A $50 epiphany...how could one object make an HT "that" much better!?

[mustang_steve]

Yes, it's true, and there's no hype, trickery, or general retardedness involved.

No...I have not been sampling random plants from the backyard again either (although that might make some pop albums sound better, but I digress..)

It's....a UNIVERSAL REMOTE!!!!

Yes, that's it ladies, and germs....a simple little $50 universal remote....since it has take over almost every single function of my HT that I use on any basis.

It's amazing how much nicer my HT experience is when I don't have to sort through 3 different remotes to do anything, as well as have a backlit remote, so I can change settings without searching for my LED flashligt, so in effect it replaced 4 items.

Seriously guys, I was one of those curmudgeons that hated spending cash on things like that, but now I'm bought....go get a decent universal remote, it's worth it!

For what it's worth, I bought the radio shack 6-in-one kameleon remote (15-2137)...I understand it's a battery hog, and it does make an annoying high pitched squeal when the backlight is on (fixed by turning it down a bit), but that remote is very, very nice. It's the same remote as the one made by one-for-all, just different cosmetics.

 

[MDS]

One For All and Radio Shack are linked at the hip. Alot of the Radio Shack remotes are actually manufactured by OFA which is why they tend to use the same setup codes.

OFA remotes are great bang for the buck and I've had several over the years. With JP1 programming you can make them control just about anything. I keep my 8811 around just in case I ever need it to get discrete codes to teach my HTM remote. My only complaint is that the button layout isn't ideal compared to the HTM MX series remotes.

IMO, a good universal remote is absolutely essential.

 

[mustang_steve]

I am still having some setup woes, but am getting around it.

I had to use the learning mode to get my DVD player to work (magnavox MSD124), and had to run a manual search to get my Yamaha RX-V430 to work...so all that's left is figuring how to get all devices to turn on at once with a single power button press.

I really do love this remote, it's just too cool. Now all I have to do is get a better DVD player...that $30 piece of crep makes quite a bit of noise just spinning the disc...I'll replace it with a better unit later on.

 

[jcPanny]

Remotes

Sounds like that remote is a good value for $50.
If you step up to the $80-100 price range, the low end Harmany remotes are a good option. Their web programming interface ensures that they will work with anything and allows for easy programming of activity macros like you describe above.

 

[Hi Ho]

I agree that a good universal remote really hightens the home theater experience. I don't know how I got by before I bought my Harmony 680. It replaced seven remotes! I haven't touched ANY of the other remotes at all since I set up the Harmony. It's one button operation for everything and all of the odd functions are covered by the LCD screen so there are no missing functions forcing me to dig up the original remote to do one thing.

The remote will even tell me what's on TV.

 

[BMXTRIX]

And that is why I have a job as a Crestron programmer.

People often say it is expensive, but it really tends to lack the bugs and irritations that other universal remotes end up with. Like things getting out of sync, or directionality issues (since it is RF or hard wired).

Yes, at $1,000+ and programming needed it is expensive, but to be able to hand the remote to your wife, or kids, and have them actually be able to use the DVD player, DSS, full projection setup with surround and not have any questions... That's where it becomes totally worthwhile.

It becomes even more useful when you have complex setups that may fall well outside of the range of a normal - or even good - universal remote.