control.
How to find out the TV code?
There is a special code for the TV to pair with the remote control. With its help, the television receiver can be combined with tablets and phones. A unique code allows you to recognize any third-party device and regulate its operation.
The setup code is a combination of 3-4 digits. You can find it in:
- TV data sheet;
- on the manufacturer’s website;
- in catalogs.
There are network services on the Internet through which you can find a TV remote control. Here the search is usually carried out by TV brand. An example of search services for 5-digit codes is codesforuniversalremotes.com/5-digit-universal-remote-codes-tv/.
Even if you did not find the code in the above sources, you can find it using the universal remote control. It has an auto-tuning function for software code search.
You need to remember the TV code, or even better, write it down, as it may be needed in the future.
Universal remote control with gyroscope
It's not even a remote control, but an air mouse (sometimes called an air remote control). The device was the result of “crossing” a push-button remote control, a computer mouse and a game joystick. Such a device can safely be called triple universal, since it serves not just as a universal remote control, but also replaces two more accessories. Air mice with IR ports can control a large number of multimedia devices: TVs, set-top boxes (for example, Android TV), as well as computers, laptops and many other devices running Windows and Linux. The air control unit connects via Bluetooth and comes with a special receiver that is inserted into the USB connector on the controlled device.
Inside the air mouse there is a sensitive gyroscope that responds to the slightest tilt. The movement of the mouse on the TV screen will directly depend on how you move the device in space. This is similar to how a computer mouse works, only it moves on a flat horizontal surface, while an air mouse moves in three-dimensional space.
Many aircraft have a full qwerty keyboard that makes typing easier. This is much more convenient and faster than entering text from the virtual keyboard on the TV screen, slowly moving from one button to another. A physical keyboard comes in handy when you want to use the TV's built-in browser, watch your favorite artist's video on YouTube, or search for your favorite movie on Wink.
Remote control channels
There are several options for connecting remote controls to TVs. They depend on the design and model of the remote control itself.
Connection options:
- Infrared. A reliable communication channel that allows you to control a wide variety of devices. The signal strength may vary. The transmission distance depends on the interference encountered along the beam path. Can only be used in one room.
- Wireless. The connection can be made via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Such devices are usually used in smart home systems.
Review of the best TV remotes
A universal remote control is a convenient device that allows you to control not only televisions, but also microwaves, dishwashers, washing machines, stereo systems, and other appliances. Below are the most popular universal remote controls with brief descriptions and prices.
Popular remote control models:
- Philips SRP 3011/10. Ergonomic option with large buttons, suitable for different TV models. On Smart TV it slows down. Not suitable for other equipment. There is an infrared signal and 30 buttons. Range - 10 m. Average price: 600 rubles.
- Gal LM – P 170. Budget-friendly, compact remote control with infrared signal. Ergonomic, with a set of basic functions. With it you can record video/audio, adjust parameters, stop playback. Easy and quick to set up, allows you to control 8 devices at once. There are 45 buttons, the signal operates at 10 m, weight - 55 g. Average price: 680 rubles.
- One For All URC7955 Smart Control. This infrared remote control can control not only the TV, but also game consoles, stereo systems and other equipment. There is a learning function - you can create your own macros. The keys are backlit. The body is very durable, monolithic. The signal extends to 15 m, the number of buttons is 50. Weight is 95 g. Average price: 4,000 rubles.
- Gal LM – S 009 L. This universal remote control with an infrared signal is capable of controlling 8 signals at once. It can be programmed by copying the commands from the original remote control. The device has a DIY button for creating your own macros. Signal range - 8 m, number of buttons - 48, weight - 110 g. Average cost: 1,000 rubles.
- One For All Contour TV. An infrared remote control designed to control a wide variety of devices. Suitable for a large room, since the signal extends over 15 m. There are 38 buttons, two of which have built-in backlighting. The body is made of high-strength plastic, it is resistant to shock and deformation. Pre-programmed settings contain built-in codes to recognize hundreds of TV models. Weight - 84 g. Average price: 900 rubles.
- One For All Evolve. Programmable remote control with training function support. Can work with Smart TV. Suitable for controlling various equipment. It is ergonomic and its infrared transmitter has a wide viewing angle. The remote control is resistant to mechanical stress. Allows you to control only two devices simultaneously. Signal range - 15 m, number of buttons - 48. Weight - 94 g. Average price: 1,700 rubles.
- Rombica Air R5. This remote control provides the functions necessary for comfortable use of Smart TV. In appearance, the remote control looks standard, but it allows you to control the equipment without leaving the couch - thanks to the built-in gyroscope, which records deviations. The signal is transmitted via Bluetooth. Distribution range - 10 m. Number of buttons - 14. Weight - 46 g. Average price: 1,300 rubles.
What it is?
It would seem that it could be difficult to select a simple device for controlling a TV from a distance. At the same time, few people know that remote controls have a certain classification. So, they differ in the communication channel, type of power supply and set of functions . Fortunately, in order not to spend a lot of time studying all the nuances, universal remote controls were invented.
Moreover, some of them are suitable for controlling not only the TV, but also all other modern equipment in the house.
Setting up the remote control
Insert batteries into the new remote control and turn on the TV. In addition to it, there are other options: DVD, PVR and AUDIO. Do not release the key for about 3 seconds, wait until the indicator on the TV/other device turns on.
Further actions will depend on whether the user knows the model code or whether it is unknown - there is an auto-tuning for this case.
By code
To set up the remote manually, you need your TV model code. After that you can start.
Setting by code:
- Turn on the TV and hold the remote control towards it.
- Hold down the power button on the remote control and, without releasing it, enter the code.
- After entering the code, the LED light should light up - usually it is located under the buttons or near some button.
After the code is entered, the remote control is ready to control the TV.
If you buy rechargeable batteries for the remote control instead of replaceable batteries, they can be repeatedly charged from the mains.
No code
One of the options for setting up the remote control is searching for a code. It, like automatic, is used if the code is unknown.
Follow these steps:
- Turn on the TV and hold the remote control towards it.
- Press 2 buttons at once - “OK” and “TV”. Hold them for a couple of seconds - all the remote control buttons should light up. Wait until only the number buttons are lit.
- Slowly press the “CH+” button, which switches channels. When the TV turns off, the code is found.
- Save the settings by pressing the "TV" key.
In different TV models, the code is selected at different speeds. In order not to miss the desired code, when pressing the select button, wait 2-3 seconds to catch the TV’s reaction.
Automatically
Automatic setup is used if the user could not find the code for his TV in the list of branded models.
How to start automatic setup:
- Dial the numbers 9999 on the remote control panel.
- Do not remove your finger from the “9” button until the TV turns on.
- After this, the auto-tuning procedure begins, which can last a quarter of an hour.
With this setup, there is a risk of button conflict - when the function of one key is distributed to different devices. And once the search has started, it will no longer be possible to make any corrections.
Auto-tuning of different universal remote controls may vary slightly. Let's look at the example of setting up the SUPRA remote control, which is usually used to control TV brands from Asian manufacturers.
How to set up the Supra remote control:
- Turn on the TV.
- Point the remote at the TV.
- Press the “Power” key. Keep your finger on it for 5-6 seconds until the LED lights up.
- When the volume icon appears on the screen, change the sound settings - make it louder or quieter. If the TV responds, then the setup was completed successfully.
Video on how to set up a universal remote control:
According to the original remote control
A universal remote control can be easily adjusted (trained) for a specific TV. This is done in the following way:
- Place the universal and original remote control so that the indicators are opposite each other.
- Enter the custom remote control into training mode. On remote controls it can be activated using different buttons, so check the instructions.
- Press the learn button on the original remote, and then press the same key on its universal counterpart.
- After this, the original remote control will emit a signal, which the universal model will remember and associate with the button pressed after reading the signal. This procedure must be carried out in turn with each button.
Video on how to choose a remote control for your TV:
When choosing a remote control for your TV, act consistently, and do not rush to buy a new remote control without analyzing the situation. Find out which model you need, think about it - perhaps a universal option will be more useful to you or a smartphone will be enough.
How to make your own repairs
To find out whether your device can be repaired, you need to find out whether it emits an infrared signal, which is used to control the operation of the equipment. Since this type of signal is not visible to the human eye, you can check its presence using a simple telephone camera.
If the required signal is missing, you should replace the control device with a new one or, if you have basic electronics skills, carry out your own repairs.
Often the problem of malfunction is sticking or partial failure of individual buttons. The reason for this is the failure of the graphite coating, which acts as a conductor. To fix this problem, just follow a few simple steps:
- unscrew the remote control housing;
- cut aluminum foil into small squares;
- glue the resulting pieces to the contacts;
- screw the housing.
Breakage of ceramic quartz is the main cause of remote control malfunction: as a rule, it is caused by dropping the device. Shake the device body. If a rumbling sound is heard inside, the quartz has broken. Repair in this case is a simple replacement of the ceramic base. Remember: the remote control, like any equipment, needs regular care. If you systematically disassemble the remote control and clean its contacts, it will last you much longer.
