Remote control method and remote control apparatus

A remote control apparatus for a device under control which selects one of an information signal of the device under control and an information signal from at least one external device, comprising:

• an operation section;
• a conversion section which bidirectionally communicates with the device under control;
• and
• a control section which inputs an operation signal from the operation section and controls the communication section,
• wherein the control section inquires of the device under control about an information signal selection state when a key in common with the device under control and the external device is operated on an operation section,
• wherein the control section controls the communication section to transmit a remote control signal corresponding to the key that has been operated to the device under control when the information signal selection state replied from the device under control represents a signal selection state of the device under control, and
• wherein the control section controls the communication section to transmit a remote control signal corresponding to the key that has been operated to the external device when the information signal selection state replied from the device under control represents a signal selection state of the external device.