A remote control is provided for controlling various electronic apparatus such as televisions, videocassette recorders, stereo systems, cable boxes, and the like. The remote control includes a loop-back, self-test capability, which indicates the operability of the remote control without additional testing apparatus. Status of the self-test, and thus the remote control, is indicated to the user by an audio/visual status indicator located on the remote control. The remote control optionally includes two infrared diodes to transmit a self-test signal with a reduction in directionality limitations.

A remote control system including a hand held remote control unit with an alphanumeric information display, for controlling and communicating with a first controlled device, such as a digital music tuner connected to a community antenna television (CATV) cable, and for controlling a selected one of a plurality of second controlled devices, such as CATV set-top units, VCRs, or television sets. A first, high speed, error free display information communications protocol is utilized for transmitting program content or other information from a device, such as the CATV-connected music tuner, to the remote control unit for display. A second or control communications protocol is utilized by the remote control unit for controlling the first controlled device and a selected one of the second controlled devices. The CATV cable-connected music tuner utilizes the 44.1 kHz Compact Disk (CD) clock signal embedded in digital music signals provided via the cable to derive clocking signals for implementing the display information communications protocol, resulting in an efficient, low cost electronic design.