The remote control comprises a microprocessor including a CPU and memory, a keypad including keys for operating the remote control coupled to the microprocessor, signal outputting circuitry, driver circuitry coupled to the microprocessor for driving the signal outputting circuitry, hardware and software, including the microprocessor, for generating output signal data which is supplied to the driver circuitry, a signal coupling transducer, such as a pick-up coil, in the remote control for picking up electro-magnetic signals from an electro-magnetic signal emitting or transmitting device, such as a telephone handset, coupling circuitry for coupling the signal coupling transducer to the microprocessor and decoding software in the microprocessor for decoding the electro-magnetic signals picked up into bits and/or bytes of output signal data and storing same in the memory.