Look no further - no kidding!
Written: Sep 06 '01 (Updated Sep 06 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: This remote delivers what it promises
Cons: Its documentation is only minimally adequate
The Bottom Line: I had doubts about this remote but it has surpassed my expectations in every way. I couldn't be more pleased.
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| ns_williams's Full Review: Sony RM-VL900 Remote Control |
I suffered the usual problems of remote clutter - I couldn't set a coffee cup down on my coffee table without having to sweep aside (count 'em) six remote controls (dvd, vcr, cable box, amp, tv & receiver) of different makes, models, and ages.
And in the dark, when a dvd or tape was over, it was always a scramble for first this controller, then that one to switch everything back to normal cable tv & audio settings.
I looked at all of the fancy, behemoth universal remotes with giant LCD screens - they were outrageously expensive, many costing more than any one of my given home theater components!
I'm proud to say I learned about this fantastic remote right here on epinions. The positive reviews inspired me to visit my local Circuit City and pick this remote up - for less than $60.00.
I won't re-invent the wheel here or try to "top" any of the other reviews - I just want to let people know that if you have doubts about so-called "universal remotes" you might have acquired in the past that could only work a select few components of a complete home entertainment system, don't doubt this one. It really delivers what it promises.
I will say that I really had to study the documentation. I mean, it's adequate and lists some useful examples, but much of the instructional language is vague, and at one point during the set-up of the device, I was ready to pack it up and return it to the store - or call Sony and let'em have it because I had bought a lemon.
I hadn't, I just had to experiment with it because the instructions were messy and vague.
It recognized my Sony TV right out of the box. I thought "Great, now for cable box."
I was stunned that they had no factory codes in the reference table for the standard Cox digital cable box, manufactured my Motorola.
"What?!?"
I tried the "search for code" command sequences - none worked, and gave me no feedback as to if I had even performed the search correctly (note, make one slip with this remote during set up and it starts blinking like cockpit of a airplane that's flying onto a mountaintop).
The search did not find my cable box - after I reassured myself that I had done it correctly on the third attempt.
The one key selling point that sold me on the unit earlier was that it could "learn" signals from other remotes. Reluctantly I attempted to "teach" it.
It worked! I was immediately relieved, and then the whole set up process became kind of fun. I could program any key with any function and set it up the way I wanted it to work, not the way some arcane engineer wanted me to work it.
I was able to program it for every single device in my system, no matter what dubious heritage a component had - even that old Kenwood 200 CD Jukebox that I had owned for a very looooong time. And I've got two component slots free for when I finally break down and buy that TIVO or wire up an infared controlled thermostat in the house (well, maybe I'm not actually that lazy).
=)
Macros are the best part of this deal. I'm still tweaking them, but with a single press of the thumb, I can switch from my cable tv mode, change video imput, switch my amp to optical dvd sound, and play the disk.
All of this for less than 60 bucks. I couldn't be more pleased.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
ns_williams
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Member: Nathan Williams
Location: New Orleans, LA
Reviews written: 9
Trusted by: 44 members
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