Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an electrical appliance by means of a command signal transmitted by a particular remote control transmitter, by means of a converter device which includes a receiver for receiving the command signal, a microprocessor for converting the command signal, according to a predetermined conversion process compatible with various types of command signals, to a code unique to that particular remote control transmitter, and a storage device for storing the unique code. The microprocessor may be programmed to operate in a Learn Mode to convert the command signal according to the predetermined conversion process to the unique code, and to store the unique code, and then to operate in an Operational Mode to convert any subsequently-received command signal to a code according to the predetermined conversioned process, to compare the two codes, and to effect the control of the electrical device when a match is found to be present.