Cutting the Cord? This $15 Universal Remote Makes Live TV Easy Again

As cable prices keep rising and more people look for simple, no-frills ways to watch live TV, I recently helped a client switch from Mediacom cable to a basic over-the-air (OTA) antenna setup. She didn’t have internet and didn’t want a DVR—just something affordable and easy that let her watch local channels like she always had.

We picked up a flat antenna from Channel Master and connected it to her TV. But the original TV remote was long gone, so we grabbed a $15 universal remote from Family Dollar. It’s a GE-branded remote made by Jasco Products, available at most Dollar General and Family Dollar stores across the U.S.

Here's the cool part:

Inside the battery compartment, there’s a code that tells you exactly which set of instructions to follow on the Jasco website. We simply entered the remote’s code version (found under the battery cover), selected the TV brand, and the site gave us four working codes to try. Within minutes, we had the TV programmed with the remote—and she was watching local news, game shows, and her favorite broadcast programs again.

The whole process was:

1. No internet required at home (just used a phone to look up the code site),

2. No syncing nightmares, and

3. No extra gear like a streaming box or DVR.

It was straightforward and satisfying—especially in a world where too many remotes are loaded with buttons you never use. This universal remote was basic, but it worked perfectly for live TV viewing.

Why This Matters:

A lot of people—especially seniors and folks in rural areas—just want something that works. If you or someone you know wants to simplify their setup, combining a $15 universal remote with a flat antenna can get the job done.

Want to find your own code?

👉 Visit: byjasco.com/pages/universal-remote-codes

Just pop off the battery cover and look for the CL3, CL4, or CL5 version inside.