High End Remotes

[Bradshawpe]

I was looking into a few remotes to get for my HT. The two upper end models that seemed most interesting to me are the Creston TPMC-4XG and the Pronto TSU9400. I do have extremely limited experience with the Pronto but was wondering if anyone has any input on these products? I will be using it for my whole HT including lighting, and my air conditioning as well my computer. Also, I plan on getting a PS3, can any of these or anything else that can control it?

My goal is to create a remote thats so easy to use ANYONE could pick it up and use it. I don't like the harmoney line of remotes as although it's easy to do basic functions they make it so difficult to control sperate components easily and quickly IMO, especially if you have quite a few components.

 

[Bradshawpe]

Anyone know anything about either of these remotes? How much will the Creston model set me back?

 

[bandphan]

One of those two remotes is high end Crestron will provide a level of control that the pronto doesnt. Programming of the crestron will be more detailed and not really for anyone that hasnt neen trained to and is designed to intergrate with crestnet systems. The pronto will handle most needs. What level of control are you looking for, check out the URC complete control line as another option

 

[Audioholics]

Something from Universal Remote, Inc would do the same and be far cheaper. I'm very interested in their new MX6000 IP-based remote coming out around CEDIA.

 

[bandphan]

How much will the Creston model set me back?

Including the equipment and programming, quite a bit relative to pronto or urc. The urc model clint referenced is a two remote, allowing for complete control without issues.

 

[JerryLove]

Also, I plan on getting a PS3, can any of these or anything else that can control it?

PS3 uses BlueTooth, so few universal remotes will talk to it... unless you get the IR adapter for the PS3 in which case most will.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

To me, the phrase "high end" refers to excellent sound. Since a remote has no effect on sound, how can it be high end?

 

[BMXTRIX]

I've yet to see anything from URC which touches the level of reliability and quality that Crestron provides. Crestron went so far as to utlize URCs remotes for their products using the MX-850 from URC as well as the MX-3000, but then they went to their own RF gateway system which allowed far greater range, and far more reliability for RF reception which has always been hit or miss with certain products and has been a complaint of installers for as long as I've been in the business.

Now, will the URC do the job? Very likely, yes. But, will it be 100% reliable all the time as you will find from a Crestron remote? That's a big question that can't be answered as simply as saying 'yes', because it depends on your room, the exact gear in use, and the reliability and controllability of that gear. Some gear will work really well, and other gear simply will not.

When you get iffy gear, then the Crestron system tends to really shine in the versatility of utilizing a true programmed system which can send multiple codes, multiple times, and logically track system changes, as well as offer up some gear which can check things like power status.

For the PS3, you would want to get the IR to Bluetooth converter called the IR4PS3 which doesn't have a website, but comes down from Canada and has excellent reviews.

I've programmed Harmony, URC, and Crestron and in my experience, there is nothing that touches Crestron for consistent reliability.

Unfortunately, price is extremely significant. An Ethernet enabled control system will run over $1,000 and the remote will run an additional $1,000.

On the other hand, I've programmed hundreds of systems and typically I don't train people on how to use it. I leave the house on Friday and call them on Monday to see if they have questions. Generally, the answer is 'no'. So, it really is phenomenally easy to use.

Programming will typically run at least an additional $1,000 for a fairly straightforward theater setup as well.

It is, in my opinion, the definition of what high end is. It's extremely high quality in build, it is phenomenally reliable, it carries a 3-year warranty, it is infinitely configurable.

Can other products come close? Yes! Can they match it? Not in my experience.

 

[BMXTRIX]

To me, the phrase "high end" refers to excellent sound. Since a remote has no effect on sound, how can it be high end?

Give your grandparents the remote control(s) for your A/V system and tell them to go start a DVD. Give the remote to some five year old kids and ask them the same thing.

A high end remote makes a good A/V system accessible to everyone in the family and because you limit functionality to only what is necessary to start and enjoy the room, you don't have the wrong people getting access to settings you took hours (if not weeks) to calibrate to perfection.

I always tell people that a really good remote is NOT for them, it's for their wife. It makes a lot more sense when you think of it that way, but it may not be what you consider necessary as you may be the only one that operates your system, or you may only have people come over that are fully trained and capable of using your system.

Gotta say, it's nice when my in-laws come over and I just say, "Press the button that says 'Cable' to watch TV" and they understand exactly what to do.

 

[bandphan]

To me, the phrase "high end" refers to excellent sound. Since a remote has no effect on sound, how can it be high end?

to you showtime afterdark is a date Please contribute, if not at least be,not just contribute.
way to ram>sack another thread, to the op, please ingnore JS's remarks

 

[Joe Schmoe]

Please contribute, if not at least be,not just contribute.
way to ram>sack another thread, to the op, please ingnore JS's remarks

Congratulations, you just made my ignore list.
Now go away so that everyne else can ignore you, too.

 

[bandphan]

The things that can help allow remotes easy for anyone...Ability to perform complex macros without pointing the remote(rf, wifi, network) Software that will allow for variables, including serial control, and most important, proper setup. The URC professional lines are a good afforadable solution without having to go into AMX or Crestron, which are intended to be more than just a "remote". Check out some of you B&M stores and see which ones are comfortable to you and your family.