Abstract: A method for updating a memory of a universal remote control unit includes the steps of initiating, by a user, an upgrading mode; entering, by a user, a code associated with a device to be controlled by the remote control unit; entering, by a user, a signal formatting data entry which includes signal formatting data, via the keys of the keypad, to be stored in the memory of the remote control unit; and associating the device to be controlled by the remote control unit with the signal formatting data entry such that when one or more of a device type key associated with a device type is subsequently depressed, subsequent commands sent by the remote control unit have the format specified by the signal formatting data, and when a command key uniquely associated with the device type is depressed, commands sent by the remote control unit have the format specified by the signal formatting data.

Abstract: A programmable universal remote control unit, settable in one of either a single device mode of operation or a multi-device mode of operation.

Abstract: A programmable universal remote control unit, settable in one of either a single device mode of operation or a multi-device mode of operation, and a programmable universal remote control unit which is programmable such that at least one of a plurality of buttons on the universal remote control unit, when operated, performs a plurality of specific operations such as turning specific devices on/off and setting specific devices in particular modes.

Abstract: A universal remote control unit stores signal formatting data which includes an indication of the category of device to which the signal formatting data corresponds. During programming of the universal remote control unit, the user provides a numerical entry which corresponds to the signal formatting data stored in the memory. The universal remote control unit automatically stores the code entered by the user at the appropriate memory location corresponding to the category of device by analyzing the signal format data to which the code corresponds.

Abstract: A programmable universal remote control unit, settable in one of either a single device mode of operation or a multi-device mode of operation.

Abstract: A universal remote control unit stores signal formatting data which includes an indication of the category of device to which the signal formatting data corresponds. During programming of the universal remote control unit, the user provides a numerical entry which corresponds to the signal formatting data stored in the memory. The universal remote control unit automatically stores the code entered by the user at the appropriate memory location corresponding to the category of device by analyzing the signal format data to which the code corresponds.

Abstract: A universal remote control unit stores signal formatting data which includes an indication of the category of device to which the signal formatting data corresponds. During programming of the universal remote control unit, the user provides a numerical entry which corresponds to the signal formatting data stored in the memory. The universal remote control unit automatically stores the code entered by the user at the appropriate memory location corresponding to the category of device by analyzing the signal format data to which the code corresponds.

Abstract: A programmable universal remote control unit, settable in one of either a single device mode of operation or a multi-device mode of operation, and a programmable universal remote control unit which is programmable such that at least one of a plurality of buttons on the universal remote control unit, when operated, performs a plurality of specific operations such as turning specific devices on/off and setting specific devices in particular modes.

Abstract: A universal remote control unit for controlling the operation of a plurality of devices such as a cable box, a television, a video device, and an audio device, includes a processor having a plurality of operating modes. In one embodiment the universal remote control unit includes an ALL key preprogrammed to allow a user to turn on or off all of the devices. In another embodiment, a remote control unit allows assigning an additional function to a key having a preprogrammed function.

Abstract: A universal remote control unit for controlling the operation of a plurality of devices such as a cable box, a television, a video device, and an audio device, includes a processor having a plurality of operating modes, a first mode push button for initiating a mode change, and a plurality of second mode push buttons corresponding respectively to a plurality of devices for enabling a user to select one of the plurality of operating modes. The processor is operable in a selected one of the plurality of operating modes, upon activation of one of the second mode push buttons within a predetermined amount of time of activation of the first mode push buttons. The universal remote control unit is effective to reduce the likelihood of unintentionally changing the operating mode.