Learning remotes don't rely on preprogrammed codes to operate different components. Instead, a learning remote "learns" the codes directly from the component's standard remote control.
This typically works by placing the two remotes head-to-head, putting the learning remote into learning mode, pressing a button for an operation on the standard remote, and then pressing the button you want to use for that operation on the learning remote. The learning remote learns that operation, then you move to the next operation.
This is a time-consuming process, but it lets you add functions from almost any remote to your learning remote. If you have an older or nonstandard component, this may be your only option in terms of consolidating remotes.
The advantage of a learning remote is its ability to replace virtually any remote you have. The disadvantage is that it takes a lot of time to transfer all the operations from one remote to another. It's also possible that if you try to learn too many commands, you'll exceed the learning remote's built-in memory.
