In Search of the Best Programmable Universal Remote?

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?

Comments

Sony RM-AV 2100

[WinDoze]

Here's a review of my choice. It's not fully programmable in that you can't add or remove buttons, but there are tons of available functions built in. The back-lit LCD is nice. And for $90, I can live with having to use a few mislabelled buttons.

Re:Sony RM-AV 2100

[wizarddc]

I have this, and I love it. You can add/remove buttons, but not make your own buttons. The LCD is split into a grid, and each grid box has about 4 different labels. You can set a button by basically pointing your real remote at this remote, and hitting the button you want to program on the universal remote, and then hitting the button you want to use on your real remote. Besides the number pad and the arrow keys, every other button is programable, even the volume buttons, such as I can set the volume buttons for the sattelite box to use the tv volume. Also, each piece of equipment can have 2 "pages" of buttons. So say you dvd remote has more buttons than the lcd screen has, there is a "secondary" button on the top left corner that swap back and forther for that device. I have my TV, Sattelite, DVD, VCR and Stereo hooked up to use this, and I'd be lost without it.

Re:Sony RM-AV 2100

[DaSyonic]

I have one of these. I have had it for about 9 months. Here's my opinion/review of it.

First the positives.

• Lots of buttons, Each is individually programmable. Also support for alot of devices.
• Backlit feature works
• Learning function works flawlessly (It's the only other remote that can operate my kenwood - tried many learning remotes, this is the one that would work.)
• Better than expected battery life - Still yet to have to change the batteries, with 9 months of daily use.
• Customizable. From beeps, to backlit strength, to auto shutoff time; it's more than just a generic remote.

But it also has some problems.

• The buttons are small
• Cant navigate by feel, You MUST look at the remote. I've gotten good at knowing where to press, but its easy to mess up, and often annoying.
• Not enough macros. You can use 3, maximum
• It's big. It doesn't fit in your hand very nicely.
• Expensive. I got mine at Sams for a good deal though

This is complementary to my existing remote, I still use the TiVo remote for just casual TV, but the Sony 'Remote Commander' is also by my side, and I can use it exclusively, whenever I choose. It's a good remote, and a good choice if you can live with the drawbacks.

Re:Sony RM-AV 2100

[Katan]

I agree 100%. I love how this thing can either natively, or learn, just about any device that you could have in your entertainment center.

The only few complaints I have with it are:

The backlight is not sensitive to you using it. Its on a timer..so after a while it just turns off, whether you like it or not.

Just seems to be a bit too big and intimidating for the casual user.

Eats batteries like no other... gotta keep the enegizer bunny going.

Lack of more macros.

One thing that is really awesome about it is its 4 full power infared transmitters. I wouldn't doubt this thing will be linked to skin damage or something. After trying to use Omniremote on a Palm V, you can't underestimate having a powerful transmitter to hit your equipment at any angle.

OmniRemote/

[wayn3]

For those with a Palm Pilot, OmniRemote is an excellent universal remote application. It makes Palm IIs with the 2MB upgrade card useful again.

Re:OmniRemote/

[Milican]

And if you own a Handspring Visor you can get a springboard module for External IR. The External IR is much stronger than Internal IR, but hardly ever necessary. The only time I would recommend buying the module is for Visor Edge models. I have an Edge and it doesn't work reliably for much further than 5'. You can see Pacific Neotek's tests here.

So I'm kind if in the market for External IR, but I'll wait til the latest version of OmniRemote comes out first (in beta now.. and has been for an eternity).

JOhn

Palm

[BubbaFett]

I guess you could always use your Palm. It's about as programmable as it gets! Some Palm remote projects.

Ecch.

[TheSHAD0W]

My Sony receiver came with a sophisticated remote control complete with LCD display.

I hate it.

I want a remote that has buttons. A lot of buttons. A whole lot of buttons. Something that doesn't make me go through 15 menus to get to the operating mode I want.

Re:Ecch.

[monkeydo]

My wife gave me a Sony lVL-900 6 months ago, and none of my other remotes have been out of the drawer since.

This remote is all buttons, but it is a totally programmable LEARNING remote. You don't have to worry about whether the button you want is preprogramed because you can "teach it" It also can do 11 macros, and even though it will control 8 devices, since you can put any function on any button you can put all the stuff you need one device and not have to switch back and forth. This thrills my wife because she only has to puch one button to turn everything on to watch cable, or a DVD.

Compared to $400 for a full GUI, I'll take the $50 buttons.

Pronto

[Anonymous Coward]

Philips Pronto is very much worth it. You can spend less on a remote and live with annoyances, or you can get a pronto and configure it to do exactly what you want. My only regret is I'm not insane enough to spend a grand on the color version.

See http://www.remotecentral.com/tsu2000/index.html for a review

Re:Pronto

[ryanwright]

I wish I could have all of my components share a simple communications channel (hmmm, or complex, like Bluetooth :-) so I could actually control what the devices are doing, instead of just blasting out pre-determined IR codes and hoping for the best.

Well, you can buy a JDS Infrared Xpander. It will work in standalone mode (without the home automation controller) and has a common bus that allows you to hook up various sensors to your devices. Then you can program it with simple if/then/else logic, so if it detects that the TV is already on, it won't issue another power command to it. Integrate it with a Timecommander Plus or Stargate for full home automation pleasure.

I have the Timecommander Plus & IR Xpander and absolutely love it. I can initiate macros from any device - IR, RF remotes, wall mounted touchscreens or keypads - and the JDS equipment takes care of everything, including lighting & appliance control throughout the house.

For considerably less money, the Houselinc will accomplish many of the same tasks. However, these devices are not hand-held controllers, although you can use your computer as one. You'll still need an IR remote to control the bulk of what you want to do. Most people couple them with a Pronto, or Crestron or Phast touchscreen ($$$$$). These systems will simply take care of your macros, sensing the current status of your devices and responding appropriately. If you block out the IR ports on your equipment and channel all IR input through a complete JDS setup, you can use flags & variables to keep track of the status of each device in great detail - for instance, whether your receiver is set to CD, DVD, VCR, etc, or what channel your TV is on.

Lexicon

[cnkeller]

For those of you who are perhaps, more discriminating buyers, I offer the Lexicon 700t. I used to sell medium to high-end audio/video while in college and we couldn't keep enough of these (and their predecessors) in stock. Be prepared to pay though, they weren't cheap as I recall. Custom buttons with bitmaps...how cool.....

Pronto

[JLester]

I thought the Pronto was expensive too, until I bought one after installing a full home theatre system. With the complete customization and programming ability, you can make your system do anything YOU want. I have programs set so that you press one button to switch receiver inputs, switch TV inputs, change audio settings, etc. when changing to a different source. Press "Watch a DVD" for example and the TV switches to the DVD input, the receiver switches to the DVD input, the receiver switches to Dolby Digital mode, the DVD player comes on (if it is off) and starts the movie. You could also have it dim the lights and do other things if you'd like. Awesome, and you do it all with one (virtual) button. Much easier for my wife and family to operate. Ecost.Com is the cheapest I have found for buying them.

Jason

JensenRemotes

[_typo]

I searched google for Universal Remotes.

I found jensenremotes.com.

Their top offer:

- Operates Ten devices TV, VCR, CBL, CD, SAT, Audio, DVD, Web TV and 2 Auxiliary devices (Auxiliary device = a 2nd device from the list)

- Equiped with Radio Frequency (RF) which enables the user to control devices in other rooms thru walls and floors RF range up to 100 feet

-Home Theater ready remote controls ProLogic Surround Sound Systems

- a few more things....

I couldn't find info about pricing...

Re:JensenRemotes

[0xA]

Don't get a Jensen. I bought one about a year ago and returned it the same day, it was a complete peice of junk.

It looks cheap, feels cheap and only has marginal support for each device (runs some functions but not all). Of course it was cheap, $40 CDN I think.

Remote Central

[Keith Mickunas]

Remote Central has reviews, forums, and for those that can use them all sorts of custom files. Its the best source for any information relating to remotes.

Home Theater Master MX-500

[Anonymous Coward]

Reasonable price, not as flexible as a Pronto, but very good. Probably the best "hard-button" remote out there.

http://www.universalremote.com/htm/index.html

For reviews of basically every remote worth trying see http://www.remotecentral.com/

IRMCTL

[Cyclops]

I've done a nifty program... IRMCTL which receives any infrared command through the IRMAN receiver (though it should be easy to do more receivers) and executes a shell script or a built in function.

It's not a programmable remote, but you can say what that button you just pressed will do on your linux machine.

Help is appreciated, for I had some ideas which haven't still showed up because I need help!

Hugs, Cyke

Radio Shack 15-1994 with JP1: The Ultimate Remote

[Spire]

Get yourself a Radio Shack 15-1994 6-in-1 Smart A/V Remote, hack it with a JP1 Interface, and for under $50, you've bought yourself an infinitely customizable IR remote (with X10 capability!), and with all nice tactile hard buttons to boot!

Re:OmniRemote

[gilder]

Same company that makes the OmniRemote software, makes hardware IR extenders. See other posts. My Visor Deluxe will work fine from about 10' on everything, but my TV.

gilder

Marantz

[Deltan]

Old Skool Marantz makes some impressive programmable remotes, I use one myself and control everything from the Receiver to the Digital Cable Terminal. In particular the RC5000i. Here are some of the Features...

- Illuminated LCD touch-screen display with ''virtual'' buttons that re-name themselves according to the component selected
- Large memory capacity to accommodate hundreds of control screens and programming of A/V systems of any size
- Preprogrammed IR code library and exclusive MDL (Marantz Digital Learning) quickly clones your existing remote controls
- Windows® PC programming software enables easy programming customization including adding photos and artwork to display screens
- Rechargeable battery and companion docking station keeps RC5000i charged at all times
Convenient Macro keys store commands that can be sent automatically in sequence
- One-touch access to all controls of any component, via unique Marantz tab-style navigation
- Built-in screen layouts for dozens of component types
- Animated help files demonstrate how to program from your existing remote controls
Programmable Instant Surf buttons jump from one channel to any other channel at the touch of a single button
- Home panel can be personalized with a custom greeting

Comsunmer Infra Red applications for linux

[alpha1125]

I was doing a project to interface my laptop IRDA port to control my tv, and other devices that use Infra red communication.

The problem is, is that not all IR Ports for computers support the consumer spectrum for IR communication. But the majority does...

So if you're brave, make your own remote, that's programmable with your computer. :)

All you'll need now, is line of sight between your computer and the mountain of BLACK boxed devices that sit humbly infront of your family room wall.

some useful links include...

lirc and the windows port of it is at winlirc

There are various clients/gui interfaces that you can use, from those links.

if you want to reach me about this:

lloydleung(at)hotmail.(you know where)

NOTE: I'm still working on this...

X-10 Universal Remote

[jwillsey]

The best I have found short of the cool $200 jobbers is the X-10 8 in 1 Super illuminated Remote Control. I paid only $25. It is a Learning Remote and designed for DVD/DSS systems.

Mine controls...
Sony TV (Built in Code)
Sony VCR(Built in Code)
STD Pioneer Cable Box (Built in Code)
Sony CD Changer (Programmed Codes)
Sony DVD Changer (Programmed Codes)
Sony Reciever (Programmed Codes)
Digital Cable Box (Programmed Codes)
X-10 appliances/Lights in House. (Build in Codes - Dimming the home theater lights from the same remote is darn cool! The illumination comes in handy after the lights go out...)

Not only is the the least expensive Learning Remote around, but it has the navigation controls for Digital Cable/DSS/DVD.

http://www.x10.com/products/x10_ur24a.htm

Good Luck!

Sony Rm-VL900

[cowboy junkie]

I've got a Sony RM-VL900, which goes for about $60 retail. While it has limited macro capability (11 macros with 16 steps), it can control up to eight devices and each button is trainable. Plus, it's all hard buttons - no touchscreen (which is a huge plus for me since I don't want to look at the remote when I'm using it).

Here's a review at Remote Central:

Sony RM-VL900

[morgue-ann]

http://www.sel.sony.com/SEL/consumer/ss5/home/acce ssories/universalremote/rm-vl900.shtml

$60. No touchscreen- not even a little LCD like the RM-V60, but *every* key is programmable for each of 8 components (unlike some universals like one RCA that have very limited key override storage). 3 macro keys.

It has real buttons and you can set the volume keys to control the receiver regardless of component selection.

I control my Tivo with it and while I have to remember that TV/Video is thumbs-down, I don't have to look at it to find the button.

Simple & cheap. If you think you need something more complicated, like another poster said you probably need to get out more. I use a complicated computer all day. When I want to watch some TiVo or DVD, I'd prefer simplicity.

Re:Touchscreen bad

[Anonymous Coward]

I had a Pronto touch-screen for 8 frustrating months. After spending weeks designing, and redesigning, and tweaking and more redesigning my pronto screens, it was still too slow and awkward to do the simplest of tasks. Cool factor aside, I can't understand why everyone raves about them. I sold mine and purchased a Marantz RC2000mkII. Admittedly the macros are not so good, and it won't do everything I want, but at least I can stop the VCR from recording whilst watching a DVD without flicking though several animated screens, and then go though more animated screens just to pause the DVD cos the phone is ringing! Arrrrrggh.

All-for-one cinema 7

[neurojab]

The All-for-one cinema 7 is the greatest remote since time began. It's got a simple interface (none of that LCD game-boy crap), it's fully programmable, it has pre-programmed and learning modes, has a nice size and weight. It's a hacker favorite- Here's the FAQ. I mean c'mon, you can't get a better remote at any price, let alone $20.

great remote is the Cinema 7 IQ

[Anonymous Coward]

It is a fully programable LEARNING remote that is simple to use and to program. It doesn't have all the eye-candy LED screens so it is normal sized. You can program macro's, discrete remote codes or learn any IR from any source. Best of all it's only $30. I use mine to run my TV, cable box, vcr, Apex dvd, Kenwood home theater system.