Understanding Your GE Universal Remote Control
GE Universal Remote Controls are among the most popular and affordable universal remotes available today. Manufactured by Jasco Products, these remotes are designed to replace multiple device remotes with a single, easy-to-use controller. Whether you have a basic two-device model or an advanced eight-device version, programming your GE remote is a straightforward process that can save you from the frustration of juggling multiple remotes for your TV, cable box, DVD player, streaming device, and sound system.
Before diving into the programming process, it helps to understand what makes these remotes so versatile. Each GE Universal Remote comes pre-loaded with a database of thousands of device codes from hundreds of manufacturers. When you program the remote, you are essentially telling it which specific codes to use for each of your devices. The remote then sends the correct infrared signals to control that device just as the original remote would.
GE Universal Remotes are available in several models, ranging from simple two-device remotes to advanced backlit models that control up to eight devices. While the specific steps may vary slightly between models, the fundamental programming methods remain consistent across the entire GE universal remote line.
Method 1: Direct Code Entry
The direct code entry method is the most precise and reliable way to program your GE Universal Remote. This method requires you to look up the specific code for your device and enter it manually. Every GE remote comes with a code list booklet, and you can also find codes on the Jasco website or by searching for GE universal remote codes along with your device brand.
To program your remote using direct code entry, start by turning on the device you want to control, whether it is your TV, DVD player, or cable box. Then, press and hold the Setup button on your GE remote until the red indicator light turns on. On some models, the Setup button may be labeled differently, but it is typically a small button located at the top of the remote.
Once the indicator light is on, press the device button that corresponds to the type of device you are programming. For a television, press the TV button. For a DVD or Blu-ray player, press the DVD button. For a cable or satellite box, press the CBL button. The indicator light will blink once and then remain on, indicating that the remote is ready to accept a code.
Enter the four-digit or five-digit code for your device using the number pad on the remote. If the code is accepted, the indicator light will turn off. Point the remote at your device and press the Power button to test. If the device turns off, the programming was successful. If it does not respond, try the next code listed for your device brand, as most manufacturers have multiple codes in the database.
Method 2: Auto Code Search
If you cannot find the correct code for your device or if direct code entry is not working, the auto code search method provides an excellent alternative. This method cycles through the entire code database, testing each code one at a time until it finds one that works with your device.
Begin by turning on the device you want to program. Press and hold the Setup button until the indicator light turns on. Press the appropriate device button for the type of device you are programming. The indicator light will blink once and remain on.
Now press the Power button on the remote. The remote will send a power signal using the first code in its database. Wait two seconds and check if the device turned off. If it did not turn off, press the Power button again. The remote will advance to the next code and send another power signal. Continue pressing the Power button every two seconds until your device turns off.
When the device finally turns off, immediately press the Enter or Setup button to lock in the code. If you press Power too many times and skip past the correct code, you can press the Reverse or Channel Down button to go back through the codes one at a time. This method takes patience, as there are hundreds of codes to cycle through, but it is virtually guaranteed to find a working code for any compatible device.
Method 3: Brand Code Search
Some newer GE Universal Remote models offer a brand code search feature that combines the precision of direct code entry with the convenience of auto code search. This method narrows the search to codes for a specific brand, significantly reducing the time required to find the correct code.
To use brand code search, turn on the device you want to program. Press and hold the Setup button until the indicator light illuminates. Press the device button for the type of device you are programming. Instead of entering a specific code, enter the brand code for your device manufacturer. Brand codes are shorter, typically two or three digits, and can be found in the brand code section of your remote's instruction manual.
After entering the brand code, press the Power button repeatedly, waiting two seconds between each press, until the device turns off. Once the device responds, press Enter to save the code. This method typically requires fewer attempts than a full auto code search because it only cycles through codes for the specified brand.
Programming for Streaming Devices and Sound Bars
Modern entertainment systems often include streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Chromecast, as well as sound bars and audio systems. Programming your GE Universal Remote to control these devices follows the same basic methods described above, but there are a few additional considerations.
Streaming devices that use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi for their primary remote communication may not be fully compatible with infrared universal remotes. However, many streaming devices do include an infrared receiver for basic functions like power and volume. Check your streaming device's specifications to determine its IR compatibility before attempting to program your GE remote.
For sound bars, you will typically use the AUX or DVD device button on your GE remote, as most models do not have a dedicated sound bar button. The programming process is identical to programming any other device: use direct code entry, auto code search, or brand code search to find the correct code for your sound bar manufacturer.
Some GE remotes feature a dedicated streaming or media button specifically designed for streaming devices. If your remote has this button, use it when programming your streaming device for the best compatibility and functionality.
Troubleshooting Common Programming Issues
Even with the correct code entered, you may encounter situations where certain buttons do not work as expected. This is because universal remote codes sometimes provide only partial functionality, controlling basic functions like power, volume, and channel but not advanced features like menu navigation or smart TV apps. If this happens, try entering a different code for your device brand, as alternative codes may provide better button mapping.
If the indicator light blinks rapidly and then turns off when you enter a code, the code was not accepted. This usually means you entered the code incorrectly or the code is not in the remote's database. Double-check the code and try again. If the problem persists, try the auto code search method instead.
Battery issues are a common but often overlooked cause of programming problems. Low batteries can prevent the remote from sending strong enough infrared signals to reach your device. Replace the batteries with fresh ones and try programming again. Always use quality alkaline batteries for the best performance and longevity.
If your device turns off during the auto code search but the remote does not control other functions after saving the code, the code that turned off the device may not be the optimal code for full functionality. In this case, repeat the auto code search but continue past the first code that works to see if a subsequent code provides better overall control.
Advanced Features and Tips
Many GE Universal Remotes include features beyond basic device control. The Master Volume function allows you to control the volume through a single device, such as your sound bar or AV receiver, regardless of which device mode the remote is in. This eliminates the need to switch between devices just to adjust the volume.
Some models also support macro programming, which allows you to assign a sequence of commands to a single button press. For example, you could program a macro that turns on your TV, switches to the correct HDMI input, and powers on your streaming device, all with one button press.
To get the most out of your GE Universal Remote, keep the code list booklet in a safe place for future reference. If you add new devices to your entertainment system, you will need to program additional device buttons using the same methods described above. Each device button on the remote can be programmed independently, so adding a new device will not affect the programming of your existing devices.
When to Consider an Upgrade
While GE Universal Remotes are excellent for basic to moderate entertainment systems, you may find their limitations if you have a complex home theater setup. If you frequently encounter devices that are not in the GE code database, or if you need advanced features like RF control, Wi-Fi connectivity, or app-based customization, consider upgrading to a more advanced universal remote like the Logitech Harmony series or the SofaBaton U1.
For most households, however, a GE Universal Remote provides an affordable and effective solution for consolidating multiple remotes into one. With a little patience during the initial programming process, you can simplify your entertainment experience and say goodbye to the clutter of multiple remote controls on your coffee table.
