I've got an older Emerson DVD/VCR player and the remote doesn't seem to be working. I put new batteries in and it doesn't power on. It is too old to switch to a universal remote - I bought one and I had to return it because there was no code for this player in the booklet.

I am able to use the player's buttons for most things but I don't know how to be able to choose another feature on the menu of a DVD if I am unable to use the arrows.

Is there another way of doing this using the buttons on the player or by using my TV's remote? Is there a way of running the DVD/VCR player using my TV's remote?

I don't want to buy a new remote because for what it costs I'd be able to buy a whole new player!

Thanks!

Unless your TV remote is a programmable one (one with which you can control multiple devices, effectively a universal remote), then I don't see how you could control your DVD player with your TV remote. It's like trying to start your car with your house key, the key won't fit the slot.

You can get universal remotes for cheap, probably $5 or less (definitely under $10). Check out Rat Shack or Wal-Mart, the local dollar store might even have something. In most cases, they can control a large range of devices. Consider buying from a place with a good return policy in case it doesn't work with your device.

Thanks for your response!

It is too old to switch to a universal remote - I bought one and I had to return it because there was no code for this player in the booklet. I don't want to keep buying and returning them because the only way to see if the code is there is to open the package and look in the booklet.

Is there another way of using the buttons on the player (instead of on the remote) to select the menu?

That's a bummer ... it's true, the universal remotes don't always work. If there's no direction buttons on the front of your DVD player, I don't see how you could control it without a remote. Probably best to get another cheap DVD player or else consider a more expensive universal remote (with which you can also control your other devices with).

Thanks - I didn't think that there was a way of doing it but I thought that I'd ask - you never know.
I went through the manual and there was nothing there.
It's an annoying player anyway - I don't know if all DVD/VCR players are the same but this one doesn't let you record one show while watching another which sort of defeats the whole purpose of it anyway!
By the way - do you know if when the change finally happens to digital if we will still be able to record on a VCR?

By the way - do you know if when the change finally happens to digital if we will still be able to record on a VCR?
Yes, but your VCR's analog tuner will no longer be useful. Assuming you're currently getting your programming over the air, you'll need to get a digital converter box...the output from that box can be connected to your VCR for recording. Go here (https://www.dtv2009.gov/) for more info on how to get a converter box.

If you currently get your programming from a cable box or satellite receiver you won't be affected by the digital transition and you'll be able to continue to record with your VCR as you do now.

Thanks - I've got a digital TV but an analog VCR - that's why I was wondering.

A Harmony or URC remote may have the commands in their database already, you might want to check them (they have a much larger database than the cheaper universal remotes where you just enter a 4 digit code and try them out).