Selasa, 25 Desember 2012

RCA Universal Remote - Understand The Features To Reap The Benefits

By Lee Han Huwen


A quality rca universal remote can make the rest of your electronic remote controls redundant, as long as you're aware of which features it should include. Buy the wrong type or model and all of the reasons you bought the URC for in the first place will be pointless, if you still need to cling on to one of more of your old remotes.

So how do the new universal remotes work and what are the functions you should be looking out for?

All universal controllers work on a single principle, which is to use special codes, built in to the actual circuitry, to control all the functions that the brand appliance remotes tackle, for any given piece of electronic equipment. Between models, the way these codes are sourced can vary and this can have an effect on how good the new remotes are.

The best quality URC's should have a built-in database that supports the control of thousands of different electronic appliances. IF this isn't the case, then you could argue that the remote has fallen at the first hurdle and is it worth pursuing over other brands that do honor this functionality.

There are three ways in which a URC harvests these codes; via a built-in database, by encompassing a learning function or having a Wi-Fi facility/CD/DVD disk setup sequence.

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.

Instead of having a large internal database, some URC's have a learning facility which basically enables them to learn any new codes for devices. This can usually be done quick and easily by pointing the existing remote at the new URC and pressing the stated buttons from the manual to record the signal. If a URC doesn't incorporate either of these two functions, then the remote will quickly become useless if it isn't already.

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often come pre-packed with the URC and offer an alternative to the online connection; however, once they've become outdated, you'll need newer copies, which may incur fees.

All URC's feature at least one of the above three options, after all, if they didn't how would you get continued use out of the device. It would quickly become as useful as a chocolate teapot.

The main functions have now been covered, but that doesn't mean there aren't other considerations before you buy. Look at styling and the ergonomics of the device as well as an intuitive user interface. Pick a model which you feel comfortable holding, look for an ergonomic fit that sits easily in the hand.

The user interface of most URC's is a small LED screen that displays the different items of equipment being controlled and allows you to flick between them with a touch of the screen or button. Some interfaces are better than others and display bigger graphics making them easier to read and use.

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.




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