Master Your Home Entertainment with the GE 6-Device Backlit Silver Universal Remote 33712

In today’s ever-evolving home entertainment landscape, juggling multiple remote controls can be a frustrating daily chore. From your TV and soundbar to your streaming box and Blu-ray player, each device seems to demand its own dedicated controller. But what if there was a simpler way? Enter the GE 6-Device Universal Remote Control Backlit Silver 33712, a sleek and powerful solution designed to bring harmony back to your living room. This isn’t just another remote; it’s a command center, putting control over up to six different audio and video components right at your fingertips. With its intuitive design, comprehensive compatibility, and thoughtful features like a backlit keypad, the GE 33712 aims to streamline your entertainment experience, making movie nights and gaming sessions more enjoyable and less about fumbling for the right button. It’s about empowering you to truly control your domain with ease and confidence.

Different Types of Universal Remotes: Finding Your Match

Universal remotes come in various forms, each catering to different needs and levels of complexity. Understanding these types is the first step in appreciating what the GE 6-Device Universal Remote Control Backlit Silver 33712 brings to the table.

Basic IR Universal Remotes

What are basic IR universal remotes?
These are the most common and often the most affordable type. They use infrared (IR) signals to communicate with devices and are typically programmed using codes or an auto-search function. The GE 33712 falls into this category, offering straightforward control for up to six IR-controlled devices, making it a perfect upgrade from a pile of individual remotes.

Advanced IR/RF Universal Remotes

How do advanced universal remotes differ?
More sophisticated remotes often combine IR with Radio Frequency (RF) capabilities, allowing control of devices hidden in cabinets or in other rooms, often without needing a direct line of sight. They might also feature touchscreens, macros (sequences of commands), and even smart home integration.

Smart Home Hubs and App-Based Remotes

Are smart home hubs considered universal remotes?
Yes, many smart home hubs and companion apps can act as universal remotes, especially for connected devices. They typically offer robust customization, voice control, and integration with a wider ecosystem of smart devices, though they might require a more complex initial setup.

How to Choose the Right Universal Remote for Your Needs

Selecting the perfect universal remote means considering your current setup, technical comfort, and desired level of control. The GE 6-Device Universal Remote Control Backlit Silver 33712 is an excellent choice for many, but here’s how to assess your specific requirements.

Compatibility with Your Devices

What should I check for compatibility?
Always verify that the remote is compatible with your specific brands and types of devices. The GE 33712 boasts broad compatibility with major brands like Samsung, Sony, Vizio, LG, Roku, Apple TV, and more, for TVs, DVD/Blu-ray players, streaming media players, soundbars, and cable/satellite boxes. This wide reach makes it a reliable choice for most standard home entertainment systems.

Number of Devices You Need to Control

How many devices can a universal remote control?
Universal remotes vary in the number of devices they can manage, typically ranging from 2 to 15 or more. The “6-Device” in the GE 6-Device Universal Remote Control Backlit Silver 33712 indicates it can consolidate control for up to half a dozen of your most-used components, ideal for a standard living room setup.

Ease of Programming and Setup

Is the GE 33712 easy to program?
Ease of programming is crucial. Look for remotes that offer multiple setup methods, such as direct code entry, auto-code search, or brand-specific programming. The GE 33712 offers all these options, ensuring a user-friendly setup experience even for those who aren’t tech-savvy.

Backlighting and Ergonomics

Why is a backlit remote important?
A backlit keypad, like that found on the GE 6-Device Universal Remote Control Backlit Silver 33712, is invaluable for navigating your entertainment in dim lighting conditions. Ergonomics, including button layout and remote shape, also contribute significantly to comfortable use.

Programming Your GE 6-Device Universal Remote Control Backlit Silver 33712

Getting your GE 6-Device Universal Remote Control Backlit Silver 33712 up and running is typically a straightforward process, thanks to its versatile programming methods.

Direct Code Entry

How do I program using direct code entry?
This is often the quickest method if you know your device’s 4-digit code. First, turn on the device you want to program. Press and hold the “CODE SETUP” button on your GE remote until the indicator light illuminates. Then, press the device button (e.g., TV, DVD) you wish to assign. Enter the 4-digit code for your device using the number pad. The light should turn off. Test the remote to ensure it controls your device. If not, try another code from the provided code list.

Auto Code Search

What if I don’t have a code?
The auto code search feature is a lifesaver when you can’t find a code or want a simpler setup. Turn on the device you want to program. Press and hold the “CODE SETUP” button until the indicator light illuminates. Press the device button you wish to assign. Then, press and release the “POWER” button repeatedly until your device turns off. Once it turns off, immediately press the “ENTER” button to lock in the code.

Brand Code Search

Is there a way to search by brand?
Some GE remotes, including the 33712, offer a brand code search. Turn on the device. Press and hold “CODE SETUP” until the light turns on. Press the device button. Then, press and hold the “CHANNEL UP” button to scroll through codes for that brand. When your device turns off, release the “CHANNEL UP” button. Test the remote to confirm control.

“Setting up a universal remote should be about convenience, not complication,” says Eleanor Vance, a senior product manager specializing in consumer electronics. “The GE 33712 is engineered for that exact purpose, offering multiple intuitive methods to get you controlling your devices in minutes.”

Common Troubleshooting Tips for Your GE 6-Device Universal Remote

Even the most reliable universal remotes can occasionally encounter hiccups. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them with your GE 6-Device Universal Remote Control Backlit Silver 33712.

Remote Not Controlling a Device

What should I do if my remote stops working?
First, check the batteries. Low batteries are the most common cause of issues. Replace them with fresh AA batteries. If that doesn’t work, try reprogramming the device using a different code from the list or the auto code search method. Ensure there are no obstructions between the remote’s IR emitter and the device’s IR receiver.

Missing Functions

Why are some buttons not working on my remote?
Sometimes, a programmed code might control basic functions but miss advanced ones. Try entering a different code from the provided list for your device. Some remotes also offer “code learning” functionality, allowing you to copy specific functions from your original remote, though this is less common on basic models like the 33712.

Indicator Light Not Working

What if the remote’s light doesn’t illuminate?
This usually points to dead batteries. Replace them. If new batteries don’t fix it, there might be an internal issue with the remote itself. In this case, checking the warranty or contacting GE customer support would be the next step.

Volume Lock Feature

How do I use the volume lock feature on my GE remote?
The GE 6-Device Universal Remote Control Backlit Silver 33712 allows you to lock the volume control to a specific device, such as your soundbar, regardless of which device button you’ve selected. To activate, press and hold “SETUP” until the light illuminates. Press “VOL+” (Volume Up). Press the device button whose volume you want to lock (e.g., SOUND). The light will blink and turn off. To unlock, repeat the process but press “VOL-” (Volume Down) instead.

Top Universal Remote Brands and Models

While the GE 6-Device Universal Remote Control Backlit Silver 33712 is a fantastic choice for many, it’s helpful to know where it stands among other popular brands and models in the universal remote market.

GE Remotes

What makes GE remotes stand out?
GE universal remotes, like the 33712 model, are known for their affordability, ease of use, and broad compatibility with a wide range of devices. They are an excellent entry point for users looking to simplify their entertainment setup without extensive features or complex programming. The backlit keypad on the 33712 is a significant value-add for its price point.

Logitech Harmony Remotes

How do Logitech Harmony remotes compare?
Logitech Harmony remotes, though becoming less available, were once the gold standard for advanced universal control. They offered activity-based control (e.g., “Watch a Movie”), macros, RF control, and smart home integration. They are generally more complex and expensive than the GE 33712, catering to power users with intricate home theater systems.

Philips and RCA Universal Remotes

What about other common brands?
Philips and RCA also offer a range of universal remotes, often competing in the same market segment as GE. They provide similar functionality – consolidating control for multiple devices with various programming options. The choice often comes down to specific features, aesthetics, and user preference, with the GE 6-Device Universal Remote Control Backlit Silver 33712 holding its own with its backlit design and solid performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the GE 6-Device Universal Remote Control Backlit Silver 33712 control a Roku device?

A: Yes, the GE 6-Device Universal Remote Control Backlit Silver 33712 is designed to control popular streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, and other media players, in addition to TVs, soundbars, and DVD/Blu-ray players.

Q: Does the GE 33712 remote require line of sight to control devices?

A: Yes, like most basic universal remotes, the GE 33712 operates using infrared (IR) technology, which requires a direct line of sight between the remote and the device’s IR receiver to transmit commands effectively.

Q: How many batteries does the GE 6-Device Universal Remote use?

A: The GE 6-Device Universal Remote Control Backlit Silver 33712 typically uses two AA batteries, which are not usually included and need to be purchased separately.

Q: Can I control smart home devices with this GE universal remote?

A: The GE 6-Device Universal Remote Control Backlit Silver 33712 is primarily designed for infrared (IR) controlled audio and video entertainment devices and does not natively support smart home devices that rely on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Z-Wave protocols.

Q: Where can I find the complete code list for my GE 33712 remote?

A: The complete code list is usually included in the user manual that comes with your GE 6-Device Universal Remote. If you’ve misplaced it, you can often find a digital version of the manual and code list on the GE brand’s official support website.

Conclusion

The quest for a simplified home entertainment experience often leads us to the universal remote, and the GE 6-Device Universal Remote Control Backlit Silver 33712 stands out as a highly effective and user-friendly solution. By consolidating up to six of your essential audio and video devices into one sleek, backlit controller, it eliminates the clutter and confusion of multiple remotes. Whether you’re upgrading your current setup or just looking for a more organized approach to your TV time, this GE remote offers impressive compatibility, straightforward programming, and thoughtful features that enhance usability, especially in low-light conditions. Take control of your entertainment world, streamline your setup, and make frustrating remote hunts a thing of the past. The GE 33712 isn’t just a remote; it’s your new command center, ready to simplify your viewing pleasure.