How to Program Your WOW! Remote: A Comprehensive Guide
Having trouble controlling your TV or other devices with your WOW! remote? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Programming a universal remote can sometimes be tricky, but this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step. We’ll cover everything from identifying your remote type to troubleshooting common issues, ensuring you can effortlessly navigate your entertainment system.
## Understanding Your WOW! Remote
Before diving into the programming process, it’s essential to understand the type of WOW! remote you have. WOW! offers different remote models, each with slightly different programming procedures. Look for a model number, usually printed on the front or back of the remote. Common WOW! remote models include:
* **WOW! Universal Remote (Generic):** This is the standard universal remote that comes with most WOW! cable boxes and is generally compatible with various TV brands and other devices.
* **WOW! Voice Remote:** These remotes include voice control functionality, allowing you to search for channels, movies, and shows using voice commands. They often have a dedicated microphone button.
* **WOW! App Remote:** These remotes are designed for the WOW! streaming app and often have dedicated buttons for navigation within the app.
Knowing your remote model will help you find the correct programming instructions. If you are unsure about your remote model, check your WOW! service documentation or contact WOW! customer support.
## Methods for Programming Your WOW! Remote
There are several methods for programming your WOW! remote to control your TV, DVD player, soundbar, or other devices. The most common methods are:
1. **Direct Code Entry:** This method involves looking up the specific code for your device’s brand and entering it directly into the remote. It’s the most reliable method but requires you to find the correct code.
2. **Auto Code Search:** This method automatically searches through a database of codes to find one that works with your device. It’s convenient but can take longer and might not always find the correct code.
3. **Learning Mode:** Some remotes have a learning mode that allows them to learn the signals from your original device’s remote. This is useful for devices not listed in the remote’s code database.
Let’s explore each method in detail.
### 1. Direct Code Entry
This is often the most reliable way to program your WOW! remote, especially if you can easily find the code for your device. Here’s how to do it:
**Step 1: Gather Your Materials**
* Your WOW! remote
* Your device (TV, DVD player, etc.)
* The device’s user manual or a list of WOW! remote codes for your device brand. You can usually find these lists online by searching for “WOW remote codes” followed by your device brand (e.g., “WOW remote codes Samsung”). WOW!’s website may also have a code lookup tool.
**Step 2: Power On Your Device**
Make sure the device you want to control (e.g., your TV) is powered on.
**Step 3: Locate the Code List and Find Your Device’s Code**
Consult the code list provided with your remote or found online. Look for the brand name of your device and then find the corresponding code. There may be multiple codes listed for a single brand. Note down the first code on the list. If it doesn’t work, you can try the subsequent codes later.
**Step 4: Prepare the Remote for Programming**
The steps to enter programming mode vary slightly depending on the remote model. However, the general process is as follows:
* **Simultaneously press and hold the “Setup” button (or sometimes a button labeled “Cable” or “AUX”) and the “OK” button (or sometimes the “Power” button) on your WOW! remote until the indicator light (usually the Power button itself) stays on.** This indicates that the remote is in programming mode.
**Step 5: Enter the Code**
* Using the number pad on the remote, enter the code you found for your device’s brand. The indicator light might blink after each digit is entered or only after the full code is entered.
**Step 6: Test the Code**
* After entering the code, point the remote at your device and press the “Power” button. If the device turns off (or on, if it was already off), the code is likely correct.
**Step 7: Save the Code**
* If the device responds correctly, press the “Setup” button (or sometimes the “OK” button) to save the code. The indicator light will usually blink a few times and then turn off to confirm that the code has been saved.
**Step 8: Test Functionality**
* Test other buttons on the remote, such as volume control and channel changing, to ensure they are working correctly. If some functions don’t work, try a different code from the list for your device brand.
**What if the First Code Doesn’t Work?**
If the first code doesn’t work, repeat steps 4-7, trying each of the codes listed for your device brand until you find one that works. Be patient, as it may take several attempts to find the correct code.
### 2. Auto Code Search
The auto code search method is a convenient way to program your WOW! remote if you don’t have a code list or can’t find the specific code for your device. However, it can be a bit slower than the direct code entry method.
**Step 1: Power On Your Device**
Make sure the device you want to control (e.g., your TV) is powered on.
**Step 2: Prepare the Remote for Auto Code Search**
* **Simultaneously press and hold the “Setup” button (or sometimes a button labeled “Cable” or “AUX”) and the “OK” button (or sometimes the “Power” button) on your WOW! remote until the indicator light (usually the Power button itself) stays on.**
**Step 3: Initiate Auto Code Search**
* **Press and release the “Power” button repeatedly.** Each time you press the “Power” button, the remote will send out a series of codes to the device. Watch the device closely.
**Step 4: Wait for the Device to Respond**
* When the device turns off (or on, if it was already off), immediately press the “Setup” button (or the “OK” button) to lock in the code. This indicates that the remote has found a code that works with your device.
**Step 5: Test Functionality**
* Test other buttons on the remote, such as volume control and channel changing, to ensure they are working correctly. If some functions don’t work, you may need to repeat the auto code search process. Since you stopped it on the first sign of power toggle, it might not have found the *best* code for your device.
**Important Considerations for Auto Code Search:**
* **Patience is key:** The auto code search can take a while, as the remote cycles through a large number of codes. Be patient and don’t interrupt the process unless your device responds.
* **Watch closely:** Pay close attention to the device you are programming. Be ready to press the “Setup” button immediately when the device turns off (or on).
* **Multiple Attempts:** The first code that powers the device on/off might not be the optimal code. Experiment by restarting auto code search and waiting for another power toggle to see if the new code works better with other functionalities (volume, channel, etc.).
### 3. Learning Mode
If you have a device that is not listed in the WOW! remote’s code database, you can use the learning mode to teach the WOW! remote the signals from your original device’s remote. Not all WOW! remotes have this functionality.
**Step 1: Check if Your Remote Supports Learning Mode**
Consult your WOW! remote’s user manual to determine if it supports learning mode. If it does, the manual will provide specific instructions on how to activate and use it.
**Step 2: Prepare the Remotes**
* Place your WOW! remote and the original remote for the device you want to control on a flat surface, facing each other, approximately 1-3 inches apart.
**Step 3: Enter Learning Mode on the WOW! Remote**
* The exact steps for entering learning mode vary depending on the remote model. Typically, you’ll need to press and hold a specific button or combination of buttons (e.g., “Setup” and “995”) until the indicator light starts blinking slowly.
**Step 4: Teach the WOW! Remote a Function**
* On the WOW! remote, press the button you want to teach (e.g., the “Power” button). The indicator light will usually blink rapidly to indicate that it’s ready to learn.
* On the original remote, press and hold the corresponding button (e.g., the “Power” button) until the WOW! remote’s indicator light changes (e.g., turns solid or blinks slowly). This indicates that the WOW! remote has learned the signal.
**Step 5: Repeat for Other Functions**
* Repeat step 4 for each button you want to program on the WOW! remote. For example, you can teach it the volume up, volume down, channel up, channel down, and other functions.
**Step 6: Exit Learning Mode**
* Once you have taught all the desired functions, exit learning mode by pressing a specific button or combination of buttons (as indicated in your remote’s user manual). The indicator light will usually turn off.
**Important Considerations for Learning Mode:**
* **Distance:** Maintain the correct distance between the remotes (usually 1-3 inches) for optimal signal transmission.
* **Battery Strength:** Ensure that both remotes have fresh batteries for strong signal strength.
* **Obstructions:** Remove any obstructions between the remotes.
* **Ambient Light:** Avoid bright ambient light, as it can interfere with the infrared signals.
## Troubleshooting Common WOW! Remote Programming Issues
Even with careful instructions, you might encounter issues while programming your WOW! remote. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
* **The remote doesn’t respond at all:**
* **Check the batteries:** Make sure the batteries are fresh and properly inserted.
* **Check the power:** Ensure the device you’re trying to control is powered on.
* **Reset the remote:** Some remotes have a reset button (often a small pinhole). Pressing it with a paperclip can reset the remote to its factory settings.
* **The remote turns the device on/off but other functions don’t work:**
* **Try a different code:** The first code that powers the device might not be the best code for all functions. Try other codes listed for your device brand.
* **Repeat the programming process:** Ensure you followed all the steps correctly.
* **Check the remote’s compatibility:** Make sure your WOW! remote is compatible with the device you’re trying to control. Some older remotes might not be compatible with newer devices.
* **The remote works intermittently:**
* **Check the batteries:** Weak batteries can cause intermittent performance.
* **Check for obstructions:** Ensure there are no obstructions between the remote and the device.
* **Clean the remote:** Clean the remote’s buttons and infrared sensor with a soft, dry cloth.
* **Learning mode doesn’t work:**
* **Check battery strength:** Weak batteries in either remote can affect the learning process.
* **Maintain proper distance:** Ensure the remotes are the correct distance apart (usually 1-3 inches).
* **Avoid bright light:** Bright ambient light can interfere with the infrared signals.
* **Try a different location:** Move to a different location to rule out interference.
* **Lost the code list:**
* **Search online:** Search online for “WOW remote codes” followed by your device brand. WOW!’s website may also offer a code lookup tool.
* **Contact WOW! support:** Contact WOW! customer support for assistance.
## Advanced Tips and Tricks
Here are some advanced tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your WOW! remote:
* **Programming multiple devices:** You can program your WOW! remote to control multiple devices, such as your TV, DVD player, and soundbar. Follow the programming instructions for each device, using a different device button (e.g., “TV,” “DVD,” “AUX”) for each.
* **Macros:** Some advanced remotes support macros, which allow you to program a sequence of commands to be executed with a single button press. For example, you can create a macro that turns on your TV, DVD player, and soundbar with a single button press.
* **Customizing button functions:** Some remotes allow you to customize the functions of certain buttons. For example, you can reassign the “PIP” (picture-in-picture) button to control the aspect ratio.
* **Regular maintenance:** Clean your remote regularly with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and grime. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
## Conclusion
Programming your WOW! remote can seem daunting at first, but by following these detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips, you can easily control your entertainment system with ease. Whether you choose direct code entry, auto code search, or learning mode, remember to be patient and persistent. With a little effort, you’ll be able to enjoy seamless control over your TV, DVD player, soundbar, and other devices. If you continue to experience problems, don’t hesitate to contact WOW! customer support for further assistance.