Remote Control

Introduction

The Potenza ST Universal Remote Control by Universal Electronics is our latest generation universal remote control. Its sophisticated technology allows you to consolidate up to five of your original home entertainment remote controls into one easy-to-use product. Moreover, its packed with advanced features such as:

  • Preprogrammed control to operate the set-top box supplied by your service provider
  • Dedicated keys to control popular functions on your DVR/PVR (Digital/Personal Video Recorder)
  • Programmable Master Power key for master on/off control of your home entertainment equipment with a single keystroke
  • Programmable Macro Keys to allow you to activate certain keys in a specific order
  • Channel Lock to lock channel selection only to the cable converter
  • Volume Lock to lock volume controls to one mode or individual modes
  • Device Key Re-Assignment to remotely control a second (duplicate) device
  • Code Search to help program control of older or discontinued components
  • Color-coded keys to quickly locate popular functions
  • Code library for popular video and audio devices

Before using the product, you will need to install the enclosed batteries and also perform some programming to operate the specific home entertainment devices you wish to control.

Please follow the instructions detailed in this manual to set up the unit and then start enjoying your new remote control.

  1. On the back of the remote control, push the tab and lift off the battery cover.
  2. Locate the two (2) enclosed AA batteries. Match the + and – marks with those in the battery case, then insert them.
  3. Align the covers keys with the cases holes and press the cover back into place. The tab should click when the cover is locked.
  4. Test the remote control by pressing any mode key (e.g., TV ). If the batteries are inserted correctly, the LED (red light) will blink once.NOTE: When batteries need replacement, the remote control will cease to operate. Replace the batteries and the unit will be restored to its full functionality, complete with your favorite settings.

The Potenza ST Universal Remote Control is preprogrammed to operate the set-top box provided by your television service provider, an RCA TV, a Toshiba DVD player, an RCA VCR, and a Pioneer audio receiver. To control devices other than the default brands, perform the following steps; otherwise skip this section.

NOTES: For control of a Combo device (for example, a TV/VCR combo), skip this section and perform the instructions on “Setting Up a Combo Unit”. Also refer to “Device Table” on page 8 to find out which devices can be programmed onto each device key.

If you have another brand of set-top box you would like to control, you’ll need to unlock the STB ID Lock before changing the set-top box code (see “Programming ID Lock”).

  1. Turn on a device and, if applicable, insert video media, (e.g., cassette or disc). NOTE: Please read steps 2 through 5 completely before proceeding. Highlight or write down the codes and device you wish to program before moving on to step 2.
  2. On the remote control, press a device key once (i.e., VCR, DVD, AUD, TV, or STB); it will blink once.
  3. Press and hold SETUP until the selected mode key blinks twice, then release SETUP.
  4. Use the “Manufacturer’s Codes” on the accordion tab) to locate the type of device and brand name and then enter the first four-digit code for your device. If performed correctly, the selected mode key will blink twice. NOTE: If the selected mode key emits a long blink, the entry is invalid. Repeat steps 2 through 4 and try entering the same code again.
  5. Aim the remote control at the device and press POWER once. The device should turn off. If it does not, repeat steps 2 through 4, trying each code for your brand until you find one that works. If it still does not respond, try searching for the code (see “Searching for Your Code”).
    NOTE: If the device does not have a POWER key (e.g., DVD and VCR), press the (Play) key.
  6. Repeat steps 1 through 5 for each device you want the remote control to operate. For future reference, write down each working device code.

If you own a combo unit such as a TV/VCR Combo or a TV/DVD Combo, you need to follow special steps to set it up. Perform the following instructions to control combo device:

  1. For a TV/VCR Combo, turn on your TV/VCR Combo and insert a video cassette. (For a TV/DVD Combo, insert a DVD).
  2. On the remote control, press VCR once; it will blink once. Then press and hold SETUP until the VCR key blinks twice.
  3. Use the “Manufacturer’s Codes” starting on page 27 to locate the brand name and enter the first four-digit code for your combo device (for example, TV/VCR). If you perform this procedure correctly, the VCR key will blink twice.
    NOTE: If the VCR key did not blink twice after entering the codes last digit, repeat steps 2 through 3 and try entering the same code again. If you’ve located a setup code that works for your combo device (for example, a TV/VCR Combo) and a separate TV code is also listed, you’ll need to program this code into the remote control to access volume control (see “Programming Device Control”).
  4. Aim the remote control at your combo device (for example, TV/VCR Combo) and press POWER once. The device should turn off. If it does not respond, repeat steps 2 through 3, trying each code listed for your brand until you find one that works. If it still does not respond, try searching for the code (“Searching for Your Code” in the accordion tab of the same name).
  5. For future reference, write down each working device code.

If your home entertainment device does not respond to the Potenza ST Universal Remote Control after trying all of the codes listed for your brand, or if your brand is not listed at all, try searching for your code.

For example, to search for a code for your TV:

  1. Turn on your TV.
  2. On the remote control, press TV once; it will blink once. Then press and hold SETUP until the TV key blinks twice.
  3. Type 9 9 1 . The TV key will blink twice.
  4. Aim the remote control at your combo device (for example, TV/VCR Combo) and press POWER once.
  5. Press and release the CH+ key continuously, then stop when the TV turns off.
    NOTE: In the search mode, the remote control will send IR codes from its library to the selected device, starting with the most popular code first.
  6. Press POWER. The TV should turn on, then press SETUP once to lock in the code. The LED will blink twice to indicate that the code is saved.
    NOTE: If the TV does not turn on during step 6, then slowly press and release CH- to go back through the codes, then press SETUP when the TV turns on.
  7. To search for the codes of your other devices, repeat steps 1 through 6, but substitute the appropriate key (e.g., VCR, DVD, AUD, or STB ) for the device you are searching for.

The Potenza ST Universal Remote Control includes a Learning feature (not available on all models) so you can add functions that are unique to your home entertainment devices (e.g.,VCR Tracking Up or Down). However, there are some considerations.

Learning Precautions

  • Your original remote controls must be in working order for learning to work properly.
  • Learned keys are mode-specific, so each one can store a unique function for each mode.
  • Do not use the following keys for learning: Device Keys, SETUP, Record (•), Tune-In Keys.
  • Learning capacity is approximately 16 to 25 keys, depending on the code being learned.
  • Certain device functions are not learnable including multi-frequency types, some high frequency ones, and other unusual formats.
  • For optimum learning, avoid high levels of ambient light such as natural sunlight or energy-efficient fluorescent lights.
    NOTE: Please have your original remote controls handy before programming learning.

Programming a Learned Key

NOTE: If more than 15 seconds pass between key presses, the remote exits programming.

  1. Press and hold SETUP until the last-selected mode key blinks twice, then press 9 7 5.
    NOTE: If the LED displays one long flash instead, either your batteries are low, or the Potenza ST Universal Remote Control has a memory fault.
  2. Press a mode key once (i.e., VCR, DVD, AUD, TV,  or STB ) to assign a mode for learning.
  3. Press the desired key on the Potenza ST once to store the feature to be learned.
  4. Place the Potenza ST Remote Control head-tohead (about 2″ apart) from your original remote control. Also locate the key (on your original remote control) that you want the Potenza ST Universal Remote Control to learn.
  5. On the original remote, press and hold the key to be learned. The Potenza ST Remote Control’s LED will blink rapidly, then turn off. Continue holding the key on the original remote until the LED blinks twice.
    NOTE: If the LED displays one long blink, a learning error has occurred. Try repeating this step again until a successful capture occurs. If the function is  still not captured, press and hold SETUP to exit programming and review the “Learning Precautions” on the previous page. If needed, also see “Troubleshooting” on page 24. After review, start programming again at step 1.
  6. Repeat steps 2 through 5 for another mode and/or key or press and hold SETUP until the active mode key LED blinks twice to exit programming.

Deleting a Single Learning Key

This process returns the key to its original programming for the mode you select. You can also delete learned programming by teaching a different function to the key (see “Programming a Learned Key” above)
NOTE: If more than 15 seconds pass between key presses, the remote exits programming.

  1. Press and hold SETUP until the last-selected mode key blinks twice, then press 9 7 6 .
  2. Press a mode key once (i.e., VCR, DVD, AUD, TV,  or STB). The LED on the selected mode key will blink once.
  3. Press the key containing the learned function to be deleted twice. The active MODE key will blink twice.
  4. Repeat steps 2 through 3 for another key or press and hold SETUP to exit programming.

Deleting All Learned Keys in a Specific Mode

NOTE: If more than 15 seconds pass between key presses, the remote exits programming.

  1. Press and hold SETUP until the last-selected mode key blinks twice, then press 9 7 6 .
  2. Press a mode key twice (i.e., VCR, DVD, AUD, TV,  or STB) to clear all the learned keys for that mode. The mode key LED blinks twice.
  3. Repeat step 2 for another mode or press and hold SETUP to exit programming.

For example, to find out which code is operating your TV:

  1. On the remote control, press TV once; it will blink once. Then press and hold SETUP until the TV key blinks twice.
  2. Enter 9 9 0 . The TV key will blink twice.
  3. To view the code for the first digit, press 1 once. Count the number of times the TV key blinks (e.g., 3 blinks = 3) and write down the number in the leftmost TV Code box on page 11.
    NOTE: If a code digit is 0, the selected mode key will not blink.
  4. Repeat step 3 three more times for the remaining digits. Use 2 for the second digit, 3 for the third digit, and 4 for the fourth digit. Write down the code for future reference.
  5. To check for other device codes, repeat steps 1 through 4, but substitute the appropriate key (e.g., VCR, DVD, AUD, or STB) for the device you are checking. Write down the codes for future reference.

By default, the remote control’s channel-control capabilities are locked to the set-top box. The affected keys* are 1 through 0, CH+, CH-, and LAST. This will guarantee that you do not inadvertently change a channel on your TV or VCR. However, you can deactivate this feature to allow full access to these keys in the TV and VCR modes.
*NOTE: This feature does not affect the AUD mode.

 Unlocking Channel Control

  1. On the remote control, press STB once; it will blink once. Press and hold SETUP until the STB  key blinks twice.
  2. Enter 9 7 3 . The STB key will blink twice.
  3. Press CH- once. The STB  key will blink four times.

Now the remote control will provide TV and VCR channel-control capabilities while in the TV or VCR mode.

Locking Channel Control to STB

  1. On the remote control, press STB  once; it will blink once. Press and hold SETUP until the STB key blinks twice.
  2.  Enter 9 7 3 . The STB key will blink twice.
  3.  Press CH+ once. The STB  key will blink twice.

Now, regardless of what mode you select (except AUD), the channel keys will only change channels on your set-top box.

Volume Lock allows you to control the volume through the device identified as having your primary speaker(s), regardless of which mode you are using. On the Potenza ST Remote Control, Global Volume Lock is set to TV, so you can control TV volume while in the VCR, DVD, TV or STB mode. You can perform Individual Volume Unlock on a selected device to set its volume control for independent operation.

NOTE: The audio mode’s (AUD) volume controls are active regardless of Volume Lock settings. However, if you lock the volume controls to the AUD mode, you will have control of the audio device’s volume in all other modes (i.e., VCR, DVD, TV, and STB). This can be an advantage if, for example, you always listen to home entertainment devices through your receiver’s speakers.

Unlocking Volume Control for a Single Device 
(Individual Volume Unlock)

  1. Assuming Global Volume Lock is active, select a mode on the remote control that you want to unlock (e.g., STB ) and press it once. Next, press and hold SETUP until the device key blinks twice.
  2. Enter 9 9 3 . The last-selected device key will blink twice.
  3. Press VOL- once. The last-selected device key will blink four times.
  4. Repeat steps 1 through 3 for each device you want volume to be unlocked.

Now, after you select a device that has volume unlocked (e.g., STB ), pressing VOL+ , VOL- , or MUTE , will control only that device’s volume.

Unlocking All Volume Control (Global Volume Unlock)

NOTE: Performing these instructions will set independent volume control for all programmed devices.

  1. On the remote control, press and hold SETUP until the last-selected device key blinks twice.
  2. Enter 9 9 3 . The last-selected device key will blink twice.
  3. Press VOL+ once. The last-selected device key will blink four times.

 Locking Volume Control To One Mode (Global Volume Lock)

NOTE: The audio mode’s volume controls are active regardless of Volume Lock settings. However, if you lock the volume controls to the  AUD mode, you will control the audio device’s volume in all other modes (i.e.,  VCR, DVD, TV, or CBL). This can be an advantage if, for example, you always listen to home entertainment devices through your receiver’s speakers.

On the remote control, press and hold SETUP until the last-selected device key blinks twice.

Enter 9 9 3 . The last-selected device key will blink twice.

Select a mode (e.g., TV or AUD ) which you want to use to control the volume. The selected device key will blink twice.

Now, when you press VOL+ , VOL- , or MUTE , the volume of the selected device (e.g., TV ) is controlled regardless of mode.

*NOTE: This feature does not affect the AUD mode.

 Unlocking Channel Control

  1. On the remote control, press STB once; it will blink once. Press and hold SETUP until the STB  key blinks twice.
  2. Enter 9 7 3 . The STB key will blink twice.
  3. Press CH- once. The STB  key will blink four times.

Now the remote control will provide TV and VCR channel-control capabilities while in the TV or VCR mode.

Locking Channel Control to STB

  1. On the remote control, press STB  once; it will blink once. Press and hold SETUP until the STB key blinks twice.
  2.  Enter 9 7 3 . The STB key will blink twice.
  3.  Press CH+ once. The STB  key will blink twice.

Now, regardless of what mode you select (except AUD), the channel keys will only change channels on your set-top box.

The Potenza ST Universal Remote Control is locked at the factory to operate your service provider’s set-top box. However, if you have another brand or model of settop box or satellite service that you would like to control, then you’ll need to perform the following steps to unlock the ID Lock, enter a new manufacturer’s code, and lock the ID Lock again.

  1. Turn on the set-top box.
  2. On the remote control, press STB once; it will blink once. Then press and hold SETUP until the STB key blinks twice.
  3. Enter 9 8 2 . The STB key will blink four times, indicating ID Lock is unlocked.
  4. Perform the instructions under “Programming Device Control” on page 9 to program device control for the desired cable converter or satellite receiver.
    When you are done, perform steps 5 and 6 on this page to again lock the ID Lock.
  5. On the remote control, press STB once; it will blink once. Then press and hold SETUP until the STB key blinks twice.
  6. Enter 9 8 2 . The STB key will blink twice, indicating ID Lock is again locked.

The Potenza ST Universal Remote Control includes two macro keys (located directly below the MUTE and LAST keys). Macro keys allow you to set up key macros to activate certain keys in a specific order. For example, you can set up a key macro to change the channels on your TV, raise or lower the volume, and start recording on your VCR, all with the touch of one key. If you want to change the macros stored in a previously-programmed macro key, you’ll need to clear the key first (see “Clearing a Macro Key” on page 21).

Programming a Macro Key

  1. On the remote control, press and hold SETUP until it blinks twice.
  2. Enter 9 9 5 . The SETUP key blinks twice.
  3. Select a macro key (for example, F1 ) and press it once.
  4. Press the key sequence you want to program into the macro. For example, to turn on your TV and raise its volume, press the TV mode key once, followed by pressing the VOL+ key once.
    NOTE: You can program up to 15 key presses into one macro.
  5. Press and hold SETUP until it blinks twice.
  6. To add another macro, repeat steps 1 through 5, substituting the new key sequence to be added in step 4.
    NOTE: Programming more than five macros on the same macro key overwrites previous settings.

Clearing a Macro Key

  1. On the remote control, press and hold SETUP until it blinks twice.
  2. Enter 9 9 5 . The SETUP key blinks twice.
  3. Press the macro key you want to clear once.
  4. Press and hold SETUP until the active mode key blinks twice.

This macro key is now clear and ready for reprogramming (see “Programming a Macro Key” above). If desired, repeat these to clear another Tune-In key.

The Potenza ST Remote Control has a unique feature that allows you to sequentially turn up to five of your home entertainment devices on or off with a single key press.
NOTE: MASTER POWER (POWER) only works in the STB mode. If it is not programmed, only the set-top box will turn on or off. In any other mode, pressing MASTER POWER (POWER) once will turn the selected device on or off.

Programming the Master Power Key

  1. On the remote control, press and hold SETUP until the last-selected device key blinks twice.
  2. Enter 9 9 5 . The last-selected device key blinks twice.
  3. Press POWER once.
  4. For the first device you want in the power on sequence, press a device key (e.g., STB) once. Then press POWER once. For the second device in the power sequence, press its key once (e.g, TV). Then press POWER.
  5. Repeat step 4 up to four more times to add the second, third, fourth, and fifth device, as desired.
  6. To save the settings and exit the program:
    a. Press STB  once.
    b. Press and hold SETUP until the STB key blinks twice.

Using the Master Power Key

  1. After programming, point the remote control at the devices. Press STB  once.
  2. Press POWER once to sequentially turn the programmed home entertainment devices on or off.

You will see the devices turn on or off according to the programmed sequence.

Clearing the Master Power Key

  1. On the remote control, press and hold SETUP until the last-selected device key blinks twice.
  2. Enter 9 9 5 . The last-selected device key blinks twice.
  3. Press and release POWER.
  4. Press and hold SETUP until the STB key blinks twice.

The Potenza ST Universal Remote Control can be set up to control a second device of an already-assigned type. For example, to have the unit control a TV, a set-top box, and two audio devices (for example, two audio receivers), re-assign the unused VCR key to operate the second audio device as follows:
NOTE: VCR is preset at the factory to control an RCA VCR. Performing the steps below will overwrite those settings.

  1. On the remote control, press VCR  once; it will blink once. Then press and hold SETUP until the VCR key blinks twice.
  2. Enter 9 9 2 . The VCR key will blink twice.
  3. Press AUD once, then press VCR once. The VCR key will blink twice.

The VCR key is now ready to be programmed for your second audio device. See “Programming Device Control”. To re-assign other device keys, repeat these and substitute the key sequence using the following chart:
NOTE: Only one device can be assigned to an unused device key at a time.

To Re-AssignPerform Key Sequence
 VCR as 2nd
AUD key
 VCR> SETUP>9> 9> 2> AUD> VCR
 VCR as 2nd
TV key
VCR> SETUP>9> 9> 2> TV> VCR
 VCR as 2nd
STB key
VCR> SETUP>9> 9> 2> STB> VCR
VCR back to
VCR
VCR> SETUP>9> 9> 2> VCR> VCR

To re-assign another unused device key, substitute it for the VCR key above and then perform the sequence. For example, to re-assign an unused AUD key as a second DVD key, perform

AUD>SETU>9>9>2>DVD>AUD.

When a re-assignment is done, the selected device key (e.g., AUD ) will blink twice to confirm your choice. At that time, you will need to program device control (see “Programming Device Control”).

The Potenza ST Remote Control contains a Custom Programming Reset program. You can use it to remove all custom programming, except your setup codes and reassigned device keys.
IMPORTANT: Executing this program will erase all custom settings for Volume Lock, Learned Keys, Tune-In Keys, and Channel Lock. However, your device programming remains.

  1. On the remote control, press and hold SETUP until the last-selected device key blinks twice.
  2. Enter 9 8 0 . The last-selected device key blinks twice, pauses, and blinks twice again to confirm that all custom programming is cleared.

PROBLEM: Device key does not blink when you press a key.
SOLUTION: Replace the batteries with two (2) new AA batteries (see “Installing Batteries”).

PROBLEM: Device key blinks when you press a key, but home entertainment device does not respond.
SOLUTION: Make sure you are aiming the remote control at your home entertainment device and that you are within 15 feet of the device you are trying to control.

PROBLEM: The remote control does not control home entertainment devices or commands are not performing properly.
SOLUTION: Try all listed codes for the device brand being set up. Make sure all devices can be operated with an infrared remote control.

PROBLEM: TV/VCR Combo does not respond properly.
SOLUTION: Use the VCR codes for your brand. Some combo units may require both a TV code and a VCR code for full operation (see page 11).

PROBLEM: No volume on a second TV.
SOLUTION: Follow instructions under “Changing Volume Lock”.

PROBLEM: PLAY and STOP keys do not work on a Motorola DCT-2000 cable converter.
SOLUTION: Re-program the STB key for cable code 0476 (see “Programming Device Control”).

PROBLEM: Tried Search Method and still could not find a working code.
SOLUTION: Try the Search Method again after clearing out the device key as follows:
a. Press and hold SETUP until device key blinks twice.
b. Enter 9 9 2.
c. Press and release the device key to be cleared twice.

PROBLEM: Remote control does not turn on Sony or Sharp TV/VCR Combo.
SOLUTION: For power on, these products require programming TV codes on the remote control. For Sony, use TV code 0000 and VCR code 0032. For Sharp, use TV code 0093 and VCR code 0048.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

  • Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
  • Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
  • Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
  • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

This equipment has been verified to comply with the limits for a class B computing device, pursuant to FCC Rules. In order to maintain compliance with FCC regulations, shielded cables must be used with this equipment. Operation with non-approved equipment or unshielded cables is likely to result in interference to radio and TV reception. The user is cautioned that changes and modifications made to the equipment without the approval of manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

Uniontel-Romote-Control

Press VCRDVDAUDTV, or STB once to select a home entertainment device to control.
Each device key has an embedded LED (red light) that blinks upon selection and indicates the remote control is working and (after programming) is sending signals.

Press POWER once to turn on or off a home entertainment device. For MASTER POWER control, see “Using the Master Power Key”.

Use SETUP for all programming sequences.

Press LIST once to display a list of recorded shows on your PVR/DVR settop box.

Press LIVE to command your PVR/DVR set-top box to return to watching live TV.

Use to command your PVR/DVR set-top box to instantly replay the last 7 seconds of a program you are watching.

Use to command your PVR/DVR set-top box to instantly replay the last 7 seconds of a program you are watching.

Use INFO to display the current channel and program information.

Use the Cursor keys to move the cursor in the program guide and menu screens and to navigate within the interactive service. Use OK to choose options, PPV events, and to tune to programs from the program guide.

Use GUIDE to display the program guide.

Use DAY+ (or DAY-) to move a day forward (or back) on your set-top box’s program guide.

Use PAGE+ (or PAGE-) to page up (or page down) through menu screens and the program guide.

Use A, B, C, and D to access additional features on your set-top box (see set-top box manual for details).

Use VOL+ (or VOL-) to raise (or lower) the audio volume.

Press ON DEMAND to access Video on Demand services.

Use CH+ (or CH-) to select the next higher (or lower) channel. For DVD players, use these keys to skip forward (or reverse) through chapters. For amplifiers/receivers, use these keys to select the next higher (or lower) preset station.

Press MUTE once to turn the sound off or on.

Use FAV to cycle through your favorite channels stored in your set-top box.

Press LAST once to recall the last channel.

Use the keypad numbers (1-9, and 0) to directly tune channels (e.g., 09). For amplifiers/receivers, use the keypad numbers to select inputs 1 through 10.

In all modes except STB, use REWPLAYFFWDSTOP, and PAUSE to control a VCR, DVD player, or a PVR (after selecting a desired device). To record in the VCR mode, press REC twice. In the STB mode, use these keys to control the DVR/PVR functions of the set-top box.

Press SHIFT to access additional set-top box features (see your set-top box’s manual).

Press ASPECT once to change the aspect ratio of the show you are watching. (Not available on all set-top boxes).

PIP turns the Picture-In-Picture feature on or off (if available on your TV or settop box).

SWAP is used to switch PIP images and sound between the main and window pictures.

MOVE moves the PIP window to different positions on your TV screen.

PIP CH+ and CH- are used to select the next higher or lower channel and is displayed on your PIP window.

INPUT in STB mode is used to view other video sources (A or B). In other modes, use INPUT to switch between the source inputs on the device you are controlling.

MACRO 1 and MACRO 2 are reserved for use as macro keys (See “Programming Macro Keys”).

Set-Up Codes

Searchable look-up tables for specific Device and Manufacturer.

Learn More