Juggling half a dozen remote controls just to watch a movie shouldn't require a instruction manual or an engineering degree. The GE 6-Device Universal Remote Control Backlit Silver 33712 solves this clutter by consolidating up to six distinct entertainment components into a single handheld unit. Whether you're managing a stubborn soundbar, an older television, a streaming box, or a Blu-ray player, this silver clicker replaces the scattered plastic on your coffee table.
Understanding how to program, troubleshoot, and maximize this device saves you hours of trial and error. The following sections walk through the exact steps required to get your hardware communicating properly, along with practical tips for everyday use.
Setting Up Your GE 6-Device Universal Remote
Getting your remote to talk to your TV and audio gear requires programming via direct code entry or auto-search methods. Because older components use different infrared frequencies than modern streaming gear, proper setup is the most important step for seamless operation.
- Turn on the target device you want to control manually, such as your television or cable box.
- Press and hold the Setup button on the remote until the red indicator light stays on.
- Tap the device button you wish to program (e.g., TV or Aux). The indicator light will blink once and remain lit.
- Look up the correct code for your brand in the GE manual or online database, then enter the 4-digit code using the number pad.
- Point the remote at your equipment and press the Power button. If the device turns off, the programming is complete. If it stays on, repeat the process with the next code listed for your brand.
For users who can't find their exact brand code, the automatic code search method cycles through the remote's entire internal library until it finds a match. Keep the power button pressed while pointing the remote at the device, and press any key as soon as the equipment powers down.
Understanding the Backlit Advantage
Low-light movie nights look great on screen, but they make traditional remotes impossible to navigate without turning on ambient room lighting. The 33712 model features built-in LED backlighting behind its silver buttons, illuminating the keypads with a soft glow whenever you press a key.
This feature is particularly useful for controlling volume during dark cinematic scenes or switching video inputs late at night. To preserve battery life, the illumination turns off automatically after a few seconds of inactivity. If the backlight stops working, check the battery voltage immediately, as low power disables the LEDs long before the infrared signal fails.
Managing Multiple Components
The primary benefit of a six-device universal remote is reducing hardware clutter. You can assign each top-row button to a specific piece of gear in your entertainment center:
- TV: Main television display.
- CBL/SAT: Cable box, satellite receiver, or digital converter.
- BD/DVD: Blu-ray player, DVD player, or media disc drive.
- STRM: Streaming media players like Roku or Apple TV (via compatible codes).
- AUD: Dedicated soundbar or home theater audio receiver.
- AUX: Extra auxiliary equipment like a VCR or secondary game system.
Switching between these modes updates the primary volume and channel controls to target the selected hardware, preventing accidental volume adjustments on the wrong component.
Common Programming Mistakes to Avoid
Many users run into roadblocks during initial setup due to simple oversights. Avoiding these frequent missteps ensures a smoother programming experience:
- Expired Batteries: Always start with fresh alkaline batteries. Weak power prevents infrared signals from reaching components across the room and disrupts code storage.
- Blocked Line of Sight: Ensure nothing obstructs the path between the remote's front emitter and the infrared sensor on your television or soundbar.
- Wrong Device Category: Entering a TV code while the Aux button is active will cause programming to fail instantly. Always verify which device mode is lit before typing codes.
- Timeout Errors: The programming mode times out automatically after about ten seconds of inactivity. If the red light blinks rapidly and turns off, restart the sequence from the beginning.
For official support documents and troubleshooting guides, you can visit the Jasco Products Support Page or review universal setup details provided by Consumer Reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this remote control a Roku or Fire TV stick?
Most streaming sticks use radio frequency (RF) rather than infrared (IR) signals. This remote uses standard IR, meaning it will only control streaming boxes that feature a visible line-of-sight infrared sensor on the front panel.
Why won't the remote control my soundbar volume?
By default, volume buttons are tied to the television mode. You can unlock the master volume feature to route sound commands directly to your audio receiver or soundbar regardless of which device mode is currently selected.
What should I do if my brand isn't listed in the code manual?
Use the automatic code search feature mentioned in the setup section, or visit the manufacturer's website to check for newly released device code updates.
How often do the batteries need replacement?
With normal daily use and regular reliance on the backlit feature, a fresh pair of AAA batteries typically lasts between six to twelve months.
