Abstract: A universal remote control system and method for employing a centralized database for programming the universal remote control (URC) to control the operation of appliance(s). The appliance(s) may or may not be made by different manufactures. The centralized database is accessible via the Internet and includes many different appliances made by many different manufacturers. The user may access a web site of the centralized database and manually enter electronic appliances identifying data that the URC is desired to operate, then the centralized database sends the appropriate command code data to the URC either directly or temporarily downloads them into a computer to be later loaded into the URC. The centralized database includes command codes for appliances such as TV sets, DVDs, CD systems, alarm clocks, and VCRs, music synthesizers, toys, stereo systems, ovens, washing machines, timers, power strips, and the like.

Abstract: A universal remote control system and method for employing a centralized database for programming the universal remote control (URC) to control the operation of appliance(s). The appliance(s) may or may not be made by different manufactures. The centralized database is accessible via the Internet and includes many different appliances made by many different manufacturers. The user may access a web site of the centralized database and manually enter electronic appliances identifying data that the URC is desired to operate, then the centralized database sends the appropriate command code data to the URC either directly or temporarily downloads them into a computer to be later loaded into the URC. The centralized database includes command codes for appliances such as TV sets, DVDs, CD systems, alarm clocks, and VCRs, music synthesizers, toys, stereo systems, ovens, washing machines, timers, power strips, and the like.