Low End RF Remotes

[jostenmeat]

Thanks to MDS' recent post, Im thinking of getting a URC RF-20.

I like the price, RF capability, and actually prefer buttons to touch screens. There is a lack of dedicated chapter skip button, but this doesn't bother me, as I watch BD/HD-DVD only, and for those I use the toggle anyways.

There seem to be a few complaints about the lack of customer support. Also, a few found great frustration in having the codes "take" to the remote (lack of better words).

So I guess Im asking for not only words of warning or praise, but also for other possible recommendations among remotes. Is there even any other competition available for the affordable price of $80?

Thanks!

 

[itschris]

Oddly enough I think there's a complete lack of low to midrange RF remotes. They're either clunky and outdated looking, very expensive, or seemingly difficult to program.

I just wish Logitech would come out with an RF version of the Harmony One.

 

[jostenmeat]

I ordered it! We will see how it goes.

It will replace my Logitech 520. The play button is starting to go Im afraid, as I have to REALLY push down on it to register. It'll be nice to not have to deal with the tiniest buttons I've ever seen.

Funny thing is that remote cost about the same as the URC Im getting with RF.

I'm not too crazy about Harmony remotes. Ive handled a number of them, not the One though, and Im just not convinced of their reliability. The best thing they have going for them is the ease of programming. That could be it, but I admit it is an important factor for many.

-jostenmeat

 

[MDS]

The RF-20 is a slightly feature reduced version of the MX-350. The basic difference is you cannot assign emitters on the RF basestation (only an issue if you have more than one of the same component) and the remote always sends both RF and IR (you can choose IR, RF, or both on the MX-350). I think the backlight color is different too. The RF basestation isn't compatible with any of the MX model remotes. So very minor differences.

I would recommend learning every single command from the original remotes rather than relying on the pre-programmed setup codes so that you have total control of how it is set up. You may find a setup code that works all the functions of your device but you have no control over where it puts the commands on the LCD screen.

 

[jostenmeat]

Thanks very much for that information and insight. I presume that there will never be an issue with redundant commands with IR+RF always being sent. Heh, the last time I remember a non-discrete "code" for what I use was the play/pause button on a cassette player.

The only reason I want this is for the RF. That's it. I turn everything on/off manually pretty much. I only will have two macros, and that will be for BD playback or HD-DVD playback. Extremely simple. If I ever replace my players with some dual player in the distant future, I'll only need one macro.

Thanks MDS. Been wanting RF for a while, and your posts have got me in gear! I will program each code individually. Won't be too many, play, pause, stop, guide, menu, toggle, enter, volume, and mute. Hm, that could be it actually. Maybe, with such simple needs, using the pre-programmed set is good enough.