The One For All URC-2981 is a powerful workhorse remote, engineered to unify a large and diverse home entertainment system. With the capacity to control up to eight different devices—from your TV and satellite box to an amplifier and DVD player—it is the key to a truly consolidated and clutter-free setup.
Find Your ONE FOR ALL Remote Control Codes
Due to its extensive capabilities, this guide is structured as a clear, hierarchical manual. We will begin by understanding the remote’s layout before proceeding to the core programming protocols and advanced features.
Understand Your OFA 8 Remote’s Layout
Before programming, it’s essential to understand how the URC-2981 manages eight devices. The remote uses four main device keys to control eight different types of equipment. For a more modern approach where device management is handled on a screen, the Smart Control Pro uses an app and can control up to 12 devices. To select your device, simply press the corresponding key.
- TV Key: Controls your Television.
- VCR Key: Controls your VCR, PVR, or TV/VCR Combi.
- DVD Key: Controls your DVD or Blu-ray Player.
- SAT Key: Controls your Satellite Receiver, Cable Box, or DVB-T (Freeview) box.
- DVB-T Key: This is a secondary function of the SAT key.
- AMP Key: Controls your Amplifier or Audio Receiver.
- HI-FI Key: This is a secondary function of the AMP key.
- AUX Key: Controls auxiliary devices like Media Centres.
How To Program OFA 8 Remote Using Direct Code Entry Method
The most precise and reliable method for setting up your devices is by entering a four-digit code directly.
- Find Your Code: Locate your device type and brand in the code list provided at the starting of the article.
- Turn Your Device On: Ensure the device you are programming is powered on (not in standby).
- Select the Device: Press the appropriate device key on the One For All remote (e.g., TV).
- Enter Programming Mode: Press and hold the MAGIC key until the red LED under the Power key blinks twice and then stays lit.
- Enter the 4-Digit Code: Type in the code you found in step 1. The red LED will blink twice and go out.
- Test for Control: Aim the remote at your device and press the POWER key. If the device turns off, the setup is successful. If not, simply repeat steps 3-6 using the next code in the list for your brand.
How To Program OFA 8 URC-2981 Remote By Using Code Search Method
If you cannot find a code for your device, this method will scan the remote’s entire library.
- Turn on your device.
- Select the device on the remote.
- Hold MAGIC until the red LED blinks twice.
- Press 9 9 1. The red LED will blink twice again.
- Aim the remote at your device and repeatedly press CH+ until your device turns off. This may take up to 150 presses.
- The moment your device turns off, press MAGIC to store the code.
How To Use Learning (Copy) Function In OFA 8 URC-2981 Remote
This remote can learn commands from your original, working remote. It’s an incredibly useful tool, especially as a primary method for programming a remote without using codes, or for copying a single function that a setup code might have missed.
- Select the device on the remote.
- Hold MAGIC until the red LED blinks twice.
- Press 9 7 5.
- Press the key on the One For All remote you wish to program. The red LED will flash continuously.
- Press the corresponding key on your original remote. The red LED will blink twice to confirm the function has been learned.
- When you are done, press and hold MAGIC until the red LED blinks twice to save.
How To Do The Volume Lock Configuration In Your Remote
This feature allows you to lock the volume controls to a single device (like your Amplifier), regardless of which device mode you are in.
- To Lock Volume:
- Hold MAGIC until the red LED blinks twice.
- Press 9 9 3.
- Press the device key you want to lock the volume to (e.g., AMP). The red LED will blink twice.
- To Deactivate Volume Lock (Full Reset):
- Hold MAGIC until the red LED blinks twice.
- Press 9 9 3.
- Press the VOL- key. The red LED will blink four times.
- To Remove a Single Device from Volume Lock:
- Select the device key you wish to remove (e.g., DVD).
- Hold MAGIC until the red LED blinks twice.
- Press 9 9 3.
- Press the VOL+ key. The red LED will blink four times.
How do I program my DVB-T (Freeview) box?
There is no DVB-T button on the remote.This is a key aspect of the remote’s design. The SAT key controls both Satellite and DVB-T devices. To program your Freeview box, you will select the SAT button on the remote, but use a four-digit code from the DVB-T section of the code list.
I locked the volume to my Amplifier, but now I want my TV to control its own volume again. How do I do this?
You should use the procedure to “Remove a Single Device from Volume Lock” detailed of this guide. Select the TV key, and then follow the steps to have it revert to its own volume control.
What is the most reliable way to set up all my 8 devices?
The most precise and recommended method is the Direct Code Entry protocol, detailed in above guide. This ensures you are using the specific code designed for your device, which usually provides the most complete functionality.
The manual’s table of contents mentions “Key Magic” and “Macro,” but the setup steps aren’t in this guide. How do I use them?
You are correct. The provided manual indicates that the instructions for these extra features are available on the One For All internet site. However, we have a complete guide that explains how to program a macro for one-touch control, which will walk you through the general process.
Conclusion
The One For All URC-2981 is a powerful and versatile remote designed to be the single controller for your entire electronics suite. By following the precise, top-down protocols in this guide, you can confidently program each of your eight devices and customize the remote’s advanced features to create a truly unified and effortless control system.
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