An all-singing and dancing rca universal remote control will remove the need to hang on to existing controls and will de-clutter your living room in one fell swoop. However, you must ensure you buy the right model, as any weaknesses in the design or functionality will undo any benefits of the new remote if you still need the other ones.
So how do the new universal remotes work and what are the functions you should be looking out for?
Most major universal controls work on the same premise - to control using special built-in codes, the electronic devices scattered around your house and perform all the same functions that the parent remotes would. How the new remotes achieve this performance is what makes them stand out from the crowd.
Effective URC's should be able to operate several thousand different pieces of equipment, otherwise you'll still need the old remotes and the URC has failed in its primary objective - to streamline your portfolio of control devices.
A URC can acquire these universal codes in one of three ways. It can learn them from an existing remote, it can download them from an online database via Wi-Fi or installation disk or it will already have the codes built-in.
Universal remotes should include a large built-in database with codes for hundreds of different brands and thousands of different models. Whatever the list lacks will show up very quickly and make the controller a poor purchase. The future proofing depends on the list size or ability to increase the list.
You don't need to despair if the remote falls short of having a complete database, many URC's overcome this disadvantage by utilizing the learn function. A very popular and thankfully common attribute is the ability to transmit the code from the old device to the new one. The manual will detail the procedure, but its usually a simple transfer to store the codes on the new controller.
A third option can overcome the first two functions. A Wi-Fi capability will allow the device to connect to the internet and update the remote codes on the URC via the manufacturers' online database. You can also update the remote by using a CD/DVD. These disks often come pre-packed with the URC and offer an alternative to the online connection; however, once they've become outdated, you'll need newer copies, which may incur fees.
The URC will incorporate one of the above three functions as this is vital to the future usability of the remote. If you can't update or update easily, then the obsolete clock is ticking on the device as soon as it leaves the shop.
Two other important features to consider are ergonomics and user interface (UI). Remote controls spend a lot of time in our hands, so it's important that the fit is a good one and the device is comfortable to hold. Look for remotes that have natural shape which match the contours of the hand and that the buttons are sensibly placed for easy operation.
Check out the various user interfaces (UI) available, as some top models feature large LED screens with touch screen options, so the graphics can also play an important part and need to be easy to read. Also look for sensible button placement in the layout.
We're in the home straight now, but let's quickly look at two additional extras that can really improve the performance of the rca universal remote - backlit keys and a charging cradle or dock. Watching TV in the dark or dimmed room is very common especially at night or for films, so being able to see the keys is a major plus. The controls use a large amount of battery power, so having a charge facility on hand is a real benefit.
So how do the new universal remotes work and what are the functions you should be looking out for?
Most major universal controls work on the same premise - to control using special built-in codes, the electronic devices scattered around your house and perform all the same functions that the parent remotes would. How the new remotes achieve this performance is what makes them stand out from the crowd.
Effective URC's should be able to operate several thousand different pieces of equipment, otherwise you'll still need the old remotes and the URC has failed in its primary objective - to streamline your portfolio of control devices.
A URC can acquire these universal codes in one of three ways. It can learn them from an existing remote, it can download them from an online database via Wi-Fi or installation disk or it will already have the codes built-in.
Universal remotes should include a large built-in database with codes for hundreds of different brands and thousands of different models. Whatever the list lacks will show up very quickly and make the controller a poor purchase. The future proofing depends on the list size or ability to increase the list.
You don't need to despair if the remote falls short of having a complete database, many URC's overcome this disadvantage by utilizing the learn function. A very popular and thankfully common attribute is the ability to transmit the code from the old device to the new one. The manual will detail the procedure, but its usually a simple transfer to store the codes on the new controller.
A third option can overcome the first two functions. A Wi-Fi capability will allow the device to connect to the internet and update the remote codes on the URC via the manufacturers' online database. You can also update the remote by using a CD/DVD. These disks often come pre-packed with the URC and offer an alternative to the online connection; however, once they've become outdated, you'll need newer copies, which may incur fees.
The URC will incorporate one of the above three functions as this is vital to the future usability of the remote. If you can't update or update easily, then the obsolete clock is ticking on the device as soon as it leaves the shop.
Two other important features to consider are ergonomics and user interface (UI). Remote controls spend a lot of time in our hands, so it's important that the fit is a good one and the device is comfortable to hold. Look for remotes that have natural shape which match the contours of the hand and that the buttons are sensibly placed for easy operation.
Check out the various user interfaces (UI) available, as some top models feature large LED screens with touch screen options, so the graphics can also play an important part and need to be easy to read. Also look for sensible button placement in the layout.
We're in the home straight now, but let's quickly look at two additional extras that can really improve the performance of the rca universal remote - backlit keys and a charging cradle or dock. Watching TV in the dark or dimmed room is very common especially at night or for films, so being able to see the keys is a major plus. The controls use a large amount of battery power, so having a charge facility on hand is a real benefit.
About the Author:
If you enjoyed this article and want to learn more about universal remotes click this link and visit our website, where we have brand reviews including the RCA Universal Remote by URC.
No comments:
Post a Comment