A remote control is an electronic device that is used to operate a machine remotely i.e. it is used to issue commands to control the machine and these commands are issued from a distance. A universal remote is a remote control that can be easily programmed so as to operate the various brands of one or more devices.

Programming a universal remote is a complex task and it is usually performed by technically-sound people and once a universal remote has been programmed successfully, it can be easily used just like any other remote control. It's possible to enter new control codes in the high-end universal remote controls so as to make them work with a large set of devices whereas the low-end universal remote controls can only be used to control a limited number of devices that are pre-defined by the manufacturer. The code list available in the remote control needs to be updated in order to support the models or the brands that are not currently supported by the remote control.

Universal Remote Control

Most of the universal remote controls share some basic design elements such as a numeric keypad for entering the number of the channel, power button, up/down control buttons for selecting the channel and for setting the volume, a series of buttons so as to select the device to be controlled by the universal remote. Some universal remotes are even equipped with repeaters that are used to extend the range of a remote control. LCD display, Macro programming, IR code learning, programmable soft keys are some of the advanced features that are usually found in high-end universal remote controls.