RCA Universal Remote RCU404 User Guide

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U N I V E R S A L

Remote

Compatible with

today’s most

popular brands.

Consolidates

up to 4

remotes

Dedicated

MENU key

for DVD

navigation

See back

for most

popular brands.

Multi-Brand Use

RCU404

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4 Component

Universal Remote

Congratulations on your purchase of the 4 component

universal remote by RCA. This universal remote controls

up to four electronic components and makes juggling remote

controls a thing of the past. You can program this RCA

universal remote to operate most models of most brands of

infrared, remote-controlled components manufactured after

1990. (See the enclosed Code List for a complete list of brands).

The 4 component universal remote is easy to use, easy to

program and gives you control at the touch of your fingertips.

Note: The 4 component universal remote is already

programmed to operate most RCA, GE and PROSCAN

branded TVs, VCRs, DVD players and satellite receivers (DBS).

Just press the corresponding component key—VCR for a VCR;

DVD•AUX for a DVD player; TV for a television; DBS•CABLE

for a satellite receiver or a cable box.

Battery Installation

and Information

Your universal remote requires two AAA Alkaline batteries

(batteries may or may not be included, depending on model).

To install the batteries:

1. Remove the battery compartment cover.

2. Insert the batteries, matching the

batteries to the (+) and (–) marks

inside the battery compartment.

3. Press and push the battery cover

back into place.

Note: Reprogramming may be

required after batteries are replaced.

Key Descriptions

Component keys (DVD•AUX, DBS•CABLE,

VCR, TV): selects the component you

want the remote to operate.

For example, after you’ve programmed

the remote to operate your TV, you must

press the TV key first to put the remote in

TV Mode. While in TV Mode, the CHAN

keys change the channel on the TV, the

VOL keys adjust the TV’s volume, etc.

Transport keys–REW (Rewind), PLAY, FF

(Fast Forward), PAUSE, STOP: operate

the same as your original VCR or DVD

remote control, although key labels may

vary (REVERSE, FORWARD).

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Other Keys (listed alphabetically)

0-9 (Number Keys): operate the same as number keys on your

original remote and are used to enter component codes when

programming the remote control with Direct Entry method.

ANTENNA: in TV mode, switches between the signal coming

from a satellite receiver or cable box and an off-air antenna.

In VCR mode, switches between the signal coming from a

VCR and a TV.

CHAN (Channel) UP AND DOWN: goes to the next highest

or lowest channel number in the component channel list,

respectively, except for DVD's. In DVD's the CHAN UP/DOWN

goes to the NEXT/PREVIOUS chapter. Additionally, when

you’re using the remote with On-screen Menus, the CHAN

keys act as UP ARROW and DOWN ARROW keys (moving

the cursor or highlight up or down).

CODE SEARCH: use to program the remote.

ENTER: use with Manual or Automatic Code Search method

to accept code (See Code Search on page 9). Also, some

brands require you to press the ENTER key after you enter

a channel number. In some menu systems, you must press

ENTER to select a highlighted item.

MENU: accesses DVD disc menus when DVD•AUX key

is programmed to operate a DVD player. Accesses menu

systems of some TVs, a few RCA brand VCRs and satellite

receivers. (For more information, refer to Using On-screen

Menus section on page 11).

MUTE: lowers the TV’s volume to its minimum level.

ON•OFF: turns component on and off.

Note: Some RCA, GE and PROSCAN models require that

you press the component key to turn ON the component

and the ON•OFF key to turn OFF the component.

PREV CH (Previous Channel): switches back to previous

channel—operates the same as LAST CHANNEL, GO BACK

or RECALL key found on some brands of remote controls.

REC (Record): used with VCR to record programming.

You must press the REC key twice to start recording.

SLEEP: allows you to set a time to turn off your

TV automatically.

VOL (Volume) UP and DOWN: increases or decreases the

TV’s volume level. Additionally, when you’re using the

remote with On-screen Menus, the VOL keys act as RIGHT

or LEFT ARROW keys (moving the highlight or cursor

right or left).

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Program for TV—

Direct Entry Method

In order for the 4 component universal remote to control

your TV, you must program it with the TV code that matches

your TV. These instructions explain the preferred method

of programming the remote—the Direct Entry method.

1. Manually turn on the TV.

2. Locate the enclosed TV Code List.

Find your brand of TV.

Note: If your brand isn’t listed,

use one of the Code Search methods

to program this remote control

(See Code Search on page 9).

CODE INDICATOR

LIGHT

3. Press and hold the CODE SEARCH

key until the indicator light

illuminates. Then release the

CODE SEARCH key.

(BLINK)

4. Press and release the TV key. The

indicator light blinks and then remains lit.

5. Use the number keys to enter

the first code listed for your brand.

After you enter a valid three-digit

code, the indicator light turns off.

Note: If you enter an invalid code,

the LED will flash rapidly for 2

seconds. Start over at step 3.

6. Aim the remote at your TV and press

the ON•OFF key. If your TV turns

off, you have found the correct code.

(OFF)

ON•OFF

7. Enter the code in the box provided

on this page for future reference.

8. If your TV doesn’t turn off, repeat

steps 3-6 above, entering the next

code for your brand.

TV CODE

If none of the codes work or your

brand is not listed, use one of the

Code Search methods to program this

remote (See Code Search on page 9).

For a description of each key on

the remote control, refer to the Key

Descriptions section on page 3-4.

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Program for VCR—

Direct Entry Method

In order for the 4 component universal remote to control

your VCR, you must program it with the code that matches

your VCR. These instructions explain the preferred method

of programming the remote—the Direct Entry method.

1. Manually turn on the VCR.

2. Locate the enclosed VCR Code List.

Find your brand of VCR.

Note: If your brand isn’t listed, use one

of the Code Search methods to program

this remote control (See Code Search

on page 9).

CODE

INDICATOR

LIGHT

3. Press and hold the CODE SEARCH

key until the indicator light illuminates.

Then release the CODE SEARCH key.

VCR

(BLINK)

4. Press and release the VCR key.

The indicator light blinks and then

remains lit.

5. Use the number keys on the remote to

enter the first code listed for your brand.

After you enter a valid three-digit

code, the indicator light turns off.

Note: If you enter an invalid code,

the LED will flash rapidly for 2

seconds. Start over at step 3.

6. Aim the remote at the VCR. Press

the ON•OFF key. If your VCR turns

off, you have found the correct code.

(OFF)

ON•OFF

7. Enter the code in the box provided

on this page for future reference.

8. If your VCR doesn’t turn off, repeat

steps 3-6 above, entering the next

code for your brand.

VCR CODE

If none of the codes work or your

brand is not listed, use one of the

Code Search methods to program this

remote (See Code Search on page 9).

For a description of each key on

the remote control, refer to the Key

Descriptions section on page 3-4.

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Program for Satellite or Cable Box—

Direct Entry Method

In order for the 4 component universal remote to control your

satellite or cable box, you must program it with the code that

matches your component. The DBS•CABLE key can be

programmed to operate either a satellite receiver or a

cable box. These instructions explain the preferred method

of programming the remote—the Direct Entry method.

1. Manually turn on the satellite

receiver or cable box.

2. Locate the enclosed Satellite or Cable

Box Code List. Find your brand in the

Satellite Codes or Cable Box Codes

section, respectively.

Note: If your brand isn’t listed,

use one of the Code Search methods

to program this remote control

CODE INDICATOR

(See Code Search on page 9).

LIGHT

3. Press and hold the CODE SEARCH

key until the indicator light illuminates.

Then release the CODE SEARCH key.

(BLINK)

DBS•

CABLE

4. Press and release the DBS•CABLE

key. The indicator light blinks and

then remains lit.

5. Use the number keys on the remote to

enter the first code listed for your brand.

After you enter a valid three-digit

code, the indicator light turns off.

Note: If you enter an invalid code,

the LED will flash rapidly for 2

seconds. Start over at step 3.

6. Aim the remote at the satellite receiver

or cable box and press the ON•OFF

key. If your Satellite receiver or cable

box turns off, you have found the

correct code.

(OFF)

ON•OFF

7. Enter the code in the box provided

on this page for future reference.

8. If your satellite receiver or cable box

doesn’t turn off, repeat steps 3-6 above,

entering the next code for your brand.

DBS (SATELLITE)

CABLE BOX CODE

If none of the codes work or your

brand is not listed, use one of the

Code Search methods to program

this remote (See Code Search on page 9).

For a description of each key on the

remote control, refer to the Key

Descriptions section page 3-4.

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Program for DVD•AUX—

Direct Entry Method

In order for the 4 component universal remote to control

your DVD player or auxiliary component, you must program

it with the code that matches your component. The DVD•AUX key

can be programmed to operate a DVD player or a second TV,

VCR, DBS or cable box. These instructions explain the preferred

method of programming the remote—the Direct Entry method.

1. Manually turn on the component you

wish to assign to the DVD•AUX key (TV,

VCR, DVD, DBS System or cable box).

2. Locate the enclosed DVD code list, or the

corresponding code list for the auxiliary

component (TV, VCR, DBS, or cable box).

CODE

INDICATOR

LIGHT

Note: If your brand isn’t listed, use one of

the Code Search methods to program this

remote control (See Code Search on page 9).

DVD•

AUX

(BLINK)

3. Press and hold the CODE SEARCH

key until the INDICATOR LIGHT

illuminates, then release the CODE

SEARCH key.

4. Press and release the DVD•AUX key.

The INDICATOR LIGHT will blink.

5. To program for DVD, press the

VCR key. For an auxiliary component,

press the corresponding component

key (TV, VCR, DBS•CABLE).

INDICATOR

LIGHT

The INDICATOR LIGHT will blink

again, then remain lit.

6. Use the number keys on the remote

to enter the first code listed for

your brand.

After you enter a valid three-digit

code, the indicator light turns off.

Note: If you enter an invalid code,

the LED will flash rapidly for

2 seconds. Start over at step 3.

7. Aim the remote at your component

and press the ON•OFF key. If your

component turns off, you have found

the correct code.

(OFF)

ON•OFF

8. Enter the code in the box provided

on this page for future reference.

9. If your component doesn’t turn off,

repeat steps 3-7 above, entering the

next code for your brand.

If none of the codes work or your

brand is not listed, use one of the

Code Search methods to program this

remote (See Code Search on page 9).

DVD•AUX CODE

For a description of each key on

the remote control, refer to the Key

Descriptions section page 3-4.

VCR CABLE DBS DVD

ꢀ ^TV

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Code Search Methods

If your component’s brand isn’t listed in the Code List or

you have tried all of the codes for your brand and the remote

does not operate your component, use one of the Code Search

methods below—Manual Code Search or Auto Code Search.

Both Code Search methods search all of the codes because

your component’s code may be listed under another brand

in the code list.

Note: The Code Search method may take a long time because

the remote searches all of the codes in its memory for the

code which operates your component. Therefore, if your

brand is listed in the Code List, use the Direct Entry method

described on pages 5-8.

Manual Code Search

CODE INDICATOR

1. Manually turn on the component

LIGHT

you want the remote to operate.

2. Press and hold the CODE SEARCH

key until the indicator light

illuminates. Then release the

CODE SEARCH key.

3. Press and release the component key

that corresponds to the component

you want the remote to operate (TV,

VCR or DBS•CABLE). The indicator

light blinks once and then remains lit.

(BLINK)

Note: For DVD or AUX, Press

DVD•AUX, then the component key

corresponding to the component to be

stored under the AUX key. For DVD,

press DVD•AUX, then the VCR key.

For an auxiliary component, press

DVD•AUX, then the corresponding

component key (TV, VCR,

DBS•CABLE).

4. Aim the remote at the component and

press the ON•OFF key continuously

until the component turns off.

ON•OFF

Important: Because there are so many

codes, you may have to press the

ON•OFF key many times—possibly

up to 200 times.

5. When the component turns off, press

ENTER

the ENTER key to store the code.

6. Use Code Retrieval on the next

page to identify the code for your

component for future reference.

CODE INDICATOR

Auto Code Search

1. Manually turn on the component

you want the remote to operate.

LIGHT

2. Press and hold the CODE SEARCH

key until the indicator light

illuminates. Then release the CODE

SEARCH key.

3. Press and release the component key

that corresponds to the component

you want the remote to operate (TV,

VCR, or DBS•CABLE). The indicator

light blinks once and then remains lit.

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Note: For DVD or AUX, Press

DVD•AUX, then the component key

(BLINK)

corresponding to the component

to be stored under the AUX key. For

DVD, press DVD•AUX, then the VCR

key. For an auxiliary component,

press DVD•AUX, then the

corresponding component key

(TV, VCR, DBS•CABLE).

4. Aim the remote at the component

and press the ON•OFF key once.

ON•OFF

The remote automatically sends every

code for the specified component

one at a time, with a 3 second delay

between each code. Keep the remote

aimed at the component throughout

the process.

5. As soon as the component turns

ENTER

off, you must press the ENTER key

immediately so the remote stores

the correct code. If you don’t press

ENTER within 3 seconds, the remote

will send the next code in the list, and

you will have to start over from step 2.

6. Use Code Retrieval to identify the code

for your component for future reference.

Code Retrieval

If you used one of the Code Search methods to program

your remote, follow the steps below to find out which code

is compatible with your component. Finding the actual code

and writing it down will save you time if you ever need to

program the remote again (e.g., if programming is lost when

you change the batteries).

CODE INDICATOR 1. Press and hold the CODE SEARCH

LIGHT

key until the indicator light illuminates.

Then release the CODE SEARCH key.

2. Press and release the component

key that matches the component’s

code you are retrieving (TV, VCR, or

DBS•CABLE). The indicator light

blinks once and then remains lit.

Note: For DVD or AUX, Press

(BLINK)

DVD•AUX, then the component key

corresponding to the component stored

under the AUX key. For DVD, press

DVD•AUX, then the VCR key. For an

auxiliary component, press DVD•AUX,

then the corresponding component

key (TV, VCR, DBS•CABLE).

CODE

(OFF)

3. Press and release the CODE SEARCH

key. The indicator light turns off.

4. Starting with 0 on the keypad, press

the number keys in order (0-9) until

the indicator light blinks.

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(BLINK)

5. The number that causes the indicator

light to blink is the first digit of

your code.

6. Repeat step 4 until you have retrieved

all three numbers of the code.

7. Refer to the code box to write down

the code for your component within

the Direct Entry Section (pages 5-8)

for the component just programmed.

Sleep Feature

This feature will automatically turn off your TV

at a duration you choose from 1 to 99 minutes.

PROGRAMMING SLEEP FEATURE

1. Press and hold the SLEEP key

until the indicator light illuminates.

Release the SLEEP key.

INDICATOR

LIGHT

SLEEP

2. Enter time in minutes using the

numerical key pad. The indicator

light should turn off. (Minute 1 thru

9: press 0 before the actual number.

Maximum: 99 minutes).

3. Leave remote aimed at television.

(Sleep Feature will not work unless

remote is left aimed at television).

CANCELING THE SLEEP TIMER

(BLINK)

SLEEP

The Sleep Timer program will be

canceled and reset to zero by either

of the following.

1. Press and hold the SLEEP key

until the indicator light blinks.

ON•OFF

2. Press the ON•OFF key, turning

the TV off.

Using On-screen Menus

This remote cannot access every menu system of all models

and brands of consumer electronics components. However,

if you’ve successfully programmed the DVD•AUX key to

operate a DVD player, you can access DVD disc menus with

the MENU key.

The MENU key will also access TV menu systems for

most RCA, GE and PROSCAN TV's, as well as some other

popular brands. Also, some RCA VCR menus are supported

by this remote’s menu key. This remote also supports select

satellite receiver menus.

If this remote’s MENU key doesn’t access the menu system

for your component, you’ll need to use the original remote

to change menu settings.

Note: This remote’s MENU key doesn’t support cable box

menu systems and some VCR menu systems.

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Accessing a Menu System

1. Make sure your components

are turned on and your TV

is set to the component's input.

2. Press the component key on

the remote (TV, VCR, DVD•AUX,

or DBS•CABLE).

(BLINK)

3. Press the MENU key. The indicator

light blinks continuously to indicate

the remote is in Menu Mode and the

component’s menu should appear

on the TV screen.

Highlighting and Selecting Menu Items

To navigate On-screen Menus, use the VOL UP/DOWN

and/or CHAN UP/DOWN keys.

VOL UP/DOWN keys move the cursor (or the highlight)

right/left. CHAN UP/DOWN keys move the cursor (or the

highlight) up/down.

For RCA, GE or PROSCAN products, press the MENU or

ENTER key to select the highlighted item. If menu items

have numbers next to them, you can use the number keys

to select an item. Additionally, the ENTER key can be used

to select menu choices.

For Sony products, pressing the ENTER key while

in Menu Mode returns you to the previous menu.

This is an example of a DVD disc On-screen Menu.

English is the menu choice highlighted. Using this

remote control, you would press the ENTER key

to select English.

To highlight another language, you would press the

CHAN DOWN key (In the example above, the highlight

would move to Español).

Notes:

All functions in competitive models and

brands of products may not be fully supported.

The remote will automatically time out in Menu

Mode and the indicator light will stop blinking after

approximately 10 seconds of inactivity (no keys being

pressed). For DVD menus, the Menu Mode will time

out after approximately 15 seconds.

Because of the wide variety of menu formats,

some experimenting may be required.

Exiting a Menu System

To exit Menu Mode, press the corresponding component

key on the remote (TV, VCR, DVD•AUX, or DBS•CABLE).

The indicator light goes out and the remote reverts to its

normal mode of operation.

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Troubleshooting

Problem: The remote can’t be programmed to operate

your component.

• You may be too far away from the component or at a

wrong angle. This remote uses IR (infrared) technology

to communicate with components. The remote sends the

code and the component’s IR sensor reads the code.

Therefore, there must be an unobstructed path between

the remote and the IR sensor on the component. Move

closer and make sure you point the remote at the

component (VCR when programming the VCR key;

TV when programming the TV key; cable box or satellite

receiver when you’re programming the DBS•CABLE key;

DVD Player when programming the DVD•AUX key).

• If you’ve entered all of the codes for your brand that

are in the accompanying Code List and followed the

instructions, try one of the Code Search methods

(See Code Search on page 9).

• You must put the remote in the correct mode by pressing

the corresponding component key (TV, VCR, DVD•AUX,

or DBS•CABLE) so the remote knows which component

you want to operate.

• To program the 4 component universal remote to operate

a combination unit (TV/VCR or TV/DVD), first try the

VCR or DVD codes for your brand. Some units, however,

require that you program both the TV key (using the TV

codes) and the VCR or DVD•AUX key (using the VCR or

DVD codes) for full operation.

• To program the 4 component universal remote to operate

a combination unit (VCR/DVD), program the VCR key

using the VCR codes and then program the DVD•AUX

key using the DVD codes.

Problem: The indicator light does not light when you press a key.

• You must put the remote in the correct mode by pressing

the corresponding component key (TV, VCR, DVD•AUX,

or DBS•CABLE) so the remote knows which component

you want to operate.

• You may have pressed an invalid key for the mode the

remote is in (for example, REC only works in VCR Mode).

• Make sure the batteries are properly installed.

• Replace the batteries with two new AAA batteries.

Reprogramming may be required.

Problem: The remote does not operate your component.

• You must put the remote in the correct mode by pressing

the corresponding component key (TV, VCR, DVD•AUX,

or DBS•CABLE) so the remote knows which component

you want to operate.

• Remove any obstacles between the remote and the

component. Make sure to aim the remote at the IR

sensor on the component.

• Make sure the batteries are properly installed

(See Battery Installation on page 3).

• Replace the batteries with two new AAA batteries.

Reprogramming may be required.

• Reset the remote. Remove the batteries, then press and

hold the number 1 key on the remote for several seconds

to reset the microprocessor inside the remote. Release the

number 1 key, reinstall the batteries, and try the remote

again. Reprogramming will be required.

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Problem: The remote is not performing commands properly.

• You must put the remote in the correct mode by pressing

the corresponding component key (TV, VCR, DVD•AUX,

or DBS•CABLE) so the remote knows which component

you want to operate.

• Make sure component is “ready” (e.g., DVD player

has disc loaded; VCR has tape loaded, etc.).

• You may have pressed an invalid key for the mode the

remote is in (for example, REC only works in VCR mode).

• If you’re trying to turn on an RCA, GE or PROSCAN

component, press the component key (TV, VCR,

DVD•AUX, or DBS•CABLE) instead of the ON•OFF key.

• If operating a VCR to record, you must press the REC

key two times.

• If you’re trying to change channels, try pressing the

ENTER key after entering the channel number as

this is a requirement of certain models and brands.

• There is a possibility that a programmed code may only be

able to control some of your component features (e.g., only

turns a component on and off). Follow the steps provided

for programming the remote (See Programming Sections

on pages 5-7). If the component can be turned on and off,

make sure you press the CHAN UP/DOWN key to see if the

component responds. If not, try the next code from the list.

Problem: The VCR won’t record.

• As a safety feature, you must press the REC key

twice to begin recording.

• Make sure the tape is properly loaded in the VCR.

• Make sure the tape is not write-protected. If the safety

tab is removed the tape is write-protected and you cannot

record onto that tape.

Problem: The remote will not change channels.

• You must put the remote in the correct mode by pressing

the corresponding component key (TV, VCR, DVD•AUX,

or DBS•CABLE) so the remote knows which component

you want to operate.

• Press the ENTER key after you enter a channel number.

Problem: The component’s menu doesn’t appear on

the TV screen.

• The TV must be tuned to the Video Input that matches the

manner in which you connected the component to the TV.

For example, if you connected your DVD player to your

TV by connecting audio/video cables (usually color-

coded yellow, red, and white) to the TV’s Input 1 jack,

you must tune the TV to its Video Input 1 channel.

Remember, different manufacturers label these jacks

differently. Consult the instruction manual that came

with the TV for more information.

• You must put the remote in the correct mode by pressing

the corresponding component key (TV, VCR, DVD•AUX,

or DBS•CABLE) so the remote knows which component

you want to operate.

• Menu access isn’t supported for all brands. If that’s

the case, you’ll need to use your original remote control

to access menu functions for these components.

If you have further questions, please visit www.rca.com.

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Limited 90-Day Warranty

THOMSON INC. warrants that for 90 days from date of

purchase, it will replace this product if found to be defective

in materials or workmanship. Return it postage prepaid to

the Product Exchange Center address for prompt, no-charge

replacement with a current equivalent. This replacement

is THOMSON INC.’s sole obligation under this warranty.

THOMSON INC. will not be responsible for any incidental

or consequential damages or for any loss arising in

connection with the use or in ability to use this product. Some

states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or

consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion

may not apply to you. This warranty excludes defects or

damage due to misuse, abuse or neglect. This warranty gives

you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights,

which vary from state to state.

Product Exchange Center

11721 Alameda Avenue

Socorro TX 79927

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Consolidate four

remote controls

into one!

Operates up to four components, including:

• TV

•

VCR

DVD or AUX

• Satellite receiver or Cable box

Dedicated MENU key

Operates menu system of major TV brands (most RCA, GE,

and PROSCAN), and some other popular brands. Operates

DVD disc menus!

Compatible with today’s