universal remote lcd touch screen free sample

This instructable provides the information needed for you to build a compact, touch screen, Infrared, remote-control unit that can be easily programmed with control codes cloned from your existing remotes.

I started this project for several reasons, the most significant being that the remote-control unit for my multimedia receiver is beginning to fail. Several of the heavily used buttons are intermittent and many of the receiver’s functions are only accessible by using the remote. Reason number two is that it takes three (3) remote-control units just to watch TV! The TV remote, cable box and sound system remotes are each required. Oh, not to overlook the DVD remote-controller so that would make four (4) remote units. Finally, I thought this would be an excellent project to learn a bit about Arduino micro controllers, writing a “Sketch” (the operational program) and how IR (InfraRed) remote-control units work, all new to me.

Fortunately, I found some excellent information that allowed successful completion of this project. The authors of the Arduino libraries used to compile the remote-control Sketch provide good background information that helped greatly in getting things to work correctly. My build has now been in constant use for several months.

The success of this project depends on remote-control protocols being supported by the Arduino IR2Lib library used to compile the sketch. The current version of the IR2Lib library seems to have support for a large number of equipment manufacturers but there is always the possibility that an IR remote-control device youhave is not supported. The authors of the library do have a technique for handling “raw” control data if there is no standard protocol support available but using this “raw” data technique is not within the scope of this Instructable.

The example “Dump” sketch provided with the IR2lib library should give a quick answer about support for YOURremotes. You may have to try 2 or 3 button presses to get a successful result. I suspect the IR (infrared) receiver is sensitive to electrical noise and, perhaps, ambient light.

Note-when pressing the button on your remote, do it firmly but quickly! It seems that some remotes send a special “repeat” code after the desired function code if the button is pressed for too long of a duration. This may cause “Unknown” protocol results.

Once you know the protocols used by your remotes are supported, you can continue with confidence that you will have a successful project. If you only get a protocol type as “unknown”, well, it will take an adventurous individual to try and work with the “raw” data and is, perhaps, the topic for a new Instructable but not within the scope of this project. The IR2lib library does provide examples and instructional information about using "raw" IR codes.

I have tried to provide thorough documentation with many diagrams, photos and lots of comments within the Sketch (program code) but this project might be quite a challenge for a beginner. I recommend reviewing the steps that follow and read through the Sketch (bp_remote.ino) since the comments in the Sketch provide a lot of information.

An assembly drawing for this circuit shows where to place the components on a typical perf-board. Also provided is the artwork to make your own PCB (printed circuit board) if you choose. There are several sources for information about making a PCB at home. Several “Instructables” (do a search for “PCB” within the “Circuits” group) as well as many on-line videos such asthis video and others offer techniques for getting the job done. Do an on-line search for “how to make a PCB at home”. Of course, the PCB approach is optional. Point to point wiring on a perf-board will work nicely if the provided layout is used. Remember, it must fit into the remote-controller’s case. During the development of this project, I first used a perf board with point to point wiring but decided to add PCB fabrication to my learning challenge. My final assembly did make use of a home-made PCB.

Thanks for downloading this free app, now you can control your Smart TV with this smart tv remote, this is a very cool IOS application that allows you control your Television with your iPhone or iPad. Your remote control for all channels, works as a Universal Remote.

To use the tv control remote, you must have your iPhone / iPad on the same wifi network as your TV and you have to accept the message that appears on your TV. Because the application runs through the wireless network, it is not necessary to be near the TV.

The Crestron® TSR-310 Handheld Touch Screen Remote is an elegant, customizable wireless controller designed for use in home theaters, bedrooms, hotel rooms, boardrooms, and many other applications. Ruggedized for durability, the TSR-310 offers exceptional comfort and ergonomics for hours of one-handed use. Its backlit buttons provide positive tactile response and clear visibility under all lighting conditions. Its high-resolution 3 in. (76 mm) capacitive touch screen affords completely customizable control over audio, video, lighting, shades, climate, security, and other amenities. Built-in Voice Recognition allows many functions to be executed using spoken commands. Dependable wireless performance is ensured using enhanced Wi-Fi® technology. A space-saving tabletop dock is included for charging the remote.[1]

A full complement of buttons provides immediate access to everything you need to watch TV, listen to music, navigate onscreen menus, and browse through media titles on your TV display. Each button is clearly labeled using familiar text and icons for intuitive operation. Button backlighting affords excellent legibility in darkened rooms. The 5-way thumbpad affords easy directional navigation in normal use and changes colors when placed in four-color mode to provide access to the green, blue, red, and yellow option buttons.

The TSR-310 features a high-resolution, high-contrast capacitive touch screen to enable fully customizable control over anything in your home or workplace. Crestron Smart Graphics technology delivers an engaging and intuitive touch screen experience with fluid gesture-driven controls, kinetic effects, animated feedback, rich metadata, embedded apps and widgets, and personalized themes – all custom tailored to your needs.

Performance UI is a built-in software program for the TSR-310 that provides a preprogrammed graphical interface for controlling a Crestron Pyng® OS 2 system. Once the TSR-310 is paired with the Crestron Pyng system and added to a media room via the free Crestron Pyng configuration app, media sources may be controlled using the TSR-310 hard buttons and touch screen controls. Scrolling menus of channel presets and media titles appear on the touch screen with full color icons and cover art for all your favorite TV channels, radio stations, movies, and music. User profiles are also provided to give users custom control over the media system, including the ability to save favorites, such as television channels and radio stations, for easy access.

Even without picking it up, the TSR-310 wakes instantly at the press of a button and transmits the button press within milliseconds. So spontaneous actions like muting the audio, pausing the video, or changing the channel can be executed on the fly, even with the remote left lying on an armrest or placed in its charging dock.

To ensure optimal visibility under varying lighting conditions, the TSR-310 includes a built-in light sensor, which regulates the brightness of the touch screen display and button backlighting according to the ambient light level in the room.

Its included table dock provides for charging the TSR-310 while occupying minimal space on the tabletop or shelf. When placed on the table dock, the remote remains upright and fully operational while charging.[4]

A liquid crystal display (LCD) universal remote is a remote control that can control many different home entertainment system components, including televisions, digital receivers and digital video disc (DVD) players. An LCD universal remote has a liquid crystal display screen that can be navigated using buttons or touch screen technology. LCD universal remotes that are controlled using buttons often have buttons along the sides of the screen so corresponding menu items can appear adjacent to the buttons on the screen.

LCD remotes are usually highly customizable. Each device programmed to be controlled by the remote has its own screen with appropriate buttons and options. On-screen buttons can be renamed to correspond to the buttons on the devices they control, and the names of devices controlled by the remote can be programmed into the remote and displayed on the LCD screen.

Some LCD universal remote controls are capable of using macros, which are programmed sequences that execute multiple commands. For example, a macro may turn on a television, turn on a DVD player, and then turn up the speaker volume. Many remotes also allow users to program their favorite channels to be turned on by certain buttons or to appear in a channel list.

One of the advantages of an LCD universal remote is its bright, backlit screen. This makes it easy for users to control devices in dark home theater environments. Some remotes enable users to adjust the level of screen brightness. Some LCD universal remote controls are capable of infrared cloning. The infrared cloning technology allows all the customization applied to one remote to be transferred to another remote of the same model.

Many LCD universal remote controls use standard disposable batteries, while others have rechargeable batteries and charging stands. Remotes can be programmed to control devices using device-specific codes. Some remotes include universal serial bus (USB) connectivity so they can be programmed online using programming wizard applications. Although most LCD universal remotes are capable of controlling thousands of different devices, there is a limit to the number of devices they can be programmed to control at any one time. Most LCD universal remotes can control 10 to 15 devices at once.

The evolution of various features of universal remote control such as voice control, multifunctioning at a time and others are the driving factors for the market growth in the coming years. The emergence of IoT applications has paved potential application avenues for the smart remote control business and will bring new opportunities to the market. According to the latest research by Fact MR., the universal remote controls business is set to grow at a steady pace during 2021-2031.

With the continuous development of technology, vendors are offering smart remote monitoring system with LCD touch screen and Wi-Fi technology. Wi-Fi remote devices are gaining traction in the market worldwide. They allow users to bypass the cable provider to see what is playing on the TV over the Wi-Fi network. Additionally, updates of the TV program are displayed on the LCD screen of the global remote control. LCD touchscreen devices have a bright LCD screen that displays "virtual buttons."

Remote controls across radios often use radio waves to control electronic devices that are blocked by barriers such as walls or suitcases. The Universal Remote is configured with macros that allow the execution of various commands with a single button. For example, macro-programming assist the satellite dish, as well as the TV, can be turned on by pressing a single button no need to press two buttons at a time.

With the increasing awareness of smart devices among people, the requirement for universal remote controls is also increasing. Universal remote control designed to operate several consumer electronic device including TVs, microphones, lights, air conditioners, toys and more. In general, these devices are divided into two categories high end and low-end remote controls. Low-end devices are able to control limited devices at a time whereas high-end devices allow users to take action and set the number of devices to be controlled at a time.

Furthermore, the adoption of Do It Yourself (DIY) consumer electronics propelling the global demand for smart remote controls as customers themselves can download universal remote control codes and programs. Programming and installation require no expert assistance. In addition, factor such as the increased requirement of smart home devices is driving the global demand.

The increase in smartphone adoption is expected to make a significant contribution to universal remote business during the forecast period. The increase in spending on advanced technology devices is expected to have a major impact on the overall business growth.

The high cost of universal remote control compared to dedicated remote devices is expected to hinder universal remote controls business growth in developing countries of the Asia Pacific and Africa. Additionally, the threat of network hacking is likely to be another obstacle for the universal remote control business that supports Wi-Fi.

The development of technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) drives smart remote control sales. Increasing sensors application is likely to augment the demand for universal remote controls across the globe. Due to ease of use and convenience, the WiFi-based remote control technology creates substantial attention across a large consumer base. The radiofrequency remote controls also gain traction among consumers, the main factors driving the demand it doesn’t need internet for operation and it can transmit signals even in impassable obstructions.

The Asia Pacific is one of the prominent region witnessing the growth of the universal remote control business. With the fast growing population and rapid urbanization the region has witnessed the high adoption of consumer electronics devices. Owing to increasing disposable income of the people in the region requirement for smart electronics are also increasing.

Owing to the growing demand in the region manufacturers also started making affordable, technological advanced product and offer them to customers. New product launches with smart monitoring facility grab the attention of the customers. In February 2020, Panasonic launched bindle of smart consumer electronics products in the Indian and Japanese market. The products launched in those countries include smart monitoring system developed and related products. Owing to the points highlighted above the demand for universal remote controls is set to boom in the region. Thus, contributing towards overall growth of the universal remote controls business.

North America is a home for many leading universal remote manufacturing companies. Due to the impact of the coronavirus outbreak, the manufacturers in the region experienced heavy traffic in terms of sales. The region was severely affected by the COVID-19 in 2020, owing to the massive increase number of confirmed cases and death rate. US and Canada impacted most due to the pandemic and shown a decrease in the adoption of smart consumer electronics.

As North America is known to be the most critical region for the adoption of new technologies. Thus, the demand for smart remote controls also paramount to a certain extent. High purchasing power, favourable government policies make the region most prominent for the sale of smart consumer electronic devices. The US and Canada witnessed the highest demand for universal remote controls in the region.

Most of the leading remote control manufacturers and suppliers have long term contract with other same industry key players. The manufacturers are focusing on easy and convenient remote control solution by reducing the number of buttons. Even though the manufacturers are also developed digital touchscreen in the remote for flawless and attractive use. New product development and technological advancement help manufacturers grab more attention from customers and capture demand accordingly.

Our expert reviewers and editors evaluate remotes based on design, range, sensitivity, and features. We test their real-life performance in actual use cases and how easy they are to program and how accurate they are and at what distance. Our testers also consider each unit as a value proposition—whether or not a product justifies its price tag, and how it compares to competitive products. All of the models we reviewed were purchased by Lifewire; none of the review units were furnished by the manufacturer or retailer.

Not necessarily. it certainly helps to have the original remote on hand to quickly translate its functions to your new remote. However, some universal remotes are capable of mirroring the functions of your original remote simply by being on the same network as your smart TV.

Yes. Fortunately, most modern universal remotes are compatible with streaming apps, allowing you to seamlessly browse your backlog on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime.

The code for your remote is usually found inside the battery housing, but if you can"t find it there or in your manual, thankfully universal remotes typically have an auto code search function. This mode cycles through a list of available IR codes until it receives a response from your original remote or TV. This option is the easiest method, but can sometimes take a while.

Before purchasing any piece of technology, it’s essential to make sure that it’ll work with the gadgets you already have at home. Some remotes offer built-in controls for services such as Netflix, others only have a general control layout, and some won’t work at all. Be sure to check your remote’s compatibility before making a purchase.

The majority of universal remotes you find will merely allow you to switch between controlling different devices, but some solutions such as Logitech’s Harmony lineup offer automation. Just hit a single button to turn on your TV and receiver, switch to the correct input, and even dim the lights.

Going beyond standard automation, some universal remotes are beginning to support virtual assistants such as Google Home and Amazon Echo. If you wish to tune to your favorite game on ESPN or launch a game on your PlayStation with the command of your voice, be sure to look for a remote that supports smart home devices.

Are you ready to binge on your favorite television shows? Awesome. Now think of all the remotes living on your coffee table: one for the TV, DVD player, cable, gaming console. That’s quite a collection you’ve got going there. Pare it down a bit by learning how to turn your smartphone or tablet into a TV remote.

If your phone has an IR blaster, download a TV-remote app like AnyMote Smart IR Remote. Not only can it control your TV, but also any device that receives an IR signal—set-top boxes, DVD and Blu-ray players, stereo equipment and even some air-conditioning systems.

Today’s Smart TVs have accompanying manufacturer apps. Samsung Smart TVs, for example, are compatible with the Samsung TV Remote App. The app allows your device and television to communicate over your Wi-Fi network. Chances are if you have a Smart TV, there’s an app that’ll turn your device into a remote.

In this review, I am proud to present you with the best remotes for Philips TVs you can get right now. I will include universal remote options as well as OEM replacement options to replace your existing remote in the event you are in love with it.

One thing, however, that many Philips TV customers seem to share in common is a disdain for the remote that may have come with your Philips TV. It looks like this:

Well, friends, I am here to help you replace that remote with a bonafideuniversal remote that will let you control all of the equipment in your home theater.

Side note: If all you want to do is replace said remote above, it will make me sad. But I’ll show you where you can pick up one of those babies as well.

Full disclosure: I don’t own a Philips TV, but I have written enough about universal remotes (over 120 articles!) to feel very secure in these recommendations. Let’s kick things off with a side-by-side comparison of my top 3 picks.

The following table provides a side-by-side comparison of key features of my top three picks for best remotes for Philips TVs of the universal variety. I will include a separate table near the end of this post with my OEM replacement remote picks for various popular TV models.

With Logitech’s recent announcement that it will no longer be making Harmony remotes, I’ve been waiting for a worthy alternative to arrive on the scene for a little while.  Thankfully, with the arrival of the Sofabaton X1, I can now officially say that my wait is over.

The X1 actually outshines even the higher-end Harmony remotes in some areas.  For example, my Harmony Elite remote would allow me to control 15 home theater devices, whereas the x1 is virtually unlimited at 60 devices.  Also, the battery life on the X1 is the best out of any remote I have ever tasted, with whopping 60 hours of run time on a single charge.

Yes, that’s right, the battery will go for two months without having to recharge it. That is just some magic right there. While the LCD displays only and not a touch screen like the Harmony Elite, I do like the way the smaller-sized X1 feels in my hand better.

Also, like Harmony’s hub-based remote line, the X1 also ships with a Hub, and it will allow you to create custom activities like “Watch Philips TV” that automatically fire up all the required components, including your TV, a soundbar, or surround sound setup, your receiver, favorite streaming player and just about anything else you want to throw in the mix.

SofaBaton X1 Universal Remote with Hub & APP, All in One Universal Remote Control for up to 60+ Devices TVs/DVDs/Soundbars/Streaming Boxs etc, Smart Remote Control with Activities

【 SofaBaton X1 Universal Remote - Make One For All 】The SofaBaton X1 universal remote control works with over 500,000 compatible devices from over 6,000 Brands. The Sofabaton X1 lets you control up to 60+ devices and start actions for multiple devices with just one touch, such as STB/TV/soundbars/DVD player/Streaming Box, etc. No more remote control ch*aos and tedious setup of device settings

【 Customize Activities & Commands 】Create customized activities to control your home entertainment, offering seamless control of your devices without changing between device types. For example, simply tapping Customized Button "Movie Even " can turn on your TV, launch Box, open Phi*lips Hue smart lights and turn on your connected speaker. Feel free to customize the commands you need by starting and controlling devices in groups or individually, directly with a touch or with custom schedules

With Logitech’s recent announcement that they will no longer be manufacturing new remotes, I am confident about promoting this remote from Inteset as a solid Harmony alternative.

First, it’s affordable. Second, it works as advertised: you will need to enter remote codes, but once you do, ease of use is the order of the day. Third, it has all the features you would expect in a multi-device remote, including backlit buttons, which come in handy when using the remote in the dark.

In addition to Philips TVs, you can also use this remote control to control your DVD players, Blu-ray player, and sound system, as well as other televisions from major brands, including Samsung TVs.

The only drawback with this remote is that you are limited to control of just four devices. It does, however, perform well up against more premium remotes such as the Harmony Companion. Oh, and you can’t use it to control smart home devices or game consoles. Check out these Harmony remotes if you want to do that.

Inteset 4-in-1 Universal Backlit Remote & IReTV IR Receiver Combo. for Streamers That Have no IR Receiver Built in, Including F-TV, Nvidia Shield (2nd Gen), Kodi, MCE and Many Other A/V Devices

Device Codes using the IReTV IR Receiver are: Kodi-02000, Fire TV-02049 (Fire-TV devices require a "Y" Cable), Media Center-01272 & Nvidia Shield (2nd Gen)-04918. These codes only work when the IReTV is used with this remote. Contact us for information about the "Y" Cable and a set-up diagram.

Next on my list of the best universal remotes for Philips TVs is the Sofabaton U1. It doesn’t just work with your Philips smart TV, but you can also use it to control other devices like a DVD player, Apple TV, Roku, Firestick, Kodi boxes, and more which makes it very versatile.

On top of all that, it has four customizable color remote buttons along the bottom of the remote. Devices are set up using direct code entry, and those colored buttons can be programmed using macros to launch specific devices or a series of commands. The Sofabaton U1 even has a smartphone app you can run on your mobile device for another method of control. No voice controls are available via Alexa or Google as of yet, though.

SofaBaton U1 Universal Remote with OLED Display and Smartphone APP, All in One Universal Remote Control for up to 15 Entertainment Devices, Compatible with Smart TVs/DVD/STB/Projector so on

【U1 Universal Remote & Replaces 15 Other Remotes】Our unique remote control support 500,000+ devices from 6000+ brands, the database will update as new devices come out, you don"t need to worry about the newest device doesn"t match. Both compatible both IR and Blutooth, Not support Wireless or Wifi (Such as Ruku Stick). Say goodbye to that jumble of remotes once and for all

【App One-Touch Set Up】SofaBaton customized smartphone APP, one-button settings, no need to enter complex code to pair. Simple control for the whole house only by one remote, ditch all your complex remotes, just one remote for you. Compatible with / Ruku/ Kodi and other smart TV、STB 、Projector、DVD、AV Receiver and so on

I own the Harmony Elite. I use it every day to control my Samsung TV and my smart home, and I love it. While setup can be a bit involved for the non-tech set depending on what you want to do, the Elite can be programmed to control just about anything out there. Your Philips TV, DVD player, set-top box, av receiver, audio surround sound setup, streaming media players, and many smart home devices can all be controlled using this remote.

While Logitech has announced it will no longer be making Harmony remotes, they are selling off remaining inventory over at Amazon, and the company has said it will continue to support the Harmony line indefinitely. Prices have gone up substantially since Logitech made the announcement.

It truly has all the functionality you could need. This includes voice commands with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, automatic detection of devices, control over most media player functions, Apple and Android TV control as well as Amazon Fire TV. Unlike its universal TV control rivals,it also has a color LCD touch screen and a nice navigation pad.

A separate smartphone application runs on iOS or Android, and the mobile app in effect, gives everyone in your house their own remote completely free.

The most powerful and intuitive Harmony remote works with Alexa for voice control. All-in-one control of up to 15 home entertainment and connected home devices

The best thing about this remote control is that you can control almost any device from almost anywhere with your smartphone as long as you have a data connection (e.g., via your home network). The only drawback compared to something like the Harmony Hub is that it won’t learn IR commands directly from your remote, so setup takes a little more effort to set up, and it won’t work for every device.

Last on my list of best remotes for Philips TVs is the budget OEM “replacement” option. These remotes essentially mimic the same remote that came with your TV.

I realize that some of you may just be looking to replace your existing Philips remote control. While your smart TV functions (for example, changing channels, adjusting the volume control, etc.) will be nearly identical to the standard remote control. You won’t be able to control other devices or your smart home though with this option.

Yes, in addition to Broadlink, there are many other universal remote app options. These include Logitech Harmony Hub and many other remote control apps.

PhilRemote is another virtual remote control app that allows you to control a Philips television. The application works on any TV with an “intelligent screen display“ technology. The TV must also be connected to your Wi-Fi/ Ethernet network.

After you get the remote control app set up on your home network, the remote control interface has an intuitive design, and the most useful commands have been installed. You can adjust the volume and change channels using the app, of course, and the button navigation control is also well done.

While the remote that comes with Philips TVs isn’t all that bad, in my opinion, it is limiting in that it only lets you control your TV. This adds one more remote to the remotes already cluttering up your coffee table.

By choosing a universal remote, you can consolidate multiple remotes into just one and potentially even control your smart devices as well as a home theater. Three options here: the Sofabaton X1, Broadlink Hub, and Harmony Elite will also let you control your TV with your voice.

I hope you found this article about the best remotes for Philips TVs helpful. Please leave me a comment below if you have any questions on anything here. Enjoy your Philips TV!

The Logitech Harmony 665 is a multiple-device remote that is packed with programmable buttons to control one or many devices with the push of a button. The unit has an interactive help feature that will confirm actions and take corrective measures to ensure correct outcomes. Additionally, there is an LCD screen to aid the user in operations. This remote is capable of controlling over a quarter-million devices (10 at a time) and combining them into single functions such as turn on the TV, DVD player, switch to the appropriate channel, and HDMI input. Once set up, it"s a smooth operator.

So, what"s the catch? Simply put, the setup is prolonged and involved. You must retrieve all the paired devices" model numbers (usually on the back of the machine) and their inputs. Making matters worse, the companion software that allows one to run the set-up through their computer is a bit buggy. With these kinds of shortcomings, you may be wondering why we rated this remote so highly. Once the Harmony 665 is set up, it is incredible. You never have to fiddle with switching between multiple remotes, devices, and inputs ever again!

The Logitech Harmony 950 is like Sauron"s One Ring: it rules them all. Truly, this remote"s capacity to control up to 15 devices and coordinate them into actions with the push of a button is worth the programming effort upfront. The unit"s prodigious touch screen makes it easy to use in the dark, too, and the gesture function with vibration confirmation means you don"t even have to look at the control. This remote"s customization options are truly vast and, once set up, it"s easy to operate.

The GE UltraPro is a basic device that is easy to program and use. The remote can manage up to 4 devices and has a simple, easy to navigate user interface. The UltraPro is the obvious alternative to the remotes that are designed to accommodate tens of devices in customized combinations that take considerable time and patience to program. As it is, this unit is among the most straightforward devices to set up on the market, and it works well with satellite/cable boxes, too.

While the UltraPro is a breeze to set up, this ease is largely the result of the limitations of the remote. For example, the remote lacks programmable keys that will perform multiple functions such as "watch movie" which, on other models, will turn on a DVD player, change the TV to the appropriate channel, and input. In the same vein, it also lacks programmable favorite channel buttons. Despite these customization shortfalls, we think that most people with basic home entertainment systems will find this remote to be more than enough to manage their devices. Moreover, they won"t waste the better part of a day laboring to program the unit.

The GE Pro is a simplistic but effective device for managing common home entertainment systems, especially those with satellite/cable/streaming boxes. The remote"s supple backlit buttons, compact dimensions, easy to navigate user interface, and competitive price make it an easy choice for all but the most complex entertainment systems. The unit has a simple, direct code entry for the devices it controls — meaning that set-up is as easy as pushing a few buttons. Finally, the GR Pro has a channel back button, a master volume control to sync all sound devices, and a "dot" button for digital channel selection.

As is often the case with streamlined products, the Pro"s strengths can also be seen as weaknesses if they fail to meet your needs. For example, the unit"s painless programming is the product of the limited customization options and the lack of multi-function keys which, on other devices, perform several tasks with a single button. An additional limitation that will make this remote inappropriate for some consumers is its lack of compatibility with RF streaming devices. However, if you"re looking for a remote to control four devices such as a TV, DVD player, soundbar, and a satellite/cable box, this is a fantastic option.

The Logitech Harmony Companion is a remote control system that includes a universal remote, hub, and smartphone app. This system allows one to control a wide variety of smart home devices such as thermostats, lights, and locks, as well as common entertainment electronics like televisions with either the remote or a smartphone. Additionally, the system will work with RF devices such as the Roku Streaming Stick. On top of RF and IR, this system also uses WiFi and Bluetooth connections, making it truly universal. Finally, this system allows for 50 TV channels to be set, and it has customizable multi-device buttons, which we like despite the programming hurdles.

As is the case with all of the remotes that have multiple device customization options, the set-up process for the Companion can be tedious. To counteract the frustration of implementing programming protocols, we kept in mind that our future selves would appreciate the effort when, for example, starting up a movie on the entertainment system would be as easy as pushing a button. Aside from the protracted set-up process, this remote control lacks backlighting, and the unit is powered by a watch battery (CR2032), which is annoying because hardly anyone has these cells on hand. Despite these shortcomings, this control system is incredibly powerful, and in the right context, well worth the effort of setting it up.

The Philips SRP9141A/27 is a basic universal remote that is a breeze to program and easy to operate. It works well on basic home entertainment systems that include TV, DVD, soundbar, and cable/satellite/streaming boxes. In acknowledgment of its intended use, the unit has a DVD open/close button that may seem unimportant but is actually quite convenient. Additionally, it boasts a primary audio function that automatically sets the volume control on the remote to whatever device is in operation at that time — simple, right? Additionally, at 5 ¾ inches long, the remote is just the right size to be easily operated with one hand.

As is the case with all the remotes that are easy to program, the Philips SRP9141A/27"s functionality is very basic. The unit can only be programmed to 4 devices at a time. It also lacks single button, multi-device programmable functions such that you can turn the TV to movie mode without bothering with turning on the DVD player, changing the channel and the input. Also, this remote lacks backlighting — an oversight that we can"t defend. Yet, we think that the simplicity of programming and operating this remote will outweigh these limitations in the mind of many.

The SofaBaton U1 is a decent budget alternative to some of the more sophisticated devices on the market. Unlike many low-cost models, this one will manage up to 15 devices at a time. To ease the inherent difficulty of multi-device programming, the U1 has a computer set-up option as well as an app. Additionally, the unit has an OLED screen that eases the burden of navigating between devices once the set-up is complete.

While the U1 offers many of the features of its more expensive counterparts, it lacks RF functionality and won"t work with stick streaming devices. Moreover, the device"s "learning mode" — which is supposed to seamlessly transfer the original remote"s keys to the U1 — is not very effective. Adding to the set-up difficulties is the app, which is a real pain to learn. As it is, we found it much easier to manually enter device codes into the remote. It"s undeniable that this remote has some notable shortcomings. However, if you are willing to spend the time to master its set-up procedures, the U1 will save you a lot of money and distill the operation of multiple devices into a single remote.

The Philips SRP2024A/27 is designed to address the problem posed by the radio frequency (RF) streaming devices such as the Roku and Fire sticks that are increasing in popularity. (Note: we tested the Fire Stick model for this review but there is a Roku Stick version available as well). Few "universal" remotes are compatible with these devices, so it"s nice to see that one can forgo the expensive hub systems by simply storing the stick on the back of the remote. Other convenient features include channel back and DVD open/close buttons as well as a volume control on the side of the remote that"s always accessible no matter what side of the remote you are using.

Poor button layoutThe Philips SRP4229B/27 is a basic remote for IR devices such as TVs, DVDs, and soundbars. It uses direct code entry to set up each device and can be programmed for up to 4 devices at a time. The unit has a convenient DVD open/close button and it has a primary audio function which means that it will adjust volume levels with the same button no matter what device is producing the sound. Lastly, the remote comes in several color options which is an unusual feature even for the higher-end models.

While we like the basic nature of the Philips SRP4229B/27, it is not for those seeking customization capabilities to set, say, their favorite channels or a play movie sequence to individual buttons. Moreover, the unit isn"t compatible with RF stick devices. Finally, this remote lacks button backlights, which is pretty annoying. Yet, if you"re seeking an inexpensive and utterly simple programmable remote, this is the ticket.

The RCA RCR313BR is a basic remote that is designed to control a cable/satellite/streaming box, TV, and DVD player with a single remote. We can"t overstate how easy this model is to program and operate. There are four programming options that include direct entry of the device codes, brand code search, auto code search, or manual code search. Whichever you prefer, you"re more than likely going to have your devices programmed in just a few minutes. We also like that it has big buttons for those folks with failing eyesight and less than nimble hands.

While this unit is praiseworthy for its simplicity, it is extremely limited in its capabilities. To put this in context, this remote won"t control a soundbar or any other sound device. It lacks buttons like channel back and DVD open/close. Only a few keys are backlit instead of the whole pad, which we would prefer. Finally, don"t be taken by the manufacturer"s claims that this device is RF compatible — it is not. That said, the RCA RCR313BR is a good choice for basic entertainment systems where having two or three remotes is just unnecessary.

Senior Research Analyst Austin Palmer and Senior Review Editor Nick Miley have been working together to test consumer electronics for the past two years. Their research, testing, and documentation of the process have been fine-tuned to assure the delivery of accurate, easy to understand comparisons of the best products on the market. Their extensive experience testing soundbars, computer peripherals, smart home devices as well as Bluetooth-enabled electronics makes them the perfect team to test universal remotes.

Together these two researched and purchased the most promising universal remotes available. Once the devices arrived in-house, the team set to testing them in practical scenarios. Their analysis consisted of cataloging the features of each remote, including the type, size, action, illumination, and layout of the buttons. More importantly, they set up all of the remotes tested to control a TV, DVD player, soundbar, and a streaming device paying close attention to the programming ease and effectiveness.

Our assessment of universal remotes consisted of three avenues of investigation. Namely, these are set-up, capabilities, ease of operation (post setup), and a complete evaluation of the button array. Collectively, these metrics cover every aspect of remote performance contributing to user satisfaction. The details of these evaluations, including which models performed the best, are discussed below.

There"s a catch-22 inherent in the set-up of a universal remote that we will get into in more detail in the capabilities and ease of operations sections. Suffice it to say that, in general, the easier the set-up of the remote, the less functionality will be provided to the user. For example, the overall low-ranked RCA RCR313BR is a breeze to set up due to its extensive device code library, but more consequentially, the remote can only handle 3 devices at a time. Moreover, there are no programmable keys. All of this adds up to minimal set-up time.

Conversely, remotes like the SofaBaton and the Logitech Harmony 950 can be programmed to 15 devices. The Logitech Harmony 950 also has multi-function programmable keys that allow one to complete complex actions like changing the channel, input, and devices to accommodate switching to a movie setting or back to a cable TV setting. Programming such functions takes considerably more time and attention to detail than simply setting a remote to operate a few basic devices.

Our testing protocols for this metric consists of programming each remote to a TV, a DVD player, a soundbar, and a streaming device. We go through all the set-up options and determine which is easiest and most efficient. Most units we tested come with a device code library, which, in general, we found to be the most straightforward and effective set-up method. Additionally, if a model has accompanying set-up software that runs on a computer or a smartphone app, we tested that method as well.

The capabilities analysis covers a broad range of features that are available on the various remote models under our review. Specifically, we want to know what kind of devices the remote can control as well as how many. Devices are divided into two parts: control method (radio frequency, infrared, Bluetooth, WiFi) and device types (DVD, TV, cable/satellite/streaming box, etc). We also want to know what controls the remote assumes. For example, will it control volume, channel, and input selection as well as more sophisticated actions such as programmable keys that synchronize multiple functions into a single button? There are few truly universal remotes out there but the Logitech Harmony Companion does check all the boxes. It communicates with IR, RF, Bluetooth, and WiFi, and the remote system is highly customizable and capable of managing as many as 8 devices at a time.

Our testing for this metric picks up where the set-up metric left off. We use the TV, DVD player, soundbar, and streaming device and run function tests that confirm that all the buttons work as advertised, including master volume controls that require the remote to automatically switch between devices. Additionally, we test multi-function buttons such as "watch movie" that coordinate multiple devices simultaneously. Once we get away from models that utilize an RF connection, there are several highly capable remotes such as the Logitech Harmony 665 and the Logitech Harmony 950 which can be programmed to 10 and 15 devices, respectively, and have a dizzying level of customization.

The ease of operation analysis looks at the use of the remotes after they have been properly set up. This evaluation not only looks at the navigation of the remote (this is particularly important with the devices that have complex functions) but also the layout of the buttons, button size, lettering, and backlighting. As we observed in the set-up metric, the more sophisticated the remote, the more difficult it is to operate. So, when we say that a remote like the Philips SRP9141A/27 is easy to operate and the SofaBaton is not, it really isn"t a fair comparison. The previous model barely meets the requirements to be considered a universal remote while the latter can control up to 15 devices.

While we certainly acknowledge that some units have more complexity and thus require more time and skill to navigate, some remotes strike a good balance between ease of use and capabilities. Specifically, we were quite impressed with both the Logitech Harmony 665 and the Logitech Harmony 950 in this regard. The Harmony 665 checks a lot of the easy-to-operate boxes, though the buttons have small print, and it"s a bit oversized. However, it has an auto-correcting help function and backlit buttons that go a long way in making operation easy. Conversely, the Harmony 950 is just the right shape, has gesture controls that are quite modern and intuitive while maintaining a level of complex operations that will satisfy tech-savvy users.

This exhaustive, hands-on review of universal remotes looks at all the aspects of functionality and performance and lays out the results for comparisons across devices. Specifically, we assessed the setup process, which includes compatibility with common devices and the difficulty of connecting these devices to the remote. We also evaluated the capabilities and ease of use. The prior focus on the remote"s ability to perform complex tasks, and the latter focuses on how the execution of said tasks. All in all, this review covers everything a consumer will want to know before purchasing a device that aims to simplify and enrich their entertainment experience. So, get ready to pop some corn, kick up your feet, and start your favorite program sans frustration.