30 Apr The Universal Remote Control
The typical home entertainment system is a marvel of technology and functionality. Think of all the components we can harness to provide the features, capabilities and flexibility we want at our fingertips. All of your favorite components can be controlled by the push of one or two buttons on one single remote. For example, we have a video display, an audio/video receiver, HD TV, Blu-ray player, video games, Apple TV, a media server, cable box and more. And each component has a host of individual capabilities requiring its own specific remote control to operate. But that means that in order to simply watch a Blu-ray movie, we need to use at least three remote controls. But there’s a sensible solution to remote control overload: a devise known as a universal remote control that can be custom programmed. The single universal remote solution is critical to the ease of operation and enjoyment of the modern day home entertainment system. In fact, one of the best arguments for hiring an experienced audio/video installation specialist is to benefit from his or her – okay, it’s usually a geek guy – ability to choose the best single remote solution for you and your system.
Universal remotes are available from a number of suppliers and prices typically range from $200 to $2000. When properly programmed, only one or two button pushes are needed to watch cable, satellite TV broadcasts, Blu-ray movies or operate your audio video system. Thanks to innovative macro commands, one button push on your home automation control will instruct numerous components to operate simultaneously.
The two most common types of universal remote controls are Infra Red and Radio Frequency. Infra Red depends on invisible beams of light that need to be aimed directly at the audio video equipment to be controlled. The more versatile Radio Frequency type universal remote can broadcast the control codes thru solid objects, such as cabinet and closet doors. Aiming a radio frequency remote is a non-issue. But with either infra red or radio frequency, you’ll find a variety of programming protocols and operating modes. Like we advise our clients in northern New Jersey, the universal remote control for your system is only as good as the programming that operates it. So get involved in shopping for the most competent universal remote control programming system first. Don’t go to buy one with only a remote idea of what will work best for you and your home entertainment system.