Abstract: A mounting stand for a remote control unit is provided which aligns the remote control unit with a device to be controlled. The remote control is easily removable from the mounting stand for easy use. The mounting stand is provided with a front alignment flange and raised sides connected to a base for aligning the remote control relative to the mounting stand. The mounting stand is further provided with a rear alignment flange for aligning the mounting stand with the device or devices to be controlled by the remote control unit.

Abstract: Encoded video recorder/player timer preprogramming information listed in a television calendar allows a timer preprogramming feature on a video cassette recorder VCR to be programmed using a compressed code of as few as 1 to 8 digits, which are decoded by a decoder built into either the video cassette recorder or a remote controller to convert the compressed code into channel, date, time and length information. The channel, date, time and length information is communicated to a VCR and used to automatically activate the VCR to record a given television program with the corresponding channel, date, time and length. Alternately, the channel, date, time and length information is decoded directly in a remote controller and only start record, stop record and channel selection commands are sent to the VCR at the appropriate times.

Abstract: Encoded video recorder/player timer preprogramming information listed in a television calendar allows a timer preprogramming feature on a video cassette recorder VCR to be programmed using a compressed code of as few as 1 to 8 digits, which are decoded by a decoder built into a television to convert the compressed code into channel, date, time and length information. The compressed code indications associated with each television program can be printed in a television program calendar in advance. The user would use the television remote or controls on the television to enter the code that signifies the program to be recorded. When the codes are entered they are transmitted to the television and the decoded in the television and then the codes themselves and the CDTL information, which is the result of decoding the codes, could be displayed "on screen" so that the user can verify that the proper codes have been entered.