Patent ID: 7109908

Claim:
A programmable remote control unit for controlling a plurality of devices, the programmable remote control unit being programmable such that at least one of a plurality of buttons can be programmed to execute one of a plurality of pre-stored macro operations, comprising: a memory storing a plurality of unassociated, macro operations, each of the pre-stored macro comprising a plurality of operating sequences corresponding to the devices controlled by the remote control unit; a processor for associating at least one of the plurality of buttons with one of the pre-stored macro operations in response to key actuations for selecting one of the pre-stored macro operations, and for executing the associated macro operation when the button is actuated; and 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, upon actuation of the button, wherein the signal corresponds to the executed macro operation.