Clear some space! Here comes Sony...
Written: Jan 21 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Learning-type, adaptable, controls 18 devices, touchscreen
Cons: BIG, touchscreen, screen is hard to read sometimes
The Bottom Line: It has some small flaws, but it has worked very well with all my components (including my XBOX DVD player!). No more clutter!
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| jamesbay's Full Review: Sony RM-AV3000 LCD Touchscreen Remote Control |
Like many gadget junkies, I have too many remotes! One for the television, for the VCR, for my amp, one for my T.V. and so on...
It wasn’t until I started having problems with my satellite receiver remote (which used to be my primary remote) that I seriously began to consider buying a new master remote for everything.
I began doing some research when I came across the Sony RM-AV3000. As I mentioned before in other reviews, I am not a big fan of Sony, but I have been very happy with my Sony portable DVD player and the remote that came with it. I can’t tell you which company made this for Sony, but they use a large “R” logo on their remotes. The RM-AV3000 is made by the same company so I decided to take another chance with Sony.
The Pros:
Plenty of room
First off, it seemed to meet my needs and then some. The RM-AV3000 can control up to 18 components. I have 8 components so there is plenty of room for future use. After spending this kind of money on a remote, I like that idea very much!
The Layout
It has a touchscreen which is very nice, but there are also some real, physical buttons that you can use too. The touchscreen and the other buttons are surprisingly sensitive and it has many other nice features. For example, the screen lights up every time you use it and the time is also displayed which is convenient. The screen is tilted at a small angle towards you for an easier view. Also, the on-screen buttons are fairly big and well laid-out.
Amazing Learning & Programming Abilities
Probably the best ( and I think, most important) feature on this remote is the programming and it’s ability to learn. This remote has a template for just about any device you can think of that you want to control. Cable boxes, VCRs, satellite, DVD, DVRs, etc. But just in case there is something unique you want it to control (in my case, it was my remote-controlled fan) and there is no template, you can create one yourself! Which I did. On the touchscreen, I created a new component button which I titled as “FAN”. Then I created the function buttons to turn it on & off, change the speed of the fan and even added a timer button. After these function buttons were created, I had to “teach” these buttons how to work. This was a simple procedure although a little time-consuming. Basically, you face the RM-AV3000 with the other remote-control, enter it into “LEARN” mode, then, press the newly created function button that you would like to program (ex. “fan on” - to turn the fan on). This will leave the RM-AV3000 open to “learn”. Then, while the other remote is still facing the RM-AV3000, press that function button on the other controller and the signal is sent. The RM-AV3000, while in learning mode, receives the signal and now knows how that function button works. You can do this for all the functions. With the RM-AV3000, you can create at least twelve touchscreen function buttons.
I was impressed by these two abilities of the RM-AV3000. I even programmed a template and function buttons for the XBOX DVD remote. Very nice!
The Cons:
Size Does Matter!
I have to say the biggest disadvantage of the RM-AV3000 is it’s size. I bought this off the Internet knowing it would be big, but even still, it surprised me. It’s about 7" by 5". You will need two hands to operate this remote. No more thumbs! And with the touchscreen, you can’t feel which button to press when you want something fast (as most of us experienced remote controllers are used to). Most of the time, you must look at it every time to make sure you are pressing the right one. This is a small inconvenience for me, but fortunately, not an important one.
The RM-AV3000 also takes four AA batteries which surprised me a little. But it has been five months now and the remote is still running with the original batteries so I can’t complain about the power consumption (FYI - Sony claims the battery life to be about 5 months).
Hard To See
The touchscreen is very nice to look at and impress your friends with, but keep in mind, it does get dirty very often with fingerprints and such. Also, it is difficult to read if you are in low light (in that movie theater atmosphere you created in your livingroom.). The back-light is helpful, but it only lights up after you press a button or touch the screen.
Caution: Fragile
One last thing...the RM-AV3000 has no shock protection or anything like that so you do have to be somewhat careful with this remote. It is fairly heavy and the casing is made of plastic so should you drop it, there is probably a good chance it would break. It’s fairly fragile ( as probably any remote such as this would be), so common sense is required.
I took another chance with Sony and I am very satisfied. Although it is not perfect, it has worked flawlessly with all my components and has replaced my eight remotes. Also, be prepared to sit down with the manual. It will take some time to learn everything about this remote, but the instructions are clear and intuitive. With a little effort on your part, you will master it easily and wonder how you could have lived without it!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
jamesbay
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Location: Eastmain, Quebec
Reviews written: 6
Trusted by: 0 members
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