Remote controls are sometimes like the missing socks in the dryer. Absolutely no one knows where they are, but you know they were recently used. Worse, you go to watch your favorite show, only to find that you can no longer operate your television, DVD player, or other device that only responds to a certain remote.

What Are Your Options?

There are a couple of options when it comes to replacing a remote control. You can certainly go right to the manufacturer, but you might spend more than you like and, in some cases, you have to be certain that they send you the exact same model number so you can use all the functions on the device. The wrong controller from the right manufacturer may mean you can only turn the device off and on, and maybe change the volume setting. The other option is to buy a universal remote that can operate one or more devices.

The universal option uses remote control codes to operate one or more devices. This means you don’t have to worry about keeping track of multiple controllers, because you have one gadget that operates them all. They are easy to set up, and they don’t require any kind of special knowledge or even a model number, in most cases. You simply select the device you want to program, put in the code, and enjoy the ease of use. This is especially helpful if you have a multi-media living room or family room, because you never have to worry about trying to figure out which remote operates which device. It’s also great when you want to limit TV time for the kids, since you only have to hide one device.

Some of the most filthy items in your house are the things that you touch every day. The door knobs, faucet handles, and, yes, your beloved remote controls. Don’t wait until you are passing an illness around the house to get these items clean. Take a few minutes, and the tips here, and clean the key to your television viewing pleasure right now.

Rough Clean First
Get the crumbs and other large items off before you actually wipe down the TV remote, or you will cause those items to stick even harder. Just remove the batteries, and then take an old toothbrush and brush down all of the buttons, making sure to get in between the keys and the hard plastic.

Wipe It Down
Now, make a mixture that is 50{8c8ae2a71b30a2d8c6f534038a85ab39be2a915945a2526b1de25039d71b9e11} rubbing alcohol and 50{8c8ae2a71b30a2d8c6f534038a85ab39be2a915945a2526b1de25039d71b9e11} water. Dip a Q-tip in the solution and squeeze out the excess liquid. Now use the Q-tip to clean in all of the crevices. Repeat the process of dipping it in liquid and wringing it out as needed.

Now you’re going to wipe the whole thing down, including the keys. Dip a microfiber cloth in the mixture and wring out any excess liquid. Microfiber works better than things like toilet paper, because this type of material doesn’t leave any lint behind. These cloths can also pick up any cotton strands that were left behind from the previous cleaning.

Be sure to allow your remote control to dry out completely before you replace the batteries and try to use it again. If you happened to get any liquid inside, and you return power to it, you could short it out, causing significant damage.

Sometimes remote controls go bad and they simply aren’t ever going to work again. When that happens, it is time to find and purchase a new remote that is made for your specific TV and its features. Sometimes there are other reasons that the remote may not be working altogether or when you try to use certain features. The problem may be as simple as having a switch on the wrong setting. If you have switched TVs and have a new brand, it is important to realize that your new Samsung remote is not going to work the same way that your older Philips remote did. New technology can lead to big changes in TV remotes, from the time you make one TV purchase until the next.
Common Reasons the Remote Doesn’t Work
Sometimes a remote that seems completely broken isn’t working for one of a few simple reasons. These include:

• Dead Batteries – Sometimes one or more functions may continue to work, even though there isn’t enough power left in the batteries to make it fully operational. Even if your remote has a low battery alert, you may start experiencing problems before the remote recognizes the problem. Try a fresh set of batteries to see if that solves the problem.
• Interference with the Signal – Pointing the remote at the TV and expecting a response becomes natural to us, over time. Setting a potted plant or box in front of the receiver may not seem like a problem, but it is. Make sure there is a clear path between the remote and the receptor on your TV or satellite.
• Incorrectly Programmed or Not Programmed at All – When you get a new TV or other device that works with the TV, you will have to program the remote, either for the first time or all over again. Check the operation with each component to determine which areas still need to be programmed.
• Remote Is in Battery Saving Mode – Depending on the type and age of remote you have, there may be a battery saving mode that you triggered without realizing it. If there is an SAT button, press it to release the lock.

If you find that your remote still doesn’t work after trying these troubleshooting ideas, it is time to order a replacement. Call us at 1-855-573-6683 to place your order.

We know how much dad loves his remote. Men and their remote controls have become so interrelated in our minds that there is no denying the connection. According to study results printed in the Journal of Current Issues in Advertising Research, not only do men dominate in use of the TV remote, they are more likely to view multiple programs at once, including going back and forth between shows during commercials. The problem is that the remote control often fails long before the TV that it operates stops working. This is why a replacement TV remote control makes the ideal Father’s Day gift.
Many of us are familiar with the “Universal Remotes” you will find in the electronics department of the local discount stores. Not only are these remotes difficult to program, they don’t allow you to take advantage of any special features the electronics they are used for may have. If you have a specific model of TV, the best option is to use the type of remote that is made to use with it. You can purchase remotes for new and older model TVs in a variety of brands including:

• Panasonic
• JVC
• Philips
• Samsung
• Toshiba
• Sanyo
• Sony
• LG

Now is the perfect time to start your quest for finding a Father’s Day gift that he is really going to enjoy. A new TV remote control is both entertaining and practical! All you need is the brand name and model number off of the old remote, and you can order a replacement that works perfectly. If you don’t have the necessary information, contact us at 1-855-573-6683, and we can help.