A universal remote control often replaces the factory-issued remote control included with a television, cable box, VCR, DVD player or stereo system. Often a universal remote control can be programmed to operate several electronic devices, reducing the need for individual controllers. Not all wireless systems may be compatible with a universal remote control, but manufacturers of these devices usually provide a list of brand names and models which can be programmed.

With so many electronic entertainment systems featuring wireless technology, it's not unusual for consumers to lose individual remote control units. This can lead to frustration if the television must be tuned manually while the VCR or DVD remote still function normally. Fortunately, several companies realized a need for replacement remotes which were not programmed for a specific brand of electronic device. Customers who lost both a Sanyo television and Hitachi DVD remote shouldn't have to buy two factory-issued replacements. The programming codes for both models were known quantities in the world of consumer electronics, thus allowing the invention of the first universal remote control.

A universal remote control works on the principle that almost all remote control devices work on a limited number of codes. There may be numerous television, stereo and DVD player manufacturers in the world, but they all use the same handful of frequencies and programming codes. By identifying and listing the codes used by individual manufacturers, a universal remote control can duplicate the functions of the original remote. Consumers simply find their make and model of electronic device in the coding list, then use the universal remote control's function keys to enter the necessary information.

Different universal remote control models control different electronic devices, so consumers should choose accordingly. Some models only replace one system, such as the television, while others can control almost every electronic device sold, from TVs to cable boxes to DVD players. If a universal remote control operates more than one system, keypad controls for separate devices should be present. A function key for each system should be depressed first to let the remote know which device to control. Sometimes users forget to change the functionality of a universal remote control, leading to frustration as the television set remains off but the stereo turns on suddenly.

There are a few drawbacks with a universal remote control, however. Not all system codes are guaranteed to be readily programmable. Finding the proper values for an unknown device can involve a series of tedious experiments. If the universal remote control loses battery power, all of the individual coding may be lost. This could mean reprogramming 4 separate devices manually. Some consumers find that universal remote controls do not offer the same functionality keys as the original controllers. Users can perform the basic functions of each device, but cannot use the more advanced features remotely.

A universal remote control is an inexpensive alternative to ordering a factory-issued controller, but be prepared for a loss of functionality and a more complex programming routine.