Abstract: The remote control comprises: input circuitry and structure including a set of keys or pushbuttons for inputting commands to the remote control; infrared signal output circuitry for supplying an infrared signal to a controlled device including IR lamp driver circuitry; a central processing unit (CPU) coupled to the input circuitry and structure and to said signal output circuitry means; a memory coupled to the CPU; code data for generating infrared codes stored in the memory; and data coupling circuitry and structure coupled to the CPU for enabling at least one of instruction codes or of infrared code data for generating infrared codes to be supplied from outside the remote control through the data coupling circuitry and structure directly to the CPU for entry into the memory to enable a user of the remote control to operate a selected controlled device upon inputting commands to the remote control by depressing selected keys of the remote control.

Abstract: The universal remote control system comprises data processor, input device including a keyboard and a keyboard circuit connected to the data processor, signal output device including circuitry for generating infrared light codes connected to the data processor means, a memory including a battery backed, non-volatile RAM only and no ROM for storing (a) a set of instructions and (b) a library of code data for enabling the infrared light generating circuitry to generate specific infrared codes, the RAM being coupled to the data processor, and a data coupling device including terminals coupled to the CPU for enabling new code data to be supplied from outside the system to, or retrieved from, the RAM through the terminals and the CPU.