Universal Remote

[kenmo]

Can someone recommend a good universal remote that will work with

2 Vcrs (JVC & Optimus)
2 DVDs (Norcent DP300 and Pioneer DV333)
1 A/V Amp (Technics)
1 TV (Samsung)

I tried a RCA 8 in 1 but could not get it to work properly. It would not allow me to select input devices on my Technics amp. I tried the learning keys but no luck. It would not allow me to setup a schedule recording on my JVC vcr. My JVC has too many special keys and the RCA r/c only had three learning keys. Also if I powered on my JVC via the RCA r/c and then selected another device and went back to my JVC, the selector button would power off the JVC. Worked fine on my Pioneer. It was a no go for my Norcent.

I took it back to Radio Shack for a refund....

[redwudz]

I have about 8 remotes on my coffee table and about 4 universal remotes in a drawer. Even if you find one that does everything (unlikely), you will have to have crib notes to remember all the settings for each device. Bite the bullet and just keep a bowl on the table for all the remotes. You will save a lot of money and even more frustration.

[ashtones]

I agree to a point. I have gone through a few universal remotes. An all in one producer ($100) and a Sony RM-VL1000 ($50 on-line) The sony is much better as all the keys can be learned to. Neither one of these is able to work with my dish network Dishplayer which is the center and most used device in my set up. Remember the key functions on your programmed remote comes with time but it really isn't that diffcult. The hard thing is remembering the less used keys like audio set up or the angle button for the DVD. I guess if I could afford it I would go with a Philips pronto but thats real high end.

[Bob W]

I gave up and put all my video/audio equipment on a nice rack where I can just wheel my chair over to them and manually select what I want.

[gmatov]

I gave up, too.
Ihave 5 on the arm of my recliner, the secondaries, 5 more on the bookcase shelf next to it.

Works pretty well, except occassionally I'll lay my arm down in just the wrong way and hit a button that I have a hell of a time recovering from.

Funnier is when any of my kids comes to visit. Sometimes they get it so F'd up, it takes me 10 minutes or so to straighten out.

George

[kenmo]

Ok, I guess I'll concede defeat in my hunt for a single remote....Maybe in the future.

[dicktheprick]

I use the Sony RM-AV1000 remote commander. It can work with any setup. I got rid of 7 remotes with it, the newer one, the RM-AV3000 uses less batterys i think

[vasqued2]

Believe it or not, I am now controlling my cable box, TV, DVD, VCR, Receiver, CD player, and PS2 with a single $30 Radio Shack 15-2116. The trick was using a JP1 cable to program it. See www.hifi-remote.com for details.

[jarvizo]

No matter what remote you get, seems like one of your components will not respond the way you want (especially with components like dvd players & laserdisc players or vcr's with advanced macro functions.) The best thing is to get a learning remote where ALL the keys can be re-programmed, not just a few keys like the "one-for-alls". The trouble with this,however, is they get really pricey, and you have to have the original remote(s). I got lucky enough to find a "marantz" universal remote where all 60+ buttons are programable. It's a very old model (early 80's)
but works like a charm, plus it cost me only $5 at a swap meet.
I've been lucky enough to find various "learning" remotes at thrift stores so if cost is an issue you might try this route.

[andkiich]

Sony RM-AV1000 is one of the best investments that I have ever made. Easy to use and will control damn near anything that has an infrared port on it.