Patent ID: 7116264

Claim:
A programmable remote control unit for controlling a plurality of devices, the remote control unit being set in one of either a single device mode of operation or a multi-device mode of operation, comprising: a transmitter for transmitting an electronic signal to at least one of the plurality of devices to provide operating instructions to the at least one of the plurality of devices; a memory for storing a single device mode of operation or a multi-device mode of operation; a processor being operable in said single device and multi-device operating modes to control transmission from said transmitter in response to actuation of said remote control unit; a first input key for receiving a first key stroke; a second input key for receiving a second key stroke; a third input key for receiving a third keystroke; wherein by actuation of said first, second and third input keys with respective first, second and third key strokes, the remote control unit is programmed into the single device mode such that only a cable set-up box is controlled, or the multi-device mode such that all of the plurality of devices are controlled, by the remote control unit input key corresponds to actuation of a button for one of the plurality of devices, the second input key corresponds to actuation of a mute button, and the third input key corresponds to at least one of the numerical keypad buttons.