Trying to program a television remote control without the proper remote code for the television can be a frustrating experience. Codes come in four digits for some TVs and five digits for others; you'll find that trying to guess the code is about the same as trying to guess the winning lottery numbers. Fortunately, you can narrow down the choices quite quickly.
Check The Manual
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Reading manuals that come with electronics is a task many people often avoid, but sometimes, a quick thumb-through can save a lot of aggravation. Take a peek at the manual first to see if the remote code is referenced.
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Finding Codes
Remote control codes can be found with a quick search of the web; most manufacturers have several codes for their sets. For instance, for RCA TVs with a picture tube, the codes are 11447, 10047, 10090, 10679, 11047, 11147, 11247, 11347, 11547, 11958 and 12002; for RCA LCD TVs, the codes are 20060, 20042, 20149, 20807, 20880, 21035, and 21060. These codes, as well as those for other brands, can be found in various locations, including DirecTV's website.
What To Do With The Codes
If you don't know the specific code, you have at least narrowed the options down. Turn on your television and enter one of the five-digit codes. Move the "Mode" switch on your remote to "TV." Then, hold down both the "Mute" and "Select" keys simultaneously; wait a few seconds to see if the green light under the TV position flashes two times. If it doesn't, make a notation that the code you tried didn't work, then try another. When the green lights do flash twice, let go of the "Mute" and "Select" keys. Once you have input the correct code, you should be able to turn your TV on and off with the remote. Once you are sure the TV will power on and off, set "Mode" to "DirecTV" (the position all the way to the left). You now should be able to turn on your television and satellite dish at the same time.