A remote control that is programmed to operate various brands of more than one type of consumer electronic devices is known as a universal remote control. There are two types of universal remote controls, low-end universal remotes and mid- and -high end universal remote controls. The former type of remotes are capable of controlling only a particular number of devices determined by the manufacturer, while the latter type allows the user to program new control codes to the remote.

Programming a universal remote is a fairly complex procedure and so, performed only by technical minded individuals, who have expertise in the field. Generally, infra red remote controls need a line of sight, but some high- end universal remotes also send commands through RF to a base station and then send infra red to the devices that need it from the base, which removes the line of sight requirements.

Some new brands or models of devices that are not supported by the remote can have the code lists programmed into the remote and can be updated. More advanced models allow codes to be upgraded by connecting the remote to a personal computer. There are infrared learning remotes also, which learn the code for any button on other remote controls. By this method, the remote control is able to learn functions, which are not supported by default for a particular device. But the downside is that the learning remote needs a functioning teaching remote.

Some entertainment equipment use pulse frequencies too, which are higher than what the learning remote can detect and store in its memory. The universal remote control has a lot of advantageous special features.

The command sequences can be sent with one button press using macro programming. The status information is displayed on LCD screen. Multiple devices can be accessed without changing device modes like; the television’s volume control can be used while the remote is still in DVD player mode. The universal remote control can be connected to a computer for easy set up and the remote can be programmed to control new devices that are not in its code list. In fact, some of the universal remote controls can also be utilized to make phone calls replacing the phones in that room.

Touch screen remote controls are remotes that have images on the screen instead of buttons, which when touched, sends infrared signals to control devices. These touch screen remotes have LCD screen, which is either monochrome or full color. Models with a combination of the touch screen and traditional buttons are also available.

Some touch screen remotes are programmed using a graphical interface program on a PC. Through this, the screens can be customized like backgrounds, buttons and even the actions the buttons perform.