Abstract: A method for controlling devices connected together, and which includes determining a type of a first device when the first device is connected to a transmitting device, determining what key buttons on a remote controller are needed to operate the detetermined type of the first device, activating the key buttons on the remote controller that are needed to operate the determined type of the first device, receiving an input signal indicating a selection of at least one key button needed to operate the determined type of the first device, transmitting the received input signal to a second device that is different than the first device, generating, by the second device, a remote control signal corresponding to the received input signal, transmitting, by the second device, the generated remote control signal to the first device, and performing a function on the first device corresponding the input signal indicating the selection of said at least one key button on the remote controller.

Abstract: A hypertext document containing a selection criterion for a desired codeset is transmitted from a web server to a web client on the computer of a user of an electronic consumer device. The user selects a desired codeset and sends a designation of the selection criterion from the web client on his computer back to the web server. The designation of the selection criterion is used to select the desired codeset from a central database of codesets. The desired codeset is then transmitted from the web server to the web client on the user's computer. A pin of an integrated circuit in the user's remote control device is coupled to a single-wire communication bus. The user's remote control device is coupled to the user's computer via the single-wire communication bus. The desired codeset is then transmitted from the user's computer over the single-wire communication bus to the remote control device.

Abstract: A method and system for programming a universal remote control (URC) to operate with a remote-controlled device is disclosed. A connection to the remote-controlled device may be established. In response, the remote-controlled device may send device information. The device information may include programming codes for programming the URC to control the remote-controlled device. The device information may also be used to query a server to obtain the programming codes.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes communicating a code to initiate cycling through a plurality of potential audiovisual inputs. The method includes receiving image data that is rendered on a display, the image data being based on a first one of the audiovisual inputs. The method also includes comparing the image data of the first one of the audiovisual inputs to a stored test pattern image associated with a selected audiovisual application to verify if the image data matches the stored test pattern for the selected audiovisual application. In more specific embodiments, the cycling through of the plurality of potential audiovisual inputs is terminated if the image data matches the stored test pattern for the selected audiovisual application. The code represents one or more infrared audiovisual commands being repeatedly sent to the display. The commands are sent until the stored test pattern image is detected on the display.

Abstract: A method and system for programming a universal remote control (URC) to operate with a remote-controlled device is disclosed. Programming codes for the remote-controlled device may be transferred from an original remote control using a programming interface. The transfer may be performed directly with the URC. The transfer may also be performed using consumer-premises equipment of a multimedia content distribution network. The URC may be configured to use at least one of the programming codes to remotely control the remote-controlled device.

Abstract: A universal remote control device does not include a particular codeset that contains all the keycodes corresponding to all desired functions of a selected consumer electronic device. However, keycodes contained in one codeset in combination with keycodes contained in another codeset correspond to all desired functions of the selected electronic consumer device. A user presses a predefined sequence of keys to link the two codesets. A keycode link routine generates keycode link information and stores the keycode link information in a volatile memory space. The linked codeset is then used to control the selected electronic consumer device. Thereafter, pressing a first key causes a keycode in the first codeset to be used in generating an operational signal, whereas pressing a second key causes the keycode link information to be used to access a keycode in a second codeset such that the second keycode is used in generating the operational signal.

Abstract: An online remote control configuration system for efficiently programming a remote control to recognize a plurality of external electronic devices. The online remote control configuration system includes a remote control having a housing, a keypad, and an electronic system for receiving configuration data from a control station via a global computer network (e.g. Internet). The user preferably “samples” one or more signals from a remote control into the electronic system and then uploads the samples to the control station. The control station analyzes the uploaded samples and transmits the appropriate configuration data to properly configure the electronic system. The user may also access a web site of the control station and manually select each of the external electronic devices that the remote control is to operate after which the control station sends the appropriate configuration data to the electronic system.

Abstract: There is provided an operation terminal including a mouse which has a spherical object, an electric power acquisition section which has a piezoelectric element and also converts energy generated by rotation of the spherical object by a force applied by a user into energy for striking the piezoelectric element, and a capacitor section which acquires and accumulates electric power generated by striking the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: An integration interface of a remote control toy and an electronic game includes an electronic equipment, at least one camera unit, an electronic monitor, an operation unit, a remote control signal output device, a horn, and a controlled object. Thus, when the operation unit inputs an operation signal into the electronic equipment, by decoding and calculation of the electronic equipment, the electronic equipment drives the remote control signal output device to transmit a wireless signal to drive and control movement of the remote control toy, so that the user or controller can operate the true toy on the electronic monitor so as to achieve a virtual reality amusement.

Abstract: A remote operation apparatus (300) includes: an operating-side first communication section (301) that is capable of transmitting a signal to an operation target apparatus (200); an operating-side second communication section (302) that is capable of transmitting/receiving the signal to/from the operation target apparatus (200); a connection start section (11) which transmits a connection start signal, which notifies a start of the transmission/reception of the signal via the operating-side second communication section (302), to the operation target apparatus (200) via the operating-side first communication section (301); and an operating-side communication control section (12) which transmits/receives the signal to/from the operation target apparatus (200) via the operating-side second communication section (302). With this arrangement, it is possible to easily specify a communication partner to/from which a signal is transmitted/received via the operating-side second communication section (302).

Abstract: A controlling device, such as a universal remote control, that uses visual and/or audio cues, such as sounds, color, patterns, shapes, etc., to indicate a relationship between a function key and an intended target appliance for a command transmitted in response to activation of the function key.

Abstract: A remote control device and a remote control method thereof are provided. The remote control method is adapted to a remote control device, which includes a sensing unit for generating remote controlling signals while shaking the remote control device. The remote control method includes the following steps. Firstly, a series of sensing signal is provided by the sensing unit. Next, a series of reference value is generated according to the series of sensing signal. Then, when to start/stop to store the series sensing signal is determined according to the series of reference value. Afterwards, the series of sensing signal is recognized for generating the remote controlling signal. Finally, the remote controlling signal is transmitted.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a remotely controllable television has an energy converter that receives light energy from a laser in a remote controller and converts the light energy to electrical energy. A remote control code interpreter that is receives a turn-on code from the remote controller. The electrical energy from the energy converter is used to supply power to the remote control code interpreter. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: An electronic device (1) constitutes a remote control system (100) together with a remote control device (3) and at least one controlled device (2/2?), and the electronic device (1) includes: a first reception section (20) that receives, from the remote control device, a direct command signal (7/7?) broadcasted to the electronic device and the controlled device; a second reception section (23) that receives, from the controlled device, an indirect command signal (8) having been generated by the controlled device according to the direct command signal having been received from the remote control device; and a control section (10) including signal selecting means (31) that selects one intended command signal to which a response is needed from a signal group according to a predetermined rule, the signal group consisting of the direct command signal having been received by the first reception section and the indirect command signal having been received by the second reception section.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of controlling a device arrangement (D), which method comprises generating at least one electrical signal (10, 11) in a remote control unit (2), converting the generated electrical signal (10, 11) into electromagnetic radiation (EM1, EM2) according to specific polarisation parameters, and detecting the electromagnetic radiation (EM1, EM2) with a detecting arrangement (R1, R2). The detecting arrangement (R1, R2) is realised to detect electromagnetic radiation (EM1, EM2) with the specific polarisation parameters to obtain an electrical signal (30, 31), which is converted into a device control signal (40, 41) and applied to a device (L1, L2, L3) of the device arrangement (D). The invention further describes a system (1) for controlling a device arrangement (D). The invention also describes a remote control interface module (3) and a remote control unit (2).

Abstract: In an apparatus (1), such as a database or a processor/memory combination of a remote control system (10), for supplying for example infrared codes defining functions for remotely controlling devices, code-sets comprise function-code-combinations for each one of two/more different functions. By distinguishing main-functions such as power on/off and sub-functions such as channel up/down and volume up/down, code-sets can be allocated to a group of code-sets for a target device in case a code of a function-code-combination for the main-function is valid for the target device. This increases an efficiency of the apparatus (1). The group of code-sets may form a tree, whereby the main-function and its code(s) form a root of the tree, whereby a sub-function forms a branch of the tree and a code or codes defining this sub-function form a leaf or leaves of the branch. The group of code-sets may be defined for device-types and/or device-brands.

Abstract: Disclosed are an RF remote-control device is capable of remotely controlling a plurality of pieces of IR equipment and an RF remote control method. A remote-control device upgrades IR remote-control equipment for RF remote control. A “unified” control method remotely-controls a plurality of pieces of IR equipment using one remote controller. An RF remote controller includes a key device, an MCU 1 and its control circuit, and an RF signal module 1. An RF-IR converter comprises an RF signal module 2, an MCU 2 and its control circuit. An IR transmitting circuit is capable of transmitting infrared signals. The RF signal module 1 corresponds to the RF signal module 2, and the IR transmitting circuit corresponds to the IR equipment. The method is realized mainly by the steps: 1) pairing; 2) pre-storing IR code data; 3) placing; and 4) operating.

Abstract: A method of changing an association of a remote control device from a first electronic device to a second electronic device is presented. In the method, a command for an electronic device is generated and transmitted by the remote control device. At this point, the remote control device is associated with the first electronic device to control the first electronic device, and the remote control device is not associated with the second electronic device. If an acknowledgment of the command is not received, a request to associate the remote control device with another electronic device is transmitted. A reply to the request is then received from the second electronic device. In response to the reply, the remote control device is disassociated from the first electronic device and associated with the second electronic device.

Abstract: A keypad transmitter for mounting outside a controlled area which may respond to the voice or other biometric indicia of users by transmitting validatable codes to a controller of a barrier movement system. The keypad may be used to send a validatable code or it may be used in a learning operation of the voice responsive portion. The voice responsive portion includes speaker dependent voice analysis for some functions and speaker independent voice analysis for other functions.

Abstract: A database of codesets for a remote control device includes codeset information blocks for derivative codesets and codeset information blocks for nonderivative codesets. A codeset information block for a derivative codeset includes: a bit indicating that the block is for a derivative codeset, a plurality of bits each of which corresponds to a respective one of a plurality of fields in a referenced codeset information block, and a pointer that points to the referenced codeset information block. The digital value of a bit determines whether information from the corresponding field in the referenced block will be used as part of the derivative codeset or whether such information is contained in the derivative codeset information block itself. The sizes of the fields in the referenced block are predetermined or are determinable, so a field in the referenced block can be located if its bit is set in the referencing block.

Abstract: To easily ensure that appropriate recognition information is used. A remote control system (1) includes a DVR (13) and a remote control (11) that controls the DVR (13) via a wireless communication path. The remote control (11) which is one apparatus out of the DVR (13) and the remote control (11) obtains, by a wireless reception unit (114), recognition information used by the apparatus to uniquely recognize the other apparatus, via another communication path (a communication path through a TV (12)) different from the wireless communication path connecting the apparatus and the other apparatus. When a connected apparatus recognized via the wireless communication path is identified by the obtained recognition information, the remote control (11) sets, by a control circuit (115), the connected apparatus as the DVR (13) which is the other apparatus to enable communication with the connected apparatus.

Abstract: A remote control includes at least one spring motion switch and an electrical circuit to control remote control functions when the remote control is moved. In one embodiment, the motion switch activates keyboard back-lighting. A single spring motion switch may be used or two spring motion switches may be positioned approximately orthogonally, for example, a first spring motion switch to activate on motion along the remote control's length L, and a second spring motion switch to activate on motion along the remote control's width W. One simple and inexpensive motion switch is a cantilevered spring. The remote control according to the present invention with back-lighting activated by remote control motion is particularly useful when viewing a video or listening to music in low light.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modular lighting system that incorporates wireless technology and a standard interface. The lighting system may be installed in new buildings or retrofitted into existing buildings in such a way that provides many lighting configurations and programmability options while minimizing the amount of new wiring. The system includes a transceiver that controls one or more lamps using a dimming ballast or a relay and a low cost ballast. The dimming ballast, and the relay (if used) provide low voltage power to the transceiver over a cable having a standard interface, such as an RJ11 telephone jack. The transceiver provides on/off switching control and dimmer control, through the same cable, to the relay or dimming ballast. The transceiver can be located in the same room as the lamps it controls, or remotely located. A central computer or controller can control multiple transceivers over a wireless link.

Abstract: A method and system for programming a universal remote control (URC) to operate with a new remote controlled device is disclosed. A digital image of the new device is generated and sent to a multimedia content distribution network (MCDN) server, along with MCDN account information. The digital image may be used to identify the new device. Programming codes may be retrieved and sent to client premises equipment (CPE) at an MCDN client identified by the MCDN account information. The CPE may be instructed to reprogram the URC to control the new device using the programming codes. The digital image may be sent to the server using wireless telephony service provided by the MCDN service provider.

Abstract: A portable electronic apparatus includes; plural sensor elements L1 to L4 and R1 to R4 that are annularly arranged and contact with which is detected; and a control unit 110 that monitors outputs of the plural sensor elements and executes control based on a change in the sensor elements, contact with which is detected. The control unit 110 detects one turn of touch operation when contact is detected in one sensor element L1 in the plural sensor elements L1 to L4 and R1 to R4 and, with the position of the one sensor element L1 set as an origin, contact is continuously detected up to the sensor element L1 in the position of the origin from the origin in a predetermined turning direction or up to the sensor element R4 in a position a predetermined number of sensor elements before the origin in the predetermined turning direction.

Abstract: A digital radio frequency memory (DFRM) which converts an incoming analog radio frequency signal to a fourteen bit digital signal allowing for digital signal processing and then retransmitted as an analog RF signal. The DFRM provides a time delay for RF signals by storing the signal. The DFRM also changes the signal frequency in the range of plus or minus 100,000 KHz which places a doppler on the signal. The signal phase is changed in a range of 0 to 359 degrees by the DFRM.

Abstract: An apparatus to control remote devices or equipment via existing cellular telephone networks. The apparatus receives information from a customer concerning a specific function, which the customer wants to perform at the remote equipment. A Central Control receives this information from the customer and correlates the function to a specific cellular telephone MIN number, which has been pre-programmed in a computer at the Central Control. The MIN number is then sent to a cellular provider. The cellular provider then transmits the MIN number to an antenna, which transmits the MIN number to a remote equipment controller at the remotely located equipment. The remote equipment controller then takes the a part of the MIN and gives these numbers to a PLC at the remote equipment controller. The PLC then memory maps the part of the MIN to a specific function to be carried out by the remote equipment controller. Then the remote equipment controller carriers out specified functions at the remote equipment.

Abstract: A programmable remote control 10 for controlling at least one device 34-38 is provided and comprises a communication interface 12, 23, 24 for receiving a control script from a control script source 34, 36, and sending a control command to the at least one device 34-38. A user interface 11, 13, 14 enables a user to activate the control script, and a processing unit 21 is provided for upon activation by the user executing the control script for generating the control command.

Abstract: A remote control stores a sequence of key strokes in memory for as long as a predetermined key of a plurality of keys of the remote control is held down. The stored sequence of key strokes may then be repeated, for example, upon release of the predetermined key or upon further activation and release of the predetermined key.

Abstract: A remote controller having a plurality of keys arranged thereon, sending a remote control signal allocated to each of the keys upon being operated to thereby remotely control control-target equipment. The remote controller can send a remote control signal corresponded to each of the control-target equipment by mode switching and allows a remote control of selection in which specific equipment out of the control-target equipment can select a signal from the other control-target equipment. The remote controller includes an input selection key for directing the selection on the one specific equipment; a receiver receiving a connected equipment signal; a controller generating and sending a remote control signal corresponding to an operation of the key, and effecting the mode switching based on the connected equipment signal, thereby selecting control-target equipment; a transmitter sending the remote control signal; and a display displaying information of the selected control-target equipment.

Abstract: A rotatable lamp with dual function of wired remote control and radio remote control comprising a lamp seat, a connecting mechanism, a first driving device, a second driving device, a base seat and a remote control PC board, wherein the lamp seat and the upper part of the connecting mechanism form a pivotal connection in vertical direction, and the lamp seat is driven by the first driving device installed on the connecting mechanism to generate angular motion in vertical direction; the lower part of the connecting mechanism and the base seat form a pivotal connection in horizontal direction, and the second driving device installed inside the base seat drives the connecting mechanism and the lamp seat to move angularly in horizontal direction; the remote control PC board is installed inside the base seat, and comprises a micro control unit (MCU), a radio receiving circuit and a wired control circuit, and the micro control unit is for controlling the ON and OFF of the bulb of the rotatable lamp and adjusting th

Abstract: A remote control method for a computer system includes receiving a remote control signal including a control command, checking validity of the remote control signal to generate a check result when the control command is utilized for switching the computer system from a first operating mode to a second operating mode, and switching the computer system from the first operating mode to the second operating mode when the check result indicates that the remote control is valid.

Abstract: A remote controller is provided with: at least one first input unit that macro-controls predetermined remotely controlled devices including signal source devices; a plurality of second input units that select the signal source devices; a memory unit that stores a plurality of remote control codes for remotely controlling the remotely controlled devices; a transmitting unit that externally transmits the remote control codes; and a control unit that, when the first input unit is operated, outputs the remote control codes for remotely controlling the plurality of remotely controlled devices to the transmitting unit, and causes the transmitting unit to externally transmit the codes, wherein when the first input unit and one of the second input units are operated in a predetermined manner, a signal source device to be remotely controlled by the first input unit is changed to a signal source device that has been selected by the operated one of the second input units.

Abstract: A remote control method includes: grouping a plurality of apparatuses to respond to a command from a single remote controller at the same time; broadcasting, by the remote controller, a command corresponding to an operation; receiving, by each of the plurality of apparatuses, the command and judging whether the received command is addressed to a group to which the apparatus itself belongs; and executing, when it is judged by each of the plurality of apparatuses that the received command is addressed to the apparatus itself, processing corresponding to the command.

Abstract: An electronic system includes: an AC-DC converter to convert an AC voltage into a DC voltage and to supply the DC voltage to a secondary battery; a first detector to detect a remaining amount of the secondary battery; a transmitter to transmit a signal corresponding to the remaining amount of the secondary battery; a receiver to receive the signal transmitted by the transmitter; and a controller to control the AC-DC converter using the signal received by the receiver.

Abstract: Described herein are various techniques for transferring command codes between multiple remote controls. A first controlled device receives a signal from a remote control associated with a second controlled device. The signal is associated with a command for the second controlled device. The first controlled device receives user input, assigning the command to a selected button of a second remote control. The first controlled device transmits a message to the second remote control. The message includes information utilized by the second remote control to reproduce the signal responsive to actuation of the selected button, allowing the second remote control to generate the command for the second controlled device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to intuitive based control elements and interfaces and devices using said intuitive based control elements. In certain embodiments, machine interfaces such as remote control devices for operation of various devices are provided. More specifically, machine interfaces according to embodiments of the invention herein include one or more control elements in the form of shapes and/or positioned indicia to facilitate operation by users. Control elements provided herein having intuitive shapes and/or positions described above as associated with the man-machine interfaces may also be provided integral with various devices. For example, personal electronic devices, personal care devices, personal healthcare devices, communications devices and personal comfort devices may benefit from control elements having intuitive shapes and/or positions associated with the function as described herein.

Abstract: A G-sensor (gravity sensor) remote controller is characterized in that at least a G-sensor and a microprocessor are provided within the main body of the remote controller. Each G-sensor provided in the main body of the remote controller is used for sensing the tapping action of a user to produce sensing signals and different sensing signals can be produced according to the area on the main body the user taps or the tapping frequency within a period of time. The microprocessor provided in the main body of the remote controller is electrically connected with the G-sensor and for processing the sensing signals from the G-sensor to control the function setting of the remote controller itself or other electric apparatuses.

Abstract: A control system for a remote-controlled device comprising at least one receiver configured to receive a plurality of control channel signals and an operational control unit. The operational control unit comprises at least one receiver input connected to the receiver via a high speed digital link. The input is configured to receive a sequence of digital packets of information from the receiver. This input may contain information relating to the plurality of control channels including at least one user input signal. The operational control unit also includes a sensor input for receiving signals from a sensor located on the device. The operational control unit includes a processor capable of processing the data. The operational control unit will include at least one output for transmitting an output signal to a mechanism for controlling operation of the device. This device may be specifically designed to work with remote-controlled helicopters.

Abstract: A hand held device for generating commands and transferring data between the hand-held device and a base device (including consumer electronic equipment). The hand-held device detects the motion of the device itself, interpreting the motion as a command, and executing or transferring the command. The motion of the device can include gestures made by the user while holding the device, such as the motion of throwing the hand-held device toward a base device. The commands generated by the user range from basic on/off commands to complex processes, such as the transfer of data. In one embodiment, the user can train the device to learn new motions associated with existing or new commands. The hand-held device analyzes the basic components of the motion to create a motion model such that the motion can be uniquely identified in the future.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to export tuning data collected in a receiving device are disclosed. An example method of collecting audience measurement data comprises collecting tuning data within a receiving device, and modulating an LED associated with the receiving device to export the collected tuning data from the receiving device.

Abstract: An integrated remote control system includes a remote control device for selecting and controlling a plurality of digital devices, each including a bit pattern tag having location information and device information. The remote control device includes a display, a light emitting module for emitting light toward the digital devices, a sensor for recognizing the tags of the digital devices, and a controller for analyzing the tags recognized by the sensor to provide the display information of the digital devices on the display and then controlling a digital device selected from the displayed digital devices.

Abstract: An advertising apparatus 10 including a generally flat base 12 and a broad face 14 which forms an acute angle 16 with the generally flat base 12. Further, the broad face 14 includes several display portions 20, 22, and 18 which, in one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, are programmable. In one non-limiting embodiment, the apparatus may include a selectively depressible alarm switch 100.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling one or more electronic devices based on the location of a user. A remote control is configured by determining a location of a user; and automatically configuring the remote control with one or more menus that are appropriate for the location. The remote control may be, for example, a personal user interface. The user location can be determined, for example, using triangulation techniques by determining if the user is in proximity of a fixed Bluetooth device. The remote control may be automatically configured to present one or more menus for one or more of activities and a device located in the location.

Abstract: A remote control transceiver is described. The remote control transceiver reduces costs by simplifying a structure of a conventional space movement remote controller including an acceleration sensor, a microprocessor, a radio transmitting unit, and a radio receiver. A grid pattern formed by a light emitting diode (LED) and an optical system of a transmitter is determined by an infrared sensor of a receiver to discern space movement location information of the transmitter. The remote control transceiver includes a remote control transmitter and a remote control receiver. The remote control transmitter includes a key input unit for receiving commands, an LED driver for controlling the operation of an LED in response to a command signal generated from the key input unit, and a pattern generator for generating a grid pattern using light generated from the LED.

Abstract: An IR blaster including one or more IR emitting LEDs used to generate IR signals for controlling operations of a plurality of controlled appliance and a plurality of fiber optic cables where one or more of the plurality of fiber optic cables are in light communication with an IR emitting LED. Each fiber optic cable is provided for distributing the IR signals generated by an IR LED to a respective one of the plurality of controlled appliances.

Abstract: An apparatus for remote-controlling an auxiliary device remote-controls easily the auxiliary device used with preset main devices in a conference, a seminar, a lecture, etc. The apparatus a main device remote controller configured to control setting components of the main device, an auxiliary device remote controller configured to control setting components of the auxiliary device, and a controller configured to receive and memorize a first control signal outputted from the main device remote controller, receive a second control signal outputted from the auxiliary device remote controller, and delivers the received first control signal or the second control signal to the main device or the auxiliary device.

Abstract: An input device includes an operation unit that is held by a user and operated in a three-dimensional free space to remotely operate an information processing device, a directional button that is provided on the operation unit and operated by the user to point in a direction, and a transmission unit that, when the directional button is operated while the operation unit is being operated in the free space, transmits information corresponding to the operation in the free space and information corresponding to the operated directional button to the information processing device so that an object image linearly moves by only an amount corresponding to a directional component of the directional button out of an operation amount in the free space after the operation of the directional button.

Abstract: An integrated controller for complete automation with the ability to control electrical devices through both RF transmission and IR transmissions. In one illustrative embodiment, the integrated controller comprises an antenna for two-way communication with stations located throughout a structure. Each station may control the power supply to an attached electrical device. The buttons on the station may control any electrical device on the system through RF transmission with the integrated controller. The integrated controller also may comprise an IR receiver and at least one IR output. The IR receiver may receive signals from a remote and pass them through to a device, such as a device used in a home theater system, with a built in IR receiver via the IR output. In this manner, the integrated controller is capable of providing complete in home automation.

Abstract: A universal remote control apparatus that is programmable with software supplied by manufacturers of controllable devices so that a single remote control apparatus has a broad spectrum application capable of operating many different controllable devices. The remote control apparatus is based in a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) having sufficient memory to store the requisite software from a multitude of controllable devices and is operable to send or receive signals to the controllable devices by radio signal or by infra red beam. The remote control apparatus can be coupled to a personal computer to download the requisite software into the memory of the PDA, which can come via software supplied with the controllable device or by accessing the manufacturer's web site and downloading the necessary software therefrom. The display screen of the PDA can then be customized to replicate any control functions with a touch screen actuation control buttons.