Buzz
The Philips universal remote is an excellent device that can be programmed to operate most types of TVs, DVD players, Blu-ray devices, decoders, or cable boxes. Although the setup process may vary slightly depending on the specific model, the core steps remain similar. You will need to hold down the device button until the light flashes, enter the brand-specific code, and then test the buttons to ensure they work. The most common issue is users entering a code for the correct brand but the wrong model. If the code doesn’t work, don’t worry; you can try another code from the same brand.
Steps
Initial Setup
Check if the Philips remote is compatible with your device. The Philips universal remote can sync with most TVs, DVD players, Blu-ray devices, and cable boxes. While most major brands are compatible, there are some exceptions. Refer to the product manual or check online to confirm if the remote works with your device.
- Universal remotes often reset their memory after syncing with more than 3 devices. Consider purchasing a second remote if you have more than 3 devices to control.
- A list of compatible brands and their corresponding codes can be found in the remote’s manual or on the back of the device.
Turn on the device you want to sync with the remote. Whether it’s a TV, DVD player, or another device, simply plug it in and power it on. Wait a few minutes for the device to activate all its components and start functioning. The device you’re syncing with the remote must remain on throughout the setup process.
- Ensure the remote has batteries installed before starting the setup. Universal remotes typically don’t come with batteries, but this device uses AA batteries, making it easy to handle.
Hold the “setup” button on older remote models. Check if there’s a setup button on the top-left corner of the remote. If not, you can skip this step. If present, this indicates an older version of the remote. Point the remote toward the device and press the setup button. Hold it for 5 seconds and release when the red LED light near the top of the remote turns on.
- The LED light might be blue, but most older remote models use red.
Hold the device button for 5 seconds until the blue or red LED light turns on. At the top of the remote, there’s a row of buttons for devices the remote can sync with. Common options include TV, DVD, or DVR. Press and hold the button corresponding to the device you’re setting up. Once the LED light at the top turns blue or red, you can release the button.
- For older remotes, you don’t need to wait for the light to turn on after holding the device button. The light might flash or not. Simply hold the device button for 5 seconds and proceed with programming.
Tip: Most device buttons are self-explanatory. TV, VCR, and DVD correspond to those devices. STB stands for set-top box, which is the button you’ll press when syncing the remote with modern cable boxes or streaming devices (like Roku or TiVo). BD represents Blu-ray players.
Enter a valid code for the TV
Find the 4 or 5-digit code by referring to the manual. Open the universal remote’s instruction booklet and flip to the back. You’ll find a table listing brand names and their corresponding codes. Once you locate the brand name, scan the device list to find the unique code for your product model. Underline or highlight the code in the manual to ensure you can quickly retrieve this information in the future.
- Popular brands like Samsung, Westinghouse, or LG have 20-30 codes for their devices. Mark the specific device to save time during future searches.
- For newer remotes and TVs, a list of codes will appear on the screen after activating the programming mode using the device button.
- Older devices typically use 4-digit codes, while modern products use 5-digit codes.
Tip: If a code for a specific device doesn’t work, you can repeat the process using a code for a different model from the same brand. Sometimes, patches and updates can interfere, causing codes to fail on certain devices.
You can search online if you don’t have the remote’s manual. Device codes for universal remotes are widely available online. If you’ve misplaced the manual or can’t remember where it is, enter the universal remote’s model number and “device code” into an online search engine. You’ll find the remote’s codes on the web.
- The model number is usually located on the back of the remote.
Enter the code using the numeric keypad to allow the device to recognize the remote. Use the remote’s numeric keypad to input the 4 or 5-digit code corresponding to your device. Depending on the remote model, the blue or red LED light will turn off once you’ve entered a valid code.
- If the code doesn’t work, you may not be able to enter a new one immediately. For most older remotes, you’ll need to restart the entire setup process. If the red or blue LED light flashes once and stays lit, the code was invalid, and you can try entering a new one.
Using the Remote
Hold the “standby” button on the SR remote. The 4-digit SR remote models are the only ones that require a reset before use. Press and hold the standby button, then release it once both the device and the remote turn off. The remote and device will reset to initiate a new synchronization process.
- It may take 5-60 seconds for the device and remote to power off.
Test the most frequently used buttons to check the device. To verify if the remote has been successfully programmed, try pressing basic commands like volume up/down, channel change, or input selection. If the device responds to these commands after pressing essential buttons on the remote, the synchronization process was successful.
- Note: Some buttons on the Philips remote may not work with certain devices. For example, the “record” button might not function with cable boxes or DVRs but will work with TVs and receivers.
- Move any plants or obstacles to ensure the remote’s signal fully reaches the device.
Repeat this process for 1-2 additional devices if desired. Depending on the version you’re using, a standalone Philips universal remote can be programmed to operate 2-8 other devices (though typically fewer than 4). Unplug the recently programmed device before starting the process with the next nearby product to avoid signal confusion.
Tip: When you remove the batteries from a Philips universal remote, the memory settings are retained for 5 minutes. After that, you’ll need to reprogram the device from scratch.
Advice
- Over the years, Philips has produced a wide variety of remotes, so the setup process for some models may differ slightly. To understand these differences, consult the manual included with your remote before starting the setup process.
