If you have purchased a universal remote to control your TV with basic cable, you’ll first need to program it so that it is synchronized to control your particular brand and model of television and cable box. Because different brands and models of universal remotes have varying steps for programming them, it’s important that you consult the manual that came with your product. If you no longer have the manual, you also can check the manufacturer’s website for details. However, there are a few basic steps that work for many brands and can serve as a guideline as you program your remote.