Whether you’ve lost your remote, it’s broken, or you just want a spare, the process of sourcing a replacement remote can be stressful as there are so many different remotes available online. You may have heard of the terms genuine and universal remotes when doing your research. Genuine remotes are those designed for your TV by the manufacturer. Universal remotes are remotes that are compatible with many different TVs. In this article, we highlight the pros and cons of genuine remotes and universal remotes.
Why choose a genuine remote?
A great benefit of genuine remotes is that you do not need to pair the remote up with the TV. They are designed for your TV, so as long as you have matched the model number information correctly, there should not be a compatibility issue. You can pop in some batteries, and off you go – no setup required.
The buttons are also to be exactly the same as the original, meaning you won’t need to learn a new layout. However, if you are looking for an alternate design, such as a change of layout with bigger buttons for convenience, this is not available with genuine remotes. They do not have this choice as they are essentially a replica of the original.
What about universal remotes?
If you do not have all the model information of your device but you know the brand, universal remotes can be an easy solution. You can connect them using the instructions provided to pair your remote to your device, usually by inputting a brand code.
Some universal remotes allow multiple devices to be connected, such as TVs and set-top boxes, making this a more convenient option for some. It is also beneficial for those who want a more simple design of a remote with a different button layout. With the large range of universal remotes, there are many different shapes and designs which can offer more comfort.
Although these remotes are great, they are not guaranteed to work with every TV. They are usually compatible by brand, so if you have tried every code for the brand you may find that this remote isn’t compatible with your TV.
You should also keep in mind that not every feature or function is guaranteed to work on universal remotes. For example, smart features will not necessarily have an available button so these functions may need to be accessed using the menu button and finding the corresponding option in the TV’s menu. Whereas genuine remotes can provide you access to their smart features, usually with a smart button.
So, which remote is best?
To summarise, the benefits of these remotes is down to personal preference and compatibility. It is always best to research about the remote beforehand to ensure you choose the right one for your TV.