Recently, I purchased an LG DVD player myself and wanted to pair my Vizio universal remote controller to it.
After figuring it out, I decided to write a proper guide that everyone can use to program their universal remote controller with their DVD players.
To program a universal remote controller to a DVD player, identify which of the following technology-IR, WiFi, Bluetooth, or RF is mutually included in both the controller and the DVD player. Obtain the program codes depending on the brand of the DVD player and pair both devices using its program/pair button.
Step One: Figure Out Your Universal Remote Controller
Figuring out the type of universal remote controller is crucial in implementing a connection to your DVD player.
The connections can only be set up if both your universal remote controller and your DVD player operate and communicate with the same medium.
Typical Technologies Implemented Across Universal Remote Controllers
With the splurge of electronic devices in our homes, it should not be surprising to note that a wide variety of technologies have been implemented for controller functionality.
Some of these can be rudimentary, whereas others can utilize a technology that is future-proof for a good while.
Given below are a few technologies that are typically utilized in the universal remote controller space:
| Infrared (IR) | The oldest and most complicated technology on the list. Requires line-of-sight operation. |
| Radio Frequency (RF) | The oldest and most complicated technology on the list. Requires line-of-sight operation. |
| Bluetooth | The oldest and most complicated technology on the list. Requires line-of-sight operation. |
| WiFi | Allows for connectivity with multiple supported devices via the internet. Practically unlimited range. |
Infrared, or IR as it is most commonly known, is the most popular technology utilized for both universal remotes and devices like DVD players alike.
IR utilizes the least complicated setup, requiring a very simple connection between the IR transmitter on the remote controller and an IR sensor on the DVD player.
The major drawback that comes with this implementation is that it requires the IR transmitter and sensor to be in a line of sight communication, leading to a point-and-shoot operation.
This restriction is bypassed by a Radio Frequency setup, which utilizes radio waves for communication.
But of course, this requires additional hardware and a much more complicated setup.
This restricts the tech to very niche operations where line-of-sight operations are hard to pull off.
Bluetooth and WiFi standards are more commonly utilized in newer devices, where connections to multiple smart devices are key.
While Bluetooth offers a very reliable connection in close quarters, WiFi connectivity can further expand the number of connected devices, with even abilities for true remote operations.
Now that you got a brief idea of what the popular standards of the wireless remote controller are, it is imperative to assign the tech to your hands.
The best place to look if you are in doubt is the packaging box that came with your remote controller and DVD player.
If it mentions a WiFi mode of operation, then it can prove to be a task to implement. Bluetooth is as easy as pairing the remote controller to the DVD player.
Otherwise, it is most likely that your DVD player and the remote controller have an IR implementation.
Step Two: Decode Your DVD Player
Now that we know what tech is utilized, it is imperative to gather the required information to implement the communication channel.
Decoding a DVD Player That Supports IR
Most universal remote controllers as well as DVD players should support some sort of IR configuration.
But not all receivers and transmitters use the same channel of communication for their endeavors, as it can lead to a huge scramble.
It might seem like a great system at first glance, where all remote controllers can control all receivers. But it is not feasible as it can potentially cause issues.
This is where remote controller codes come into the picture.
Each communication channel is encoded with a particular code which is recognized by the receiver, in this case, the DVD player.
If the universal remote controller processes the information it wants to send with this code, then it is possible for the DVD player to flawlessly recognizes the communication.
This is basically just how remote controllers, even universal ones work.
The default remote controller that comes out of the box is encoded to a single code, whereas universal remote controllers can be coded with a user-defined code.
These codes are determined by the brand, and therefore all you have to do is encode your universal remote controller with the controller code recognized by your DVD player.
This might seem like a daunting task, but once you know the code the job is 90% done.
The codes are universal as well, so you won't need to dive deep into the model and make of the DVD player. All you need to make sure of is the brand of your DVD player.
Here is a list of DVD player codes for some popular players designated by their respective brands:
| Brand of DVD player | Possible controller codes |
|---|---|
| APEX | 0386 0390 0391 |
| ASPIRE | 0933 |
| BLAUPUNKT | 0430 |
| BOSE | 0672 |
| CINEVISION | 0405 |
| CYBERHOME | 0393 0985 0939 |
| DAEWOO | 0440 0441 0444 0971 0965 |
| DENON | 0400 0421 |
| FISHER | 0416 |
| GOLDSTAR | 0405 |
| HAIER | 0935 |
| HARMON KARDON | 0427 |
| HITACHI | 0404 0407 0428 0419 |
| INFINITY | 0417 |
| INSIGNIA | 0405 0456 0921 0430 0905 |
| JBL | 0427 |
| JVC | 0406 0964 0900 1072 |
| KENWOOD | 0400 0429 |
| KOSS | 0415 0388 |
| LG | 0405 0972 0907 |
| MICROSOFT | 0409 |
| MITSUBISHI | 0402 |
| ONKYO | 0422 0975 |
| ORION | 0394 |
| PANASONIC | 0396 0400 0974 0970 |
| PHILIPS | 0398 0408 0423 0755 0979 0981 |
| PIONEER | 0403 0404 0976 0977 |
| POLK | 0398 0408 0981 |
| RADIO SHACK | 0449 0453 0919 0920 |
| RCA | 0409 0430 0449 0453 0920 0890 |
| REGENT | 0931 |
| SAMSUNG | 0407 0454 0942 0963 0891 0455 |
| SANSUI | 0394 0967 |
| SANYO | 0904 0416 |
| SHARP | 0397 0897 0908 |
| SONY | 0987 0988 0989 0399 0986 0389 |
| TOSHIBA | 0394 0398 0973 0924 0983 |
| VIZIO | 0345 |
| X-BOX | 0409 |
| YAMAHA | 0400 0420 0979 0980 0408 |
| ZENITH | 0405 0907 |
A program code is four digits long. If your brand has multiple codes, you will have to try and check for each code.
If your remote controller only allows for 3-digit input codes, just omit the first digit of the 4 digits, which is usually 0.
If you don't find your DVD player brand's code in the table above, you can check out directutor's list for all DVD players.
Decoding a DVD Player That Supports Bluetooth
This is by far the easiest to decode, requiring little to no effort.
There is no need for any setup process or control codes. All you have to do is establish a connection via Bluetooth between your DVD player and the universal remote controller.
Decoding a DVD Player That Supports WiFi
Unfortunately, if your DVD player only supports WiFi for communication, you might have gotten the shorter end of the stick as such communications are usually OEM locked.
This effectively means that the DVD player will only work with proprietary solutions that are authorized by them, such as through an app or a proprietary remote controller.
Although this is usually the case, there is a possibility that your universal remote controller can support the DVD player, but it needs to be explicitly stated by the brand.
There is no official method with which a universal remote controller can implement a working system without the support of the brand of the DVD player.
Step Three: Pairing Your Universal Remote Controller With Your DVD Player
Now that we have all the information that we might need when it comes to pairing your remote controller to your DVD player, let's move on to the general steps you need to follow:
Pairing Your Universal Remote Controller With Your DVD Player via IR
To program your universal remote controller to your DVD player via IR, follow the steps given below:
- Make sure that your DVD player is turned on.
- Press and hold the buttons on your universal remote controller to enter the pairing mode.
This varies with the make and model of brands, so you will have to figure out the exact method yourself.
Controllers typically have a program or pair button for exactly this purpose.
There are exceptions in this method, from controllers such as when programming the Vizio universal remote controller which enters the mode using its power button.
You can also find information on it in the box that came with your controller.
- Once the remote controller enters the program mode, enter the 4-digit code using the remote controller's number pad.
- Press the program button again to assign the code to your universal remote controller. If the code entered was incorrect, the status indications should blink several times.
- After programming the code to your remote controller, check if the controller is successful in gaining control over your DVD player.
- If not, just repeat the whole procedure using a different code from the list assigned to your brand.
Some universal remote controllers have an auto-scan feature that allows for the automated detection of a receiver without the need for any codes.
Pairing Your Universal Remote Controller With Your DVD Player via Bluetooth
You can pair your DVD player to your universal remote controller by following the guide given below:
- Go to the settings of your DVD player and enter its Bluetooth menu.
- Toggle the Bluetooth option on and enable the player to search for devices in its proximity.
- Now on your remote controller, navigate through the settings to enter its Bluetooth menu and toggle it to its ON position.
- Your DVD player should pick up the Bluetooth signal of your remote controller to initiate the pairing process.
Once paired, you will just have to enable the Bluetooth option(usually available via a button on the remote) to switch to the control codes of your DVD player.
Final Thoughts
If you have further queries regarding the pairing process between your universal remote controller and the DVD player, contact the respective brand's customer support.
I hope my article on how you can program your universal remote controller to your DVD player has been a helpful read and has aided you with the same.
Have a good day!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use my phone to control a DVD player?
If the phone has an IR blaster or a compatible app specific to the DVD player, it can be used to control the DVD player with no issues.
What is the maximum number of universal remote controllers that can be used with a single DVD player?
There is no limit to how many remote controllers can control a single DVD player.
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