Sony RM-VL900- OUTSANDING!
Written: Nov 21 '04 (Updated Nov 22 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Learning abilities & macros, Innovative hand position, Moderately wide IR dispersal
Cons: Lighting, DVD navagation keys, Tactile feel of buttons
The Bottom Line: I used a Sony Universal remote for years and it still works great, so I expect a long life from the VL900.
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| greeningpurple's Full Review: Sony RM-VL900 Remote Control |
Learning Abilities:
This remote can do it all in this area. Any key can be programmed, keys can be copied to other keys, component keys can be re-assigned, whole components can be copied to other component keys, volume punch-through.
To top it all off, it offers extensive macro abilities. I have mine set up so that the three macro buttons turn on devices for different inputs ( (1) turns on CD player, Amp, TV, configures amp, starts CD in random mode - it's a changer ). Then each component key is configured to run a macro to switch from whatever is currently playing to the device for that key ( (TV) button turns off DVD and CD players, configures Amp for TV, and selects Tuner input on the TV). With appropriate macros set up, system management is a snap.
Innovative Hand Position:
This remote has an unusual hand position in that the Channel +/- keys and Volume +/- keys are right at the bottom of the remote (see picture above). At first this put me off a bit, but then I realized when surfing it forced you to hold it in the palm of your hand so that your thumb doesn't get sore like it does with other remotes. An interesting, and gutsy, move on Sony's part, though it's still a little front heavy so it's not perfected yet.
Moderately Wide IR Dispersal:
While it doesn't blast the IR beam in a super wide pattern, even after 3 months of constant use (and correspondingly worn down batteries), it still manages to run macros against both my TV and Stereo, even though they are far apart.
Lighting:
Glow in the dark keys don't cut it. Not a great choice of remotes if you like to watch TV in complete darkness.
DVD Navigation Keys:
Too small and too close together, with poor tactile feel. This causes you to keep hitting the wrong buttons when trying to navigate DVD menus by feel. Not so bad as to be a show stopper, though.
Tactile Feel of Buttons:
While it does have enough tactile feel that you can usually get around without looking at the remote, you do need to pay a bit of attention to it. It's as good as most I've used, but not as good as some One4All's or the Sony Universal.
Overall:
I like it. I could make use of one of the LCD remotes for special functions so that I don't need to keep my OEM remotes handy, but for everyday use I'd choose the Sony VL900 at any price. I could maybe design something better, but I haven't seen anything. I used a Sony Universal remote for years and it still works great, so I expect a long life from the VL900.
Strengths:
Learning abilities & macros
Innovative hand position
Moderately wide IR dispersal
Weaknesses:
Lighting
DVD navagation keys
Tactile feel of buttons
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
greeningpurple
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Reviews written: 1
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