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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?
I would say my wife if she could figure out my entertainment centre. Ah, the issues of being an audiophile ;) (j/k)
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ping -f 255.255.255.255 # if only
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.
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.
For those with a Palm Pilot, OmniRemote is an excellent universal remote application. It makes Palm IIs with the 2MB upgrade card useful again.
I guess you could always use your Palm. It's about as programmable as it gets! Some Palm remote projects.
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.
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
Personally I'd stay away from the touch screen remotes. I find that I rely on tactile feedback too much to use them. In other words I like to feel my way to the correct button rather than look down to find where I need to press. If you do go touch screen make sure you get one that's backlit. Without tactile feedback it's hard to find the right button and it's doubly hard when you have the lights out.
I don't have any specific recommendations but if I were going to buy a new universal remote I'd get a good ole push button type with learning capability and plenty of extra buttons. My biggest complaint with the cheaper universal remotes is that they always seem to leave off one or two buttons that I use frequently on the native remote. Get a good learning remote with plenty of programmable buttons and that'd alleviate that problem.
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).
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.....
there are no stupid questions, but there are a lot of inquisitive idiots
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.
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
"FORMAT C:" - Kills bugs dead!
I recall running across remote programs for my palm in the past. I'm hitting the same problem now, as my Denon AVR 3300 remote is maxed out, and now I must use the RCA DirecTV remote as well.
;)
Advantages:
1) Large storage capacity.
2) Multi-function.
3) Customizable interfaces/macros.
4) Readily accessible and relatively low-cost. 5) Phone numbers of friends/pizza places on remote.
6) Ability to sync TV schedules.
Disadvantages:
1) Doesn't seem to work with all IR signals.
2) Not specifically designed for task
3) Relatively Small compared to high-end remotes.
4) Beam strength. (IIRC, has been fixed past PALM III)
5) Beam angle/IR port location.
6) Program Availability. (Can't really comment too much on this, as I haven't researched it in a long time)
7) Time required to input data. (Most programmables have codes that do the heavy lifting for you.)
Linux - Because Mommy taught me to Share.
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...
Pedro Côrte-Real.
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.
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
I'm very happy with my X10 ultimate remote, annoying popup ads notwithstanding. I like real buttons rather than an LCD screen -- much better in the dark. It doesn't have a huge amount of RAM, so you have to plan out what you're going to do a little bit (and make sure to reset everything when you first start, because there's likely to be junk cluttering up the memory out-of-the-box). But being able to control your lights (and talk to your computer) is pretty nifty, and it's hard to beat $25. (Again, annoying ads notwithstanding.)
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!
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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
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
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/spencergifts/612275.ht ml
RFC2119
Best money I've ever spent,
Programmable through a computer (windows only, natch) you can also have it save the learned codes back to that computer as a backup.
Has a touch screen as well as hard buttons (touch screens suck, because you have to look at them to hit the button correctly, which detracts from the darkened room experience of movie watching)
I saw an earlier link to remotecentral, go check out their review, it's why I bought mine.
Some remotes - like the one for my telly - send different IR signals on alternate pushes of the buttons. No "universal/programmable" device I've found can handle that well enough yet.
This sig left unintentionally blank.
You mean like hitting "Play" makes any device play? Then anytime you hit "Play" your television plays, your cd plays, your dvd plays, your vcr plays...
Unless you decide that "Play" will be a unique code for all different types of devices. Then anytime you hit "VCR Play" your multiple VCR setup (for copying, of course) plays both the source and recording vcr.
So you make the codes unique for all devices and brands which gets you back to the situation we're currently in.
It sucks, but unfortunately we can't have our cake and eat it without a bit of work on our part. Currently the best way is a learning remote. Ideally, the type that will allow you to hit "learn" and "play" while hitting the appropriate button on the old remote to truly learn it.
Incidentally, if you have a multiple VCR setup with identical brand and model you're screwed when it comes to using a remote. I've seen it happen and it's quite funny when the owner finally smacks their forehead.
Has anyone had any experience with these remote controllers, which supposedly can be used to remotely control WinAmp? They're listed as Packard Bell equipment, but there are other sites that have software that works universally with Windows applications.
:-)
I know that in the audio/visual spectrum, the trend recently has been to hook up more traditional mixer/movie editing controllers to PC's designed around these tasks. Go figure, turns out the WIMP (Windows, Icons, Menus and Pointing device) interface isn't the greatest for everything, after all.
Free music from Jack Merlot.
There is...kinda.
The signalling is pretty much the same, but the codes are different. They are something like . The problem is the MFG code, and is the reason that a Sony reciever remote can't turn up the volume for a Pioneer. To their defense, if you had a Sony receiver AND a Pioneer receiver, how would the receivers know which one you want to talk to? If they did make this standard, then everyone would complain that turning up the volume for their receiver also turns up the volume for the TV.
Remember, You are unique...just like everyone else.
Slightly off topic - but I am looking for a good remote to control my computer. I currently pipe the video and audio to my TV/stereo so I can either listen to MP3s or watch VCD/DVD/DivX (I don't have a standalone DVD player). I would prefer an RF remote. Is there any out there that have a small joystick that emulates a mouse? For example, the Book PC has a remote with a mouse pointer on it, but I don't think it is sold seperately.
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...
Money cannot buy happiness, but can buy something soo darn close, that you can't really tell the difference
It's a touch screen X10 device that has a display end (the touch screen) and a IR blaster end. Plug both into any power outlet in your house and it'll control the IR devices you stashed in the closet (like we did.)
This plus a Dish Network RF Remote lets us do a number of things:
To be brutally honest, The touchscreen system doesn't do more than volume and power for the AV stuff in the closet. But still, it's got the potential to do LOTS of nifty things that all the X10 folk tell you about, and it meant that only the TV and speakers are out in the open.
It was on clearance for $500. For that kind of money, I wish I had more time to do more with it.
"Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus."
I want a universal remote that I can program to say, "At 3pm on Thursdays change to channel 21".
Are there any out there that support that kind of timed event?
Joseph Elwell.
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!
Here's a review at Remote Central:
Look for Girder and uird for UNIX.
Vintage computer games and RPG books available. Email me if you're interested.
It's got LOADs of buttons, the feel is good, and has a built-in screen so you can play games if you get bored with TV!
Seriously, it's been functioning this way for a time now, and has performed well.
Pros:
Cons:
"Trust me - I know what I'm doing."
- Sledge Hammer
I checked the website for that remote, but can't find any info on X10 control, can you enligheten me, Fellow Geek?
Krispy Cream is people
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.
Hey, you're the first person who's ever acknowledged my sig! Hail!
I should have been more clear in my original post. The 15-1994 does have X10 capability, but only of the IR type, not RF. However, you can use it with an IR543 Infrared Mini-Controller (~$23) to get full RF X10 capability.
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One thing that has always driven my nuts with macro functions on any universal remote is the fact that the remote has no way of knowing what the current state of the components are.
:-) so I could actually control what the devices are doing, instead of just blasting out pre-determined IR codes and hoping for the best.
For example, I have a macro for "DVD". Turn on the amp. Set amp to DVD input. Set surround to "theatre". Turn on the TV. Switch TV to DVD input. Turn on the DVD player.
Seems like a great idea. But some of the components (TV and DVD player) have a single button/signal for power on/off. So if my TV was already on, then this macro does everything right, but turns the TV off. Damn.
Or sometimes not all of the IR signals make it to all of the compnents. TV is on, DVD player is on, but the amp never switched to the DVD input. Damn.
I wish I could have all of my components share a simple communications channel (hmmm, or complex, like Bluetooth
"Tomorrow's forecast: a few sprinkles of genius with a chance of doom!" - Stewie Griffin
Comment removed based on user account deletion
I purchased the Home Theater Master SL-9000 after much deliberation. I decided that I did NOT want a remote control with a big LCD screen because I'd probably break it :)
I know that at some point I'm going to sit on, drop, crush, or otherwise maime my remote control. I wanted to have one that could withstand some abuse. I eventually decided on the SL-9000, which turned out to be a great investment. EVERY SINGLE BUTTON (except light) on the thing is fully and individually programmable in every one of its EIGHT modes. That's a lot of IR codes -- By far the most flexible non-LCD remote out there.
The existing poll has been hanging around for what feels like ages. Maybe we should rank the top options and put them into a poll?
This would probably answer the question fastest, although you might end up using CowboyNeal.
-- Mike
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.
-Ryan, with the unoriginal sig
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.
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?
Homer: "Watch me turn on the TV." BLAM, BLAMBLAM!
Hibbert: "You use your gun to turn on the TV?"
Johnny: "Gilligan, The Skipper and Chief Wiggum...Name 2 castamays!" BLAM, BLAM, BLAM!
Sarah: "Clancy, use the remote." Clancy: "Oh, yeah."
Joan Rivers: "Can we talk about Chief Wiggum? Bleah, bleah."
*flying gun* CRASH!
Once again, a 2-dimesional, brightly-colored cartoon is leading the way.
--
"Outlook not so good." That magic 8-ball knows everything! I'll ask about Exchange Server next.
The solutions are their Palm hotsync module for Palm brand devices and their Springboard module for Handspring Visors.
I have the latter and its pretty cool... You can totally customize multiple remote control layouts. I personally like 4 quadrants of the screen: volume up, volume down, channel up, channel down. BIG buttons you can hit with your finger or stylus without really looking :)
Josh
I wish somebody made a small, easy to hold in your hand universal remote that only did the things I do 99% of the time:
A Power button
0-9 buttons
A button to toggle devices
Play, Stop, Foward, Reverse.
Volume up and down
Channel up and down
A menu button.
Thats only 19-20 buttons, depending on how they configure it, and would satisfy me for my receiver, VCR, cable, DVD, CD, and TV. My TV remote has more that I never use.
Anyone know of a good quality simple one like that?
The Internet is generally stupid
Yes. In the high-end category, people buy whole-house control systems, which are insanely expensive and are custom tailored to each installation. One remote control for such a system costs anywhere from $1000 to $5000. Of course, they are VERY fancy remotes, not just small boxes with a bunch of buttons.
True, but it's still available in some stores, so grab one while you still can.
The good news is that there are several other remotes that are also JP1-compatible. It's just that the 15-1994 seems to be the most popular one for JP1 hacking (this will inevitably change as the supply runs dry), and it's the one I own. It has a nice button layout and overall feel, and I find the backlighting indispensable.
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-Sam
I am extremely pleased with my One For All AV Producer 8. It packs alot of features, like the ROM upgradability to support future products, macros, IR learning, etc. Definitely worth checking out, IMO.
It just a shame that this feature has been implimented on an otherwise not particularly good device.
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What, you're selling a pronto for 50 bucks plus shipping? If so, email me. :-)
Vintage computer games and RPG books available. Email me if you're interested.