Universal Remote for Onkyo Receiver: The Complete Guide

If you own an Onkyo receiver, you know how frustrating it can be to juggle multiple remotes to control your home theater system. Fortunately, a universal remote can make your life easier by consolidating all of your remotes into one. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of universal remotes and explore the best options for controlling your Onkyo receiver.
What is a Universal Remote?
A universal remote is a device that can control multiple electronic devices, such as TVs, receivers, and DVD players, using a single remote control. Universal remotes typically use infrared (IR) technology to communicate with your devices, but some models can also use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
Why Use a Universal Remote?
Using a universal remote can simplify your home theater setup and eliminate the need for multiple remotes. With a universal remote, you can control all of your devices with a single device, which is much more convenient than keeping track of several remotes.
Universal remotes are also programmable, which means you can customize the buttons and settings to suit your preferences. For example, you can program the volume and power buttons to control your Onkyo receiver instead of your TV.
How to Choose a Universal Remote for Your Onkyo Receiver
When shopping for a universal remote for your Onkyo receiver, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some factors to consider:
Compatibility: Make sure the remote you choose is compatible with your Onkyo receiver. Check the manufacturer’s website or user manual to see if your receiver is compatible with the remote you’re considering.
Number of devices: Consider how many devices you need to control with your universal remote. Some remotes can control only a few devices, while others can control up to 15 or more.
Ease of use: Look for a remote with an intuitive interface and easy-to-use buttons. Some remotes have touchscreens or LCD displays, which can make navigation easier.
Price: Universal remotes can range in price from less than $20 to several hundred dollars. Determine your budget and look for a remote that fits within your price range.
Top Universal Remotes for Onkyo Receivers
Here are some of the best universal remotes for controlling your Onkyo receiver:
Logitech Harmony Elite
The Logitech Harmony Elite is a high-end universal remote that can control up to 15 devices. It uses both IR and Wi-Fi to communicate with your devices, and it has a color touchscreen that displays your favorite channels and commands. The Harmony Elite also comes with a hub that allows you to control your devices using your smartphone or tablet.
One of the great things about the Harmony Elite is its ability to create custom activities. For example, you can create an activity called “Watch TV” that turns on your TV, cable box, and Onkyo receiver and sets them to the correct inputs.
Logitech Harmony Companion
The Logitech Harmony Companion is a more affordable alternative to the Harmony Elite. It can control up to eight devices and uses both IR and Bluetooth to communicate with your devices. The Harmony Companion comes with a hub that allows you to control your devices using your smartphone or tablet.
Like the Harmony Elite, the Harmony Companion allows you to create custom activities. You can also use voice commands with the Harmony Companion if you have an Amazon Echo or Google Home device.
GE Universal Remote
The GE Universal Remote is a budget-friendly option that can control up to four devices. It uses IR to communicate with your devices, and it has a simple interface with easy-to-use buttons. The GE Universal Remote is pre-programmed with codes for many popular brands, including Onkyo, so you can get started right away.
One downside of the GE Universal Remote is that it doesn’t have the advanced features of more expensive remotes, such as the ability to create custom activities or control devices using your smartphone.
However, if you’re looking for a simple and affordable solution to control your Onkyo receiver, the GE Universal Remote is a great choice.
Inteset 4-in-1 Universal Remote
The Inteset 4-in-1 Universal Remote is a versatile remote that can control up to four devices. It uses both IR and Bluetooth to communicate with your devices, and it has a simple interface with easy-to-use buttons. The Inteset remote is pre-programmed with codes for many popular brands, including Onkyo.
One of the standout features of the Inteset remote is its ability to learn commands from other remotes. If the remote doesn’t have a code for one of your devices, you can teach it by pointing the original remote at the Inteset remote and pressing the corresponding button.
Conclusion
A universal remote can be a game-changer for controlling your Onkyo receiver and other devices in your home theater setup. With the right remote, you can simplify your setup and eliminate the need for multiple remotes.
When choosing a universal remote for your Onkyo receiver, consider factors such as compatibility, number of devices, ease of use, and price. The Logitech Harmony Elite and Harmony Companion are both great options for those who want advanced features and smartphone integration, while the GE Universal Remote and Inteset 4-in-1 Universal Remote are affordable options for those who want a simpler solution.
No matter which universal remote you choose, it’s important to take the time to set it up properly and customize the buttons and settings to suit your preferences. With the right universal remote, you can enjoy your home theater setup without the hassle of multiple remotes.