Abstract: A remote control and methods of configuring the remote control are provided. The remote control includes a plurality of favorite channel buttons, an icon holding member having at least one surface positioned adjacent to at least one of the favorite channel buttons, and a transmitter that transmits signals, such as a channel corresponding to an icon located on the icon holding member, to a media device in response to a favorite channel button being pressed by a user. The method of configuring the remote control includes placing an icon on the icon holding member adjacent to one of the favorite channel buttons and programming the remote control to send a signal representing a desired channel that corresponds to the icon using the transmitter when the favorite channel button adjacent to the icon is pressed.

Abstract: Inventive systems and methods for remotely controlling infrared controlled devices by using addressed radio frequency control signals. Radio frequency signals propagate through most obstructions to infrared control signals. Augmenting each control signal with an address allows for great selectivity in an environment with several transmitters and receivers.

Abstract: Inventive systems and methods for remotely controlling infrared controlled devices by using addressed radio frequency control signals. Radio frequency signals propagate through most obstructions to infrared control signals. Augmenting each control signal with an address allows for great selectivity in an environment with several transmitters and receivers.

Abstract: A remote control for learning a macro routine of optical signals is provided. An optical receiver is arranged to receive optical signals from one or more original equipment remote controls. The optical receiver outputs electrical signals. A microprocessor receives the electrical signals from the optical receiver. A memory device stores the electrical signals from the optical receiver. An operator interface is electrically coupled to the microprocessor. The operator interface receives operator input to designate a macro routine of operator-selectable optical signals from the original equipment remote control. The microprocessor causes the electrical signals from the optical receiver that correspond to the operator-selectable optical signals from the original equipment remote control to be associated with the designated macro routine and stored in the memory device. Electrical signals associated with a macro designation are retrieved from the memory device and electrically coupled to an optical transmitter.