# TV/VCR combo and replacement remote controls **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [July 1, 2003, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-vcr-combo-and-replacement-remote-controls/185609 "2003-07-01T17:23:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 9\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![smoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c5a1d2/32.png) [@smoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smoke)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2003, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-vcr-combo-and-replacement-remote-controls/185609/1 "2003-07-01T17:23:24Z")
I have a Philips 27" TV with a built in VCR that is maybe 6 years old. Other than the remote no longer working, there is nothing else wrong with it. The problem I have is that I can’t find a universal remote that works with TV/VCR combos. To be honest, I don’t care if I can control the VCR or not, though it would be useful if I ever wanted to set a timer to record something (I have no idea how, or if it’s even possible to program this without the remote). All I care about is being able to change channels, turn it on/off, and control the volume. The universal remote I have with my cable box will control the volume but nothing else. I’m cancelling all but basic cable anyways, so it doesn’t matter anyhow. Please tell me I don’t need to buy a whole new TV for lack of a replacement remote that will work on combo units. Thanks in advance, j ---
**Author:** ![dragongirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b38774/32.png) [@dragongirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dragongirl)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2003, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-vcr-combo-and-replacement-remote-controls/185609/2 "2003-07-01T17:30:13Z")
Years ago, we had a TV/VCR combo too. Like you the remote went bad well before the TV. I couldn’t find a universal that worked with our set, so I called the company and they got me a replacement easily. It was more expensive then the ones at the store, but it worked. Good luck. ---
**Author:** ![percypercy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/8baadc/32.png) [@percypercy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/percypercy)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2003, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-vcr-combo-and-replacement-remote-controls/185609/3 "2003-07-01T17:43:28Z")
I got this number from the website at [http://www.philipsusa.com/](http://www.philipsusa.com/) 1-800-531-0039. It’s to order replacement remotes for any Philips tv. -Lil ---
**Author:** ![smoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c5a1d2/32.png) [@smoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smoke)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2003, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-vcr-combo-and-replacement-remote-controls/185609/4 "2003-07-01T18:00:08Z")
I guess actually looking at the website would have made too much sense. :smack: Thanks so much for your help, **percypercy** and **dragongirl**! BTW- for anyone considering it- stay away from combo units that are bigger than you feel comfortable picking up and carrying out the door to be repaired, because the VCR will need to be repaired well before there is ever a problem with the tube. ---
**Author:** ![smoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c5a1d2/32.png) [@smoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smoke)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2003, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-vcr-combo-and-replacement-remote-controls/185609/5 "2003-07-01T19:59:17Z")
**45.00USD** plus S+H for a grand total of **56.95**! Talk about having you over a barrell! ---
**Author:** ![handy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b5a626/32.png) [@handy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handy)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2003, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-vcr-combo-and-replacement-remote-controls/185609/6 "2003-07-01T22:16:53Z")
Yep; I bet this one might have done it, it does everything: [http://www.compgeeks.com/details.asp?invtid=RMVL1000&sourceid=00383844897280129151](http://www.compgeeks.com/details.asp?invtid=RMVL1000&sourceid=00383844897280129151) Some features of it, not all: # General Features: # Dot matrix LCD screen # 180 virtual control keys with customizable labels # Controls up to 12 components # 36 macro commands with up to 32 steps each # 12 system control macros # 12 component macros # 12 timer macros # 4 macro execution speeds # Factory preset power-off macros for all Sony components # One-touch access to favorite channel # Internal clock and weekly timer # 12 timer macros schedule actions for automatic execution # Programmable 5-way joystick controller # Nearly 500 sets of non-Sony commands preset # Nearly 450 capacity for learning new commands # 2 infrared LEDs high-powered emitter ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2003, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-vcr-combo-and-replacement-remote-controls/185609/7 "2003-07-02T17:58:24Z")
I can’t imagine a new universal remote (esp. a URC based model) not working for a recent vintage name brand TV/VCR combo. I suggest re-reading the manual. BTW: I _never_ use a device’s original remote on a day to day basis. I use a universal replacement and store the original. I only bring it out for major/complex settings. ---
**Author:** ![siberia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/siberia/32/9129_2.png) [@siberia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/siberia)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2003, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-vcr-combo-and-replacement-remote-controls/185609/8 "2003-07-02T20:25:37Z")
FWIW, I have/had the same problem with a 6 year old TV/VCR combo and universal remotes. I tried four different models and none worked other than to turn the TV off and on. Another problem I have with the combo TV is that you cannot hook up a DVD player to it without it thinking that you are trying to illegally copy DVDs. When we tried to play a DVD the picture would lighten then darken repeatedly. I will never buy one of those combo units again. ---
**Author:** ![handy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b5a626/32.png) [@handy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handy)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2003, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-vcr-combo-and-replacement-remote-controls/185609/9 "2003-07-02T21:40:36Z")
" When we tried to play a DVD the picture would lighten then darken repeatedly." Thats macrovision that happens if you run the signal through another machine before your tv. Shouldn’t happen using the RF output .