Managing multiple remote controls for your TV, cable box, and other devices can feel like a hassle. A GE universal remote simplifies things by letting you control everything with one device. This guide explains how to program your GE universal remote for a cable set-top box using clear steps, helpful tips, and a list of codes for popular brands. Whether you’re setting it up for the first time or troubleshooting issues, this post will help you get your remote working smoothly.
Why Use a GE Universal Remote?
A GE universal remote can control your cable set-top box, TV, DVD player, and more, reducing clutter and making your entertainment setup easier to use. With the right code or programming method, you can switch channels, adjust volume, and power devices on or off without juggling multiple remotes.
How to Program Your GE Universal Remote
There are three ways to program your GE universal remote for a cable set-top box: using a code, manual code search, or auto code search. Follow the steps below based on your preference.
Method 1: Program with a Code
This is the fastest way if you have the correct code for your cable box.
- Turn on your cable set-top box manually.
- Press and hold the “Setup” button on your GE remote until the red light stays on.
- Press the “CBL” button to tell the remote you’re programming for a cable box.
- Enter the 4-digit code for your brand from the list above. The red light should turn off if the code is correct.
- Point the remote at the cable box and press “Power.” If the box turns off, the code worked.
- Test other buttons like channel up/down or volume to make sure everything works.
If the code doesn’t work, try another code for your brand and repeat the steps.
Method 2: Manual Code Search
If you don’t have a code or the listed codes don’t work, use this method to let the remote find a code.
- Turn on your cable set-top box.
- Press and hold the “Setup” button until the red light stays on.
- Press the “CBL” button.
- Press and release the “Channel Up” button repeatedly until the cable box turns off. This may take a few minutes.
- Press the “Power” button to turn the box back on and test other functions.
- Press the “Setup” button to save the code. The red light will blink twice.
Method 3: Auto Code Search
This method scans all codes in the remote automatically.
- Turn on your cable set-top box.
- Press and hold the “Setup” button until the red light stays on.
- Enter the code “9-9-1” using the number keys.
- Press the “Power” button, then press “Channel Up” repeatedly until the cable box turns off.
- Press the “Setup” button to lock in the code. The red light will blink twice.
- Test the remote to ensure it controls the cable box correctly.
GE CABLE Set-top Box Devices Universal Remote Codes List
Below is a list of 4-digit codes for common cable set-top box brands. Find your brand and note the codes to use during programming.
Brand Name | Codes |
ABC | 0461, 0463, 0464, 0465, 0466 |
ADELPHIA | 0512, 0511 |
ALLEGRO | 0524, 0525 |
AMERICAST | 0527 |
ANTRONIX | 0468, 0469 |
ARCHER | 0468, 0469, 0470, 0471 |
AT&T | 0511 |
BELL SOUTH | 0527 |
CABLETENNA | 0468 |
CABLEVIEW | 0468 |
CABLEVISION | 0506 |
CENTURY | 0471 |
CITIZEN | 0471 |
COGECO | 0511 |
COLOR VOICE | 0472, 0473 |
COMCAST | 0511 |
COMTRONICS | 0474, 0475 |
CONTEC | 0476 |
DIGITAL MUSIC EXPRESS | 0514 |
EASTERN | 0477 |
EVERQUEST | 0474 |
GARRARD | 0471 |
GC ELECTRONICS | 0469 |
GEMINI | 0536, 0479 |
GE | 0549 |
GENERAL INSTRUMENT (GI) | 0509, 0461, 0465, 0511, 0513 ,0518, 0530, 0531, 0514, 0464, 0463 |
HAMLIN | 0461, 0480, 0481, 0482 |
HITACHI | 0463 |
ILLICO | 0506 |
JASCO | 0471 |
JERROLD | 0509, 0461, 0465, 0518, 0463, 0464, 0520, 0526 |
MAGNAVOX | 0485 |
MEMOREX | 0486 |
MOTOROLA | 0509, 0465, 0513, 0518, 0530, 0531, 0464, 0511, 0526, 0463 |
MOVIE TIME | 0487 |
NSC | 0487 |
OAK | 0476, 0489 |
PACE | 0532 |
PANASONIC | 0460, 0508 |
PARAGON | 0486, 0488 |
PHILIPS | 0471, 0479, 0485, 0490, 0491, 0492 |
PHILIPS-MAGNAVOX | 0505, 0534 |
PIONEER | 0478, 0506, 0493, 0494 |
PULSAR | 0486 |
RADIO SHACK | 0505, 0534, 0525 |
RCA | 0460, 0471, 0507 |
REALISTIC | 0469 |
REGAL | 0482 |
REGENCY | 0477 |
REMBRANDT | 0463 |
ROGERS | 0506 |
RUNCO | 0486 |
SAMSUNG | 0474, 0494 |
SCIENTIFIC ATLANTA | 0498, 0497, 0506, 0535, 0512, 0466, 0496 |
SHAW | 0511 |
SIGNAL | 0474 |
SIGNATURE | 0463 |
SL MARX | 0474 |
SPRUCER | 0460 |
STANDARD | 0499 |
STARCOM | 0461, 0518 |
STARGATE | 0474 |
STAR SIGHT | 0507 |
STAR TRAK | 0516 |
TANDY | 0500 |
TELEVIEW | 0474 |
TEXSCAN | 0499 |
TIME WARNER | 0506 |
TOCOM | 0464, 0501, 0513, 0520 |
TOSHIBA | 0486 |
TV86 | 0487 |
UNIKA | 0468, 0469, 0471 |
UNITED CABLE | 0461 |
UNIVERSAL | 0468, 0469, 0470, 0471, 0502, 0524 |
VIDEOWAY | 0504 |
VIEWSTAR | 0475, 0485, 0487, 0500 |
VIDEO TECH | 0550 |
VIDEOTRON | 0506 |
ZENITH | 0503, 0525, 0471, 0486, 0521, 0522, 0523 |
ZENITH NETWORK | 0527 |
Read Also: pioneer-dvd-player-universal-remote-codes/
Troubleshooting Tips
If your GE universal remote isn’t working with your cable set-top box, try these fixes:
- Check the batteries: Replace weak batteries to ensure a strong signal.
- Clear line of sight: Remove objects blocking the path between the remote and the cable box.
- Double-check the code: Make sure you entered the correct 4-digit code.
- Switch modes: Confirm the remote is set to “CBL” mode when programming.
- Reset the remote: Remove the batteries, press all buttons to discharge, then reinsert batteries and try again.
- Try another method: If one programming method fails, use a different one (e.g., switch from code entry to auto search).
- Avoid interference: Move Wi-Fi routers or other electronics that might disrupt the signal.
- Contact GE support: If nothing works, visit the GE website or call their customer service for help.
Conclusion
Programming a GE universal remote for your cable set-top box is simple once you know the steps. Whether you use a code or the search method, you’ll soon have one remote to control your entertainment setup. If you run into trouble, the troubleshooting tips above should help. For more help, check out this YouTube video for a visual guide.
Have questions or need more help? Leave a comment below, and I’ll get back to you!
FAQ’s
What if none of the codes work for my cable box?
Use the manual or auto code search method to find a working code. These methods don’t require you to know the code in advance.
Q: Can I program my GE remote for other devices too?
A: Yes! Your GE universal remote can control TVs, DVD players, sound systems, and more. Follow the same steps, but press the button for the device you’re programming (e.g., “TV” or “DVD”).
How do I know if my remote is compatible with my cable box?
Most GE universal remotes work with major cable box brands. Check your remote’s manual or the GE website for a compatibility list.