Universal remote without OK/Enter button: LM-620, big button remotes, menu navigation, programming

User question

It doesn't have a ok/enter button. How to I get it to do that?

Artificial Intelligence Response

Direct answer to the question

• If your LM‑620 remote truly has no OK/Enter key, you can’t “add” one in software. You either:
  • Use another button that the code set maps to OK, or
  • Use operating modes that don’t require OK, or
  • Replace the remote with one that has an OK/D‑pad (or a learning remote).
• Key points:
  • Try MUTE, 0, center/SELECT (if present), or a long‑press on AV as “OK.”
  • For channels, rely on the TV’s digit time‑out; for inputs, use AV to cycle.
  • During auto‑code search, “save” is often done by pressing SET/TV again, not OK.
  • If you need menu navigation, a remote without D‑pad/OK is inherently unsuitable.

Detailed problem analysis

• What “OK” means: On a TV, OK/Enter is a distinct IR command (e.g., in RC5/RC6/NEC families). A universal remote can only send it if (1) the model has a key mapped to that command in the loaded code set or (2) the remote supports learning and you learn it from the original remote. If the LM‑620 lacks an OK‑labeled key and has no learning feature, you must find which existing key (if any) the current code maps to OK.
• Why some LM‑620s appear to “not need” OK:
  • Channel entry: Most TVs accept the digits and auto‑tune after a 2–5 s inactivity time‑out, so no OK is needed.
  • Input selection: Many TVs cycle inputs directly with TV/AV (short presses) and select automatically when you stop cycling; no OK is needed.
  • Programming the remote: In many budget universals, you confirm/lock a found code by pressing SET, TV, or POWER—not OK.
• Limitations: If your goal is navigating on‑screen menus (settings, smart apps), you need Up/Down/Left/Right and OK. A simplified LM‑620 variant without a D‑pad cannot send those, regardless of programming.

Current information and trends

• In practice with low‑cost universals similar to LM‑620, “OK” often ends up mapped to non‑obvious keys such as MUTE, 0, or the center/SELECT area (if present). Some TVs also accept a long‑press on AV as confirm in certain code sets.
• Community experience shows mixed Thomson coverage in generic code libraries; some code sets control power/volume but don’t map menu/OK correctly. When that happens, a different code set or a remote with full key layout is the practical fix.

Supporting explanations and details

• IR code mapping: Each “brand code” in the remote maps the remote’s physical keys to specific IR commands. Two different Thomson codes may both power the TV, yet only one maps an LM‑620 key to “OK.” Hence the need to try multiple codes and test which key, if any, acts as OK.
• Why AV cycling works: On many TVs, TV/AV steps through inputs. The TV automatically switches to the highlighted input without an extra OK after a short dwell, so you can arrive at the right input by repeated presses.

Ethical and legal aspects

• No special legal issues. Dispose of batteries properly (don’t mix old/new cells), and avoid opening the remote to modify hardware unless you’re qualified.

Practical guidelines

• Identify your immediate task:
  • If you’re programming the remote to the TV: 1) Turn the TV on. 2) Hold SET (or TV) until the LED stays on. 3) Slowly press POWER every 1–2 s until the TV turns off. 4) Press SET or TV again to store the code. If that doesn’t store, try MUTE to store. 5) Test basic functions; if menu control is needed, test for an OK surrogate as below.
  • If you’re trying to “press OK” in a menu:
  • Test, in this order: center/SELECT (if any), MUTE, 0, long‑press AV (2–3 s), PLAY/PAUSE (if present), VOL+ long‑press.
  • If none act as OK and you lack arrow keys, this remote cannot navigate that menu.
  • If you’re entering channels:
  • Type the digits and wait 2–5 s; or press CH+ after digits to force tune on many sets.
  • If you’re switching inputs:
  • Press AV repeatedly to cycle to the desired input; stop and it should take effect.
• Improve code mapping quality:
  • Try alternative Thomson code sets (scan again after storing fails).
  • Prioritize the one where POWER, VOL, and AV behave most like the OEM remote; then re‑test the OK surrogates.
• When to replace:
  • If you must navigate settings/apps, get a remote with D‑pad + OK or a learning remote.
  • Low‑cost options: a basic GE/One‑For‑All universal with OK/D‑pad; or a cheap IR learning remote so you can learn OK from the original remote and assign it to an unused key.

Possible disclaimers or additional notes

• LM‑620 labeling and firmware vary by batch; some have a “SELECT” or center pad, others do not. The exact “save” key in programming (SET vs TV vs MUTE) can differ—use the one that yields a confirming LED blink.
• Some Thomson models expect OEM‑specific commands; a generic universal may never expose OK for those sets.

Suggestions for further research

• If possible, share a photo or list of your LM‑620’s keys and confirm your TV model number. With that, I can suggest the most likely Thomson code sets and the exact key that acts as OK for that pairing.
• Check if your LM‑620 has any “LEARN” marking; if yes, you can learn the TV’s OK onto a spare key.

Brief summary

• You can’t “enable” an OK button that doesn’t exist, but you can often substitute another key (MUTE, 0, center/SELECT, or long‑press AV), or avoid needing OK by using channel time‑out and AV cycling. If you must use on‑screen menus, this class of remote is the wrong tool—replace it with a model that has a D‑pad and OK or a learning remote. If you tell me the exact button layout and TV model, I’ll walk you through a code set that gives you the best chance of an OK surrogate.

Disclaimer: The responses provided by artificial intelligence (language model) may be inaccurate and misleading. Elektroda is not responsible for the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the presented information. All responses should be verified by the user.