by Melissa Popp

All-in-one remotes serve a great purpose. They replace the television, the DVD, the VCR, the cable box and any number of other electronics you need to enjoy watching a show or a movie. Instead of fumbling around with three or more remotes, you only need to use one which has the functions and features of the rest of them combined. It makes life easier, it makes life simpler and it saves a lot of headache when trying to get comfortable before turning on the television.

Or does it?

Often all-in-one remotes tend to be more trouble than they are worth. Since you have to set-up your controller to interact with your television and other devices, it can take some time to get everything responding in the way you want it to do so. In many cases, some devices aren't compatible with the type of controller you are using or you just don't know how to set it up so that it does work properly. Sometimes you don't have the right codes to use set-up the controller. This often is the fault of the device maker.

What company would want you to use a product outside its own production scope? After all, your television makers and others are trying to make a profit. If you don't use their controller, then, you are turning to another company who is making a profit off of their own devices. This is why when you buy a new DVD player or a VCR, you don't get the codes you need for the electronic signal to be picked up by a non-standard remote. Since you need these codes to set-up your all-in-one remote, you are often out of luck.

Never fear! Help is here! If you are insistent about using an all-in-one remote, you can often find the right code on the world wide web. Some web sites have come together to produce massive lists of codes and combinations you can use to get your product to work on an all-in-one remote. Sometimes even this can be a laborious task, because you have to find the right code to use. This can take time, energy and patience. If you're lucky, you'll find the right code within the first few tries, but then again, it make take you all day.

Once you find the code, you should be able to use the all-in-one remote like you'd use any other remote. In many cases, an all-in-one remote will ease the trouble of using three remotes to watch a movie with surround sound. This makes it easier on you in the long run but trying to get the remote to work in the first place can be a headache-inducing experience. If you feel it is worth your time, go for it, otherwise you might find yourself better off fumbling around with a bunch of controllers you're already comfortable fumbling around with.

Finding a system that works for you is the most important thing about choosing to use an all-in-one remote. While it might be worth it, make sure you have the time to figure out how to use it before you begin to program it for your particular set-up.