Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

In Search of the Best Programmable Universal Remote?

Posted by Cliff on from the coffee-table-device-convergence dept.

option8 asks: "Now that i have more components in my living room than I have room on the coffee table for their remotes, I'm looking into getting a programmable universal remote. I've looked at some of the spiffy touchscreen jobs, like the Philips Pronto and even some of the new color remotes, but it seems to me that spending more for my remote than I did on my DVD player is overdoing it somewhat. Also, all I've found are ones with windows support for building screens. Are there any out there that I can use with Linux?" There was a previous Ask Slashdot on this subject back in '99, anything new to report since then?

12 of 314 comments (clear)

  1. I'd say my wife.. by sporty · · Score: 4, Funny

    I would say my wife if she could figure out my entertainment centre. Ah, the issues of being an audiophile ;) (j/k)

    --

    -
    ping -f 255.255.255.255 # if only

  2. Most universal remote by 91degrees · · Score: 5, Funny

    I decided that all the remotes in my living room were totally useless. I threw them all out, and simply replaced them with a 10 foot pole.

    Not only does it allow me to control all button controlled equipment, but it allows me to change DVD, push the cat out of the way, and take the phone off the hook if someone wants to interupt my viewing. About all I can't do isget a cup of coffee. I use a long handled shovel for that.

    1. Re:Most universal remote by Tetsujin28 · · Score: 5, Funny
      I decided that all the remotes in my living room were totally useless. I threw them all out, and simply replaced them with a 10 foot pole.

      But there's a lot on TV that I wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole.

      --
      - - - -
      The real Tetsujin 28 is a giant robot.
    2. Re:Most universal remote by CaseyB · · Score: 3, Funny
      I threw them all out, and simply replaced them with a 10 foot pole.

      Sounds elegant, but this wouldn't work for a large percentage of modern AV equipment.

      The full functionality of neither my TV nor my VCR is available from the front panel of the unit. I HAVE to use a remote to adjust the picture settings on my TV, or program my VCR.

      I suppose you could affix the remotes permanently to your entertainment center, and work them with the pole from the couch, though.

    3. Re:Most universal remote by GreyyGuy · · Score: 2, Funny

      In my day tv remote controls were called CHILDREN!

      We didn't have any of these fancy 10 foot poles or nothin. We just hollered at one of the kids to change the channel, turn up or down the volumn, and everything else.

      Note: Actually *I* was the family remote control as a child :)

  3. Small kids... by MosesJones · · Score: 5, Funny


    Are the answer, they love pushing buttons and while there are incidents of failure they seamlessly upgrade with the hardware. And they can open fridges and bring beer. They come with switchable covers, have a basic voice and language recognition system, and work off an inexhustable supply of energy. They are even turning things on before you get up, and after you've gone to bed.

    --
    An Eye for an Eye will make the whole world blind - Gandhi
  4. Do you really mean it? by Pac · · Score: 4, Funny

    You found a wife that besides being programmable is also remote??

    Assuming you can override the remote part when need be, do you best to keep her, friend. You won't find another one easily (but also be aware of the universal part, it sounds a tad dangerous).

  5. why not get a helper monkey? by unformed · · Score: 5, Funny

    1) You don't have to carry a remote around, you just tell it what to do.
    2) You don't need to reprogram it when you buy new merchandise.
    3) It works with non-electrical things, such as "Get me a beer, Abe"
    4) Chicks dig helper monkeys.

  6. Re:Palm by blazin · · Score: 4, Funny

    I guess you could always use your Palm.

    But I thought the whole point of a remote was not having to get up and go across the room to change the channel... Besides, I've found pressing the buttons with the tip of my finger works better than mashing the buttons my whole palm... :)

  7. Re:Palm by Red+Aardvark+House · · Score: 2, Funny

    Of course you can use your palm. However, I find it easier to use my fingers to press the little buttons on my TV.

    --

    I like fire ants. They are very spicy!

  8. Best Remote Ever! by Helmholtz · · Score: 5, Funny
    This has to be the best remote ever ... and you can get it for only $16.99! While supplies last!

    http://shop.store.yahoo.com/spencergifts/612275.ht ml

    --
    RFC2119
  9. Re:Most universal remote - coffee yes! by decoydog · · Score: 2, Funny

    About all I can't do isget a cup of coffee. I use a long handled shovel for that. I use a long handled shovel for that.

    Perhaps if you hollowed out the pole and used it as a straw to the coffee machine also?