# Universal remote -- not so much-- any ideas? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [September 4, 2026, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-remote-not-so-much-any-ideas/1032827 "2026-09-04T19:21:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2026, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-remote-not-so-much-any-ideas/1032827/1 "2026-09-04T19:21:50Z")
My current remote for my RCA DECG185R (19" TV/DVD combo) only sort-of works - power, channel down, volume up, volume down work – no others. I got a “universal” remote (Insignia NS-RMT-3D21) but so far no codes even work even for power. I tried the auto scan for RCA (hold down 8) – no joy. There are 40 codes for RCA listed in the remotes book – I have not tried them all. One would think given the exact remote model, and the exact TV model I could get the code, but so far google is failing me. Anyone have any ideas besides trying all codes? (update – I tried the RCA DVD codes (0522 2213 2532 3464 1769) and power and channel down work, pressing column brings up the volume slider but does not bring volume up – it is currently at minimum) thanks, Brian ETA – Channel up DOES work on actual TV, but it isn’t convenient (back of unit) ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2026, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-remote-not-so-much-any-ideas/1032827/2 "2026-09-04T20:23:52Z")
> **[GitHub - probonopd/irdb: One of the largest crowd-sourced,...](https://github.com/probonopd/irdb)** > > One of the largest crowd-sourced, manufacturer-independent databases of infrared remote control codes on the web, and aspiring to become the most comprehensive and most accurate one ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2026, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-remote-not-so-much-any-ideas/1032827/3 "2026-09-04T21:34:23Z")
Umm, thanks? Even if I figured out my device uses protocol RCA-38 (no clue if that is correct), not sure how that helps me program my remote control. Brian ETA – contacted Best Buy support – not expecting anything ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2026, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-remote-not-so-much-any-ideas/1032827/4 "2026-09-04T22:03:18Z")
You will need some way of programing codes into your remote control. Does it come with instructions on how to do that? The irdb lists the codes; here is the page for RCA DVD players: > > [@N9IWP](#): > > 0522 2213 2532 3464 1769 What format is that? ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2026, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-remote-not-so-much-any-ideas/1032827/5 "2026-09-04T22:21:49Z")
The device (Insignia NS-RMT-3D21) has 3 ways to program: 1. Simple set. Press TV, then hold setup button until “TV” blinks twice. Then hold a button depending on brand (8 for RCA) – I tried this, no luck 2. Press TV, then Setup until “TV” blinks twice, then enter a 4 digit code (like those above). This is the one that has _40_ codes listed for RCA 3. Learn from old remote – skipping procedure. I got this to to work for Power and Channel down (volume up makes volume go down, this could be user error) Note I have started to try some of the 40 codes, and they sort of work, but I now realize that the remote is remembering stuff from method 3. So I have to start again after deleting things it learned… Brian ---
**Author:** ![ZonexandScout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zonexandscout/32/544_2.png) [@ZonexandScout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZonexandScout)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2026, 12:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-remote-not-so-much-any-ideas/1032827/6 "2026-09-05T12:09:18Z")
I feel your pain, as I have quite a few (\>8) IR-controlled devices sitting in my den across from me. In addition, I have two BT-controlled devices. Plus, I’m an old guy. My wisdom to offer to you is to forget the learning mode. Just pretend it doesn’t exist. Make a printed copy of the RCA codes and go through them one-by-one, crossing them off as you go. If any of them seem to work at least fairly well, mark them. In other words, grit your teeth and narrow them down. When you find a successful code, write it inside the battery compartment of the remote. ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2026, 12:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-remote-not-so-much-any-ideas/1032827/7 "2026-09-05T12:16:51Z")
The main problem with learning from the old remote is not all the functions work on the old remote (which is why I got a new remote). It just so happens that RCA has (almost) twice as many codes as the brand with the second most codes… Brian. ---
**Author:** ![ZonexandScout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zonexandscout/32/544_2.png) [@ZonexandScout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZonexandScout)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2026, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-remote-not-so-much-any-ideas/1032827/8 "2026-09-05T13:19:09Z")
Yes. Been there, done that. I almost came to tears when I figured out that one of the input selector buttons on my Yamaha A/V receiver remotes is JUST close enough in message structure to mute my separate line-level control to my subwoofers. Select a BD player and POOF! Your subwoofers are turned off. I spent hours and much $$$ on this single issue. ---
**Author:** ![CaveMike](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cavemike/32/16379_2.png) [@CaveMike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaveMike)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2026, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-remote-not-so-much-any-ideas/1032827/9 "2026-09-05T13:33:20Z")
> [@N9IWP](#): > > It just so happens that RCA has (almost) twice as many codes as the brand with the second most codes… Are you programming the universal remote with separate TV and DVD codes? Is that possible with your universal remote? Your TV/DVD combo unit had a single remote, but you probably have to “pretend” they are seperate devices for your universal remote. (Sorry if this is obvious) Did you already have this universal remote or did you buy it? If you get stuck, you might be better off getting an exact replacement or even just an RCA universal remote. > [@DPRK](#): > > > [@N9IWP](#): > > > > 0522 2213 2532 3464 1769 > > What format is that? I didn’t see this answered. These are vendor codes for preset configurations specific to the Insignia NS-RMT-3D21 universal remote. ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2026, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-remote-not-so-much-any-ideas/1032827/10 "2026-09-05T14:54:53Z")
I really only care if the TV functions work (this unit is in my office and mainly use it as background noise when “working” on my computer.) I happened to be near the local Best Buy and grabbed the remote more or less on a whim. BB had some specific brand remotes, but not RCA. As mentioned the DVD codes I tried didn’t actually work, the unit remembered the sequences learned from the old remote. Brian ---
**Author:** ![Jeff\_Lichtman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jeff_lichtman/32/1531_2.png) [@Jeff\_Lichtman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jeff_Lichtman)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2026, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-remote-not-so-much-any-ideas/1032827/11 "2026-09-05T15:11:31Z")
It’s often possible to find OEM remote controls on eBay. Here’s one for your RCA DECG185R: [https://www.ebay.com/itm/235898339286?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-166974-028196-7&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=235898339286&targetid=2274951440814&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9032001&poi=&campaignid=22452138864&mkgroupid=178644191496&rlsatarget=pla-2274951440814&abcId=10275703&merchantid=701095650&geoid=9032001&gad\_source=1&gad\_campaignid=22452138864&gbraid=0AAAAAD\_QDh891i3HIZSv0Z7CEWgSQXJG2&gclid=Cj0KCQjw--7UBhCpARIsAGJBptjUJbaD5WmbSqVAPHxbZHKC-XnqAsfz2JId3fcY\_UqDDvNl6YqBGpoaArldEALw\_wcB](https://www.ebay.com/itm/235898339286?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-166974-028196-7&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=235898339286&targetid=2274951440814&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9032001&poi=&campaignid=22452138864&mkgroupid=178644191496&rlsatarget=pla-2274951440814&abcId=10275703&merchantid=701095650&geoid=9032001&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22452138864&gbraid=0AAAAAD_QDh891i3HIZSv0Z7CEWgSQXJG2&gclid=Cj0KCQjw--7UBhCpARIsAGJBptjUJbaD5WmbSqVAPHxbZHKC-XnqAsfz2JId3fcY_UqDDvNl6YqBGpoaArldEALw_wcB) ---
**Author:** ![CaveMike](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cavemike/32/16379_2.png) [@CaveMike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaveMike)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2026, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-remote-not-so-much-any-ideas/1032827/12 "2026-09-05T17:28:11Z")
> [@N9IWP](#): > > As mentioned the DVD codes I tried didn’t actually work, the unit remembered the sequences learned from the old remote. I’m not quite following and it might be my reading comprehension. You need to program the TV and DVD separately on the universal remote. You need to press the TV button and then try the RCA TV codes. Once you find a good set, you need to press the DVD button and try the RCA DVD codes. I’ve only programmed remotes for Zenith TVs and players and it’s been a while. But I remember that Zenith, at least, often had some codes that were commonly used and others that were unique. So almost any Zenith preset worked for, say, volume and channel, but you needed a specific preset for all functions. Similarly, a VCR preset might send some TV functions, like volume, so that a VCR remote could control the TV volume. This might create a case for you where using an RCA DVD code might give you some TV functions and make it seem like you are on the right path, but you really need to use a TV preset and in TV mode to get TV functions. One other thing you can do with @DPRK’s GitHub link is see if modern RCA TVs use the same IR codes for basic TV functions. If true, this would imply that you should be able to use any of the common RCA TV presets. ---
**Author:** ![CaveMike](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cavemike/32/16379_2.png) [@CaveMike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaveMike)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2026, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-remote-not-so-much-any-ideas/1032827/13 "2026-09-05T17:32:03Z")
Also Gemini says you can clear the current config. This might help make it less confusing to reprogram. Here are the instructions: 1. To perform a master factory reset on the Insignia NS-RMT3D21: Press and hold the SETUP button until the remote’s LED light blinks twice. 2. Enter the number sequence 9, 7, 7 using the keypad. 3. The LED light will blink twice to confirm that all programmed codes, learned functions, and volume locks have been completely erased. ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2026, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-remote-not-so-much-any-ideas/1032827/14 "2026-09-05T21:34:10Z")
Here is the sequence: 1. I tried the auto scan option (the unit tries various codes in sequence) – no joy 2. I tried about 10 4 digit codes for RCA TV – no joy 3. I tried “learn from old remote” – this at least got power and channel down working (volume up activated volume down – again could have been my error) 4. For the heck of it, I found some RCA DVD player codes online - at the time I thought they “sort of” worked – but that was because the remote remembered stuff from #3 (I only realized this when I tried some more RCA TV codes which also “sort of” worked) Again I DON’T really care if the DVD functions work, all I really care about is: Power Channel up and down Volume up and down Mute would be nice A stretch goal would be able to enter channel numbers including the “-” (This is for over the air TV, so need to choose subchannels) Brian (for all I know the DVD functions of my old remote work – it has been a long time since I even tried DVDs in it) ---
**Author:** ![CaveMike](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cavemike/32/16379_2.png) [@CaveMike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaveMike)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2026, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-remote-not-so-much-any-ideas/1032827/15 "2026-09-05T21:51:49Z")
It occurs to me that RCA was probably ODM’ing this and the codes will be set arbitrarily by the ODM. You might want to try @Jeff_Lichtman 's eBay listing above; it’s pretty cheap. Alternatively you can try some of the likely ODM presets. Gemini took a guess on the ODMs for that device and the preset codes for your remote: - **Curtis / Curtis International:** **2855** , **3577** , **2466** , **3895** , **2352** _(Highest probability for a complete TV/DVD button match)_ - **Proscan** (Identical Curtis hardware): **2183** , **2256** , **3577** , **3382** , **3717** - **Changhong / TCL:** **4629** , **2414** , **2434** - **Avol / Axess** (Common alternative budget brands using the same board configuration): **2735** , **3118** , **3593** Double-check if these preset codes match your instruction manual. ---
**Author:** ![markn\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2026, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-remote-not-so-much-any-ideas/1032827/16 "2026-09-05T22:08:04Z")
Since the remote manual lists 40 RCA codes and the OP has tried only 10 of them, it seems an obvious step to try the others. Yes, it’s tedious, but it’s less work than typing multiple status reports into this thread. ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2026, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-remote-not-so-much-any-ideas/1032827/17 "2026-09-05T22:19:16Z")
Yes, eventually I will try all the codes – was hoping for a shortcut. Brian ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2026, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-remote-not-so-much-any-ideas/1032827/18 "2026-09-19T18:50:52Z")
For the record, it was the 17th out of 40 codes I tried (4494) that worked, at least for al the functions I tried (I have not tried the DVD functions but again, I don’t care so much if those work) Yes, entering 7 more codes would have been faster than posting to this thread, but some of it was venting. And I tried a lot more than the 10 codes before going through the list, so it was probably my 25th or so code I tried, and I started at the top of the list again just to be sure so I tried some codes at least twice. Thanks all Brian ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2026, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-remote-not-so-much-any-ideas/1032827/19 "2026-09-19T21:25:42Z")
> [@N9IWP](#): > > And I tried a lot more than the 10 codes before going through the list, so it was probably my 25th or so code I tried, and I started at the top of the list again just to be sure so I tried some codes at least twice. As in many things, it’s a marathon, not a sprint, and the only way you can fail is quitting before exhausting the possibilities. But impatience is rife here in 21st Century modern culture.