[MrForbes]

There are the "normal" remotes that come with TVs, VCRs, and DVD players. Then there are "universal" remotes that you can buy and use to replace the original remotes. These need to be programmed with the correct code to work with the equipment you have.

If you try to use a new universal remote that is not programmed, it won't put any signal out (or something weird will happen), so first you need to program it to pretend it's being used with (for example) an RCA TV, or whatever else strikes your fancy. The instructions that came with the universal remote will have code numbers and procedure, or find them online.