System and method for rapid configuration of a universal controlling device

A universal controlling device for use in transmitting communications to an intended target device, comprising:

• at least one communications circuit;
• at least one processing unit in communication with the at least one communications circuit;
• a key matrix having a plurality of quick setup input elements;
• and
• a memory storing instructions executable by the processing unit wherein the instructions, when executed by the processing unit, cause the universal controlling device to respond to receiving into the universal controlling device while in a setup mode of operation of the universal controlling device a selection of a one of the plurality of quick setup input elements of the universal controlling device by causing the universal controlling device to repeatedly transmit, via use of the at least one communication circuit, a response-eliciting query, each time using a different one of a plurality of command sets linked to the one of the plurality of quick setup input elements, and, when a response to a transmitted response-eliciting query is received by the universal controlling device, via use of the at least one communication circuit, from the intended target device, causing the universal controlling device to exit the setup mode of operation of the universal controlling device whereupon the universal controlling device will have configured itself to use the one of the plurality of command sets that was used to transmit the response-eliciting query that was responded to by the intended target device when the universal controlling device is subsequently operated in an operating mode of the universal controlling device in which the universal controlling device is intended to transmit communications to the intended target device.