Remote commander having a ROM read-out pre-programmed codes therefrom

A multi-commander comprising:

• a first memory arranged for read-out only and having stored therein in advance of the time of manufacture of the multi-commander a plurality of remote control signals having different signal formats and manufacutrer's codes respectively proper to different apparatus of different manufacturers;
• remote control signal receiving means for receiving a remote control signal from an other remote commander proper to a particular apparatus of a particular manufacturer;
• a second writable memory arranged for random access;
• remote control signal transmitting means including an output register for transmitting a remote control signal from said first memory through said output register for controlling a given function of said particular apparatus;
• and
• mode switch means for selectively switching between a setting mode and a remote control mode;
• wherein, when said mode switch means is in the setting mode, the manufacturer's code included in the remote control signal derived from said other remote commander and received by said remote control signal receiving means is written in said second memory and compared with said manufacturer's codes for said different manufacturers stored in said first memory for identifying the manufacturer, so that the signal format of said remote control signal from the other remote commander is read out of said first memory and is written in said second memory;
• and
• wherein, when said mode switching means is in the remote control mode, said signal format is read out of said second memory and employed for selecting an appropriate control signal to be read out of said first memory for transmission by said signal transmitting means to said particular apparatus for controlling said given function.