Replacements for OEM remotes

[Steen4]

I've recently purchased a Panasonic PV-S4880 vcr in order to capture some older tapes that are unstable on other decks, but I need to get into the menu system and this unit did not come with a remote. Being the cheapskate that I am, I wonder whether I should buy a direct replacement for the OEM remote or does someone know of a universal remote that will allow me access to the advanced functions in the menus? Is there a way to get into the menus without the remote (button combos, power-on+held buttons, etc)? In addition, how attached are you to your remote? Can't live without it? Never use anything but the universal anymore? Take it or leave it? Just curious...

[redwudz]

You could try Ebay for a used replacement, the OEM replacements may be outrageously high priced, but you never know. With universal remotes, it's mostly guesswork if they will work with all functions. Maybe someone here has tried it with a universal?

EDIT: Or try to find a Panasonic VCR forum and ask your question. Must be one out there somewhere?

[Epicurus8a]

I've got a friend who contacted SHARP and paid $100 for a simple TV remote. For not much more she could have bought a newer and better TV (remote included).

I've found that many Universal Remotes don't have ALL the functions found on the OEM version. So, if you go this route, you might have to try several different different replacements before you find one that works for you.

[dvdfreak123]

I would suggest if using a universal remote to check out radio shacks 5 in 1 or for more options the 6 in 1 I have the 6 in 1 myself and have never had a function not work.
You can check radioshack.com or even a quick search on google

just my 2 cents