GE 33709 CL5 Universal Remote Control User's Manual

Welcome to your comprehensive guide for the GE 33709 CL5 Universal Remote Control! This manual is designed to help you easily set up and use your remote to control all your favorite home entertainment devices. We've made sure to include simple, step-by-step instructions, clear explanations, and helpful tips to make your experience as smooth as possible. With this guide, you'll discover how this single remote can simplify your entertainment setup, reduce clutter, and put control right at your fingertips.

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Table of Contents

 

1. Introduction to Your Remote

2. Understanding Your Remote's Buttons

3. What Devices Can This Remote Control?

4. Getting Started: Batteries and Power

5. Setting Up Your Remote: Programming Methods

   • Direct Code Entry (Recommended)

   • Automatic Code Search

   • Finding Your Remote's Programmed Code

   • Setting Up Master Volume Control

   • Resetting Your Remote to Factory Settings

   • Where to Find Universal Remote Codes

6. Troubleshooting: Solving Common Problems

   • Quick Troubleshooting Guide (One-Page Summary)

   • Remote Not Working At All?

   • Some Features Not Working?

   • Volume Buttons Not Working?

   • Understanding the Red Indicator Light

   • Battery Tips and Important Information

7. Keeping Your Remote Clean

8. Where to Get More Help

9. Conclusion

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1. Introduction to Your Remote

 

The GE 33709 CL5 Universal Remote Control is designed to make your home entertainment simpler. Instead of juggling multiple remotes for your TV, cable box, DVD player, and sound system, this single remote can control up to four different devices. It uses a special signal called Infrared (IR) technology, which means it sends invisible light pulses to your devices. Just point the remote directly at the device you want to control, ensuring there’s nothing blocking the path.

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2. Understanding Your Remote's Buttons

Your remote has many buttons, each with a specific job to help you control your devices. Here’s a simple explanation of what each one does:

• Power ( ): Turns your devices ON or OFF.

• Input: Lets you choose different video inputs on your TV (like HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc.).

• Device Buttons (TV, CBL, DVD, AUX): These buttons let you tell the remote which device you want to control at that moment. You can program them to control almost any type of device. For example, the CBL button could control a cable box, a satellite receiver, or even a streaming device.

• Media Control Buttons (Record, Play, Stop, Rewind, Fast Forward, Pause): These are your standard buttons for playing movies or shows.

• DVD/Blu-ray™ Open/Close: Opens or closes the disc tray on a DVD or Blu-ray player. On some cable or satellite boxes, it might show you extra features.

• Setup: This is a very important button you’ll use to start the programming process for your remote.

• ABCD Buttons (Colored): These colored buttons (Yellow, Green, Red, Blue) give you access to extra features, especially for DVRs, cable, and satellite receivers. The Yellow button might also help you switch between small and capital letters, and the Green button can act as a Backspace when typing.

• Home/Guide: Takes you to the main screen on streaming devices or shows the program guide on cable/satellite boxes.

• Menu: Displays the on-screen menu of the device you are controlling.

• Navigation Buttons (Up/Down/Left/Right): These arrow buttons help you move around in on-screen menus.

• OK: Selects the item you’ve highlighted in a menu.

• Exit: Helps you leave on-screen menus.

• Info: Displays information about the show or content you’re watching.

• Volume Up/Down (VOL+/-): Controls the sound volume of the device you are using.

• Mute: Turns off the sound.

• Channel Up/Down (CH+/-): Changes channels on your TV or cable/satellite box.

• Previous Channel ( ): Takes you back to the channel you were just watching.

• Number Buttons (0-9): Used for typing in channel numbers or programming codes.

• Dot ( ): Used for selecting digital channels (like 4.1).

• Enter: Some devices need you to press this button after entering a channel number or code.

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3. What Devices Can This Remote Control?

 

The GE 33709 CL5 is a "universal" remote, meaning it can work with many different audio and video devices. It can control up to four devices, including:

• Televisions (e.g., most Samsung TVs)

• Blu-ray and DVD players

• Cable and satellite receivers

• Soundbars and audio systems

• Streaming media players (e.g., Roku streaming boxes)

This remote has a special internal list of codes (called the "CL5 version") that helps it communicate with thousands of devices from many different brands.

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4. Getting Started: Batteries and Power

 

Your remote needs two (2) AAA batteries to work. For best results and longer battery life, we recommend using new alkaline batteries.

How to Install Batteries:

1. Find the battery cover on the back of your remote. It usually has a textured surface.

2. Gently pull down on the textured surface and slide the battery cover off.

3. Look inside the battery compartment. You will see markings for (+) and (-).

4. Place two fresh AAA batteries into the compartment, making sure the (+) and (-) ends of the batteries match the markings. (Please note: We cannot provide images here, but ensure the raised positive (+) end of the battery goes where the compartment shows a plus sign, and the flat negative (-) end goes where it shows a minus sign.)

5. Slide the battery cover back into place until you hear a secure click.

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5. Setting Up Your Remote: Programming Methods

 

Programming your remote is how you teach it to control your specific devices. The GE 33709 CL5 offers two main ways to do this: Direct Code Entry and Automatic Code Search.

 

Direct Code Entry (Recommended)

 

This method is usually the fastest if you know the special 4-digit code for your device.

1. Find the Code List: Look for the Code List that came with your remote, or access it online (we'll show you where later in this guide). Find the section for your type of device (like TV, Cable, DVD) and your device's brand. Circle all the 4-digit codes listed for it.

2. Enter Setup Mode: Press and hold down the SETUP button on your remote. Keep holding it until the small red light on the remote turns on and stays lit. Then, release the SETUP button. (The red light is usually at the top of the remote or part of the Power button.)

3. Select Device Type: Press and release the device button on your remote that matches the type of device you’re programming (for example, TV for your television). The red light will blink once and then stay on.

4. Enter the 4-Digit Code: Use the number buttons (0-9) on your remote to type in the first 4-digit code you circled from your Code List. As soon as you enter the fourth digit, the red light should turn off, meaning the code was entered successfully.

5. Test the Remote: Point your remote at your device and try to use it. Try turning the device ON/OFF, changing channels, or adjusting the volume.

   • If it works: Great! You've successfully programmed your remote for that device.

   • If it doesn’t work or only some buttons work: Go back to Step 2 and try the next 4-digit code you circled for your device. Sometimes, one code might work better than another for full control.

6. Program More Devices: If you have other devices you want to control, repeat Steps 1-5 for each one.

 

Automatic Code Search

 

This method is helpful if you don't know your device's code, or if Direct Code Entry didn't work. This process won't work for devices that don't have an ON/OFF button.

1. Turn On Your Device: Manually turn on the device you want to program (e.g., your TV).

2. Enter Setup Mode: Press and hold down the SETUP button on the remote until the red light turns on and stays lit. Then, release the SETUP button.

3. Select Device Type: Press and release the device button on the remote for the type of device you're controlling (e.g., TV). The red light will blink once and then stay on.

4. Start Code Search: Point the remote directly at your device and press and release the POWER button. The remote will start sending out batches of 10 different codes. The red light will blink once for each code sent and then stay on after 10 codes are sent.

   • If your device turns OFF: Go to Step 5.

   • If your device does NOT turn OFF: Press the POWER button again to send the next batch of 10 codes. (Tip: You can press the VOL- button to go back through the previous batches of 10 codes if you accidentally pass the correct one. The red light will flash twice when you're at the first or last code in a batch.)

5. Confirm the Code: Manually turn your device back on. With the remote still pointed at the device, press and release the VOL+ button. The remote will re-send the first code from the last group of 10 codes it sent.

   • If your device turns OFF: Immediately press and release the same device button you selected in Step 3 (e.g., TV) to save that code.

   • If it does NOT turn OFF: Keep pressing VOL+ (waiting about 3 seconds after each press) until the device turns off. Once it turns off, immediately press and release the device button (e.g., TV) to save the code.

6. Test and Finish: Use the remote to turn the device back on and test all the buttons. If some buttons don't work as expected, you might need to go back to Step 2 and try the Automatic Code Search again to find a different code that works better.

7. Program More Devices: Repeat this process for each additional device you want to control.

 

Finding Your Remote's Programmed Code

 

This feature is handy if you forget which 4-digit code is programmed into one of your device buttons, or if you lose your original code list.

1. Enter Setup Mode: Press and hold down the SETUP button until the red light turns on and stays lit. Then, release the SETUP button.

2. Select Device Button: Press and release the device button (e.g., TV, CBL, DVD, or AUX) for which you want to find the code.

3. Start Code Readout: Press and release the ENTER button.

4. Identify First Digit: Press and release the #1 button. Count how many times the red light on your remote flashes. This number is the first digit of your programmed code. (For example, if it flashes three times, the first digit is '3'. If it doesn't flash at all, the digit is '0').

5. Identify Remaining Digits: Repeat Step 4 for the #2, #3, and #4 buttons to find the second, third, and fourth digits of the code.

6. Exit Mode: Press and release the ENTER button to exit this mode.

 

Setting Up Master Volume Control

 

The Master Volume feature lets you lock the volume control to one specific device (like your soundbar or audio receiver). This means no matter which device button you select on your remote, the volume will always control that one chosen audio device. This is very useful if your sound comes from a separate system, so you don't have to switch modes just to change the volume.

 

Enabling Master Volume

 

1. Enter Setup Mode: Press and hold down the SETUP button until the red light turns on and stays lit. Then, release the SETUP button.

2. Select Volume Device: Press and release the device button (e.g., TV or AUX) that is already programmed to control the device you want to use for volume (like your soundbar).

3. Press MUTE: Press and release the MUTE button.

4. Confirm Activation: Press and release the VOL+ button. The red light will blink twice and then turn off, confirming that Master Volume is now active.

 

Disabling Master Volume

 

1. Enter Setup Mode: Press and hold down the SETUP button until the red light turns on and stays lit. Then, release the SETUP button.

2. Select Volume Device: Press and release the device button (e.g., TV or AUX) that was previously set up for Master Volume.

3. Press MUTE: Press and release the MUTE button.

4. Confirm Deactivation: Press and release the VOL- button. The red light will blink twice and then turn off, confirming that Master Volume is now off.

 

Resetting Your Remote to Factory Settings

 

Performing a factory reset will clear all programmed codes from your remote and return it to its original, unprogrammed state. This is a good step to try if your remote isn't working correctly, behaving strangely, or if you just want to start fresh.

1. Enter Setup Mode: Press and hold down the SETUP button until the red light turns on and stays lit. Then, release the SETUP button.

2. Press MUTE: Press and release the MUTE button.

3. Confirm Reset: Press and release the #0 button. The red light will flash twice, confirming that your remote has been reset. All previously saved codes will be erased.

 

Where to Find Universal Remote Codes

 

The complete list of codes for your GE 33709 CL5 remote is too long to fit in this manual. Your remote uses the "CL5" version of these codes.

1. Find Your Remote's Version: You can confirm the "CL5" version number by looking inside the battery compartment of your remote, either under the batteries or on the inside of the cover.

2. Access Codes Online: The official place to find these codes is on Jasco's product support website. Go to: byjasco.com/support/resource-library/universal-remote-codes. On that page, make sure to select the "Lookup CL5 Codes" option to get the correct list for your remote.

The online code list will be organized by device type (like TV, Cable, DVD) and brand. It will show the 4-digit codes you need for Direct Code Entry.

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6. Troubleshooting: Solving Common Problems

 

This section helps you figure out and fix common issues you might have with your remote.

 

Quick Troubleshooting Guide (One-Page Summary)

 

 

Remote Not Working At All?

 

• Battery Check: The most common reason a remote doesn't work is due to old or incorrectly installed batteries. Make sure your AAA batteries are fresh and that the (+) and (-) marks are lined up correctly.

• Clear Line of Sight: Your remote uses infrared (IR) signals, which are like invisible light. This means the remote needs a clear path to the device's sensor. Make sure nothing is blocking the remote's front and the device's sensor.

• Correct Device Mode: Always check that you've pressed the correct device button (like TV, CBL, DVD) on the remote for the device you want to control.

• Code Mismatch: If you used Direct Code Entry, try programming the remote with a different 4-digit code from the Code List. Devices often have several codes, and one might work better or offer more functions.

• Compatibility: While this is a universal remote, some very old or very new devices might not be fully supported.

 

Some Features Not Working?

 

• Alternative Codes: If your remote controls some functions but not others (like volume but not channel changing), try programming it with a different code from the Code List. A different code might unlock more features.

• Universal Remote Limitations: Keep in mind that a universal remote might not be able to do everything your original remote could. It's designed to be broadly compatible, not to perfectly copy every single function.

 

Volume Buttons Not Working?

 

• Correct Device Mode: Make sure you're in the right device mode for the volume you want to change. For example, if you want to change the TV volume, press the TV button first. If your sound comes from a soundbar connected to the AUX button, press AUX.

• Master Volume Feature: If you have set up the Master Volume feature (see Section 5.D), ensure it's locked to the correct audio device. If not, consider setting it up for your main audio device so volume control is consistent no matter what device button you press.

• Reprogramming: If still having trouble, try reprogramming the device with a different code. Some codes might not fully support all functions, including volume.

 

Understanding the Red Indicator Light

 

Your remote doesn't have a screen for messages, but the small red light (usually at the top or on the Power button) gives you important feedback, especially during programming. Think of it as the remote's way of "talking" to you.

• Solid Red Light: Means the remote is in programming mode, usually after you press and release the SETUP button.

• Blinks Once then Stays Solid: Happens after you select a device button during programming, telling you the remote is ready for you to enter a code for that device.

• Turns Off: Means you successfully entered a 4-digit code using Direct Code Entry.

• Blinks Once per Code (during Auto Code Search): Shows that the remote is sending codes to your device during the automatic search.

• Blinks Twice and Turns Off: Confirms that you successfully enabled or disabled the Master Volume feature, or that you successfully performed a Factory Reset.

• Flashes (when finding code): During the Code Identification process, the number of flashes for each digit tells you what that digit is (e.g., three flashes means '3').

 

Battery Tips and Important Information

 

• Low or Dead Batteries: This is the most common reason your remote might stop working or work only sometimes. Solution: Always replace old batteries with fresh AAA alkaline batteries.

• Mixing Batteries: Never mix old and new batteries, or different types of batteries (like alkaline with rechargeable). This can cause problems and make your remote not work well. Precaution: Always use two fresh batteries of the same type.

• Battery Leakage: Old or weak batteries can sometimes leak, which can damage your remote. Prevention: Remove old, weak, or worn-out batteries right away.

• Battery Saver Feature: Your remote has a smart "Battery Saver" feature. If you accidentally hold down any button for more than 8 seconds, the remote will automatically turn off to save power. Don't worry, this isn't a malfunction; just release the button and try again.

• Code Saver Feature: This remote is extra handy because it has a "Code Saver" feature. If you remove the batteries, your programmed codes will stay saved for up to 10 minutes. This means you can change batteries without losing all your settings.

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7. Keeping Your Remote Clean

 

Regular cleaning can help your remote last longer and work better. Remotes can gather dirt and germs over time, which might make buttons sticky.

Recommended Cleaning Supplies:

• Cotton swabs

• A mix of 50/50 rubbing alcohol and water

• A dry, soft-bristled toothbrush (an old, clean one works great)

• A microfiber cloth

• (Optional: Household cleaning wet wipes, like antibacterial surface wipes, can also be used carefully)

Steps for Cleaning:

1. Remove Batteries: Always take the batteries out of the remote before you start cleaning.

2. Remove Loose Debris: Use your dry toothbrush to gently brush out any dust, crumbs, or dirt stuck between the buttons or in small cracks. Work from the top of the remote down.

3. Wipe Surfaces: Lightly mist a small part of your microfiber cloth with the alcohol/water mix. Make sure to tap off any extra liquid so the cloth is only damp, not wet. Gently wipe the entire surface of the remote in small circles to remove grime or sticky spots. If using a wet wipe, gently squeeze out any extra liquid first.

4. Clean Crevices: Lightly mist a cotton swab with your cleaning solution. Use it to carefully clean hard-to-reach areas around and between the buttons where the cloth couldn't reach.

5. Allow to Dry: Rubbing alcohol dries quickly. However, make sure no liquid got inside the remote. If you see any moisture inside, let the remote air dry completely in a warm, dry place before putting the batteries back in. Do not try to speed up drying with heat sources.

6. Replace Batteries: Once the remote is completely dry, put the batteries back in, making sure they are inserted with the correct (+) and (-) polarity.

Important Reminders:

• Avoid Too Much Moisture: Never put the remote in water or spray cleaning solutions directly onto it. Too much liquid can damage the inside parts.

• No Disassembly: Do not try to take the remote apart unless you are specifically told how to, as this can void your warranty or cause damage.

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8. Where to Get More Help

 

If you need more help, have questions, or want to access the full code lists, there are several ways to get support for your GE universal remote:

• Phone Support: For direct help, you can call the Consumer Care team at 1-800-654-8483. They are usually available Monday through Friday, from 7 am to 6 pm Central Time (CT).

• Online Chat: A chat window might be available on the Jasco product support website for real-time assistance.

• Email Support: You can also contact support via email, though phone calls are often quicker for urgent questions.

 

Online Resources:

 

• Universal Remote Codes: The most complete and up-to-date code lists are online. Visit the official Jasco support website: byjasco.com/support/resource-library/universal-remote-codes. Remember to select the "CL5" code list version for your remote.

• Auto Code Search Video: There’s a helpful video tutorial online that shows you step-by-step how to use the Auto Code Search programming feature.

• Digital Manuals/Product Listing: If you misplace your physical manual, you might find a digital copy available for download on the product listing page. You can usually find this by going to the "Find Your Product" section on the Jasco support site.

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Jasco has extensive FAQ sections that answer common questions and provide troubleshooting tips. These are available 24/7 for you to find answers yourself:

  • General Product FAQs: byjasco.com/pages/faq

  • Universal Remotes FAQs: byjasco.com/pages/universal-remotes-faq

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9. Conclusion

 

The GE 33709 CL5 Universal Remote Control is a versatile device designed to simplify your home entertainment experience. By following the simple instructions in this guide, you can easily program it to control up to four different audio/video components using its reliable infrared technology. From understanding each button’s function to troubleshooting common issues and keeping your remote clean, this manual provides all the information you need. Remember, the "CL5" in your remote's name refers to its internal code list, not something that can be updated like computer software. With the comprehensive support options available online and by phone, you have everything you need to enjoy a streamlined and convenient home entertainment setup