Reid Kistler
04-03-2008, 06:39 PM
Although this seems like the Appropriate Forum, have not seen many posts here about Universal Remote Controls. Guess that is what AVS is for, but thought I would post this Recommendation here anyway:
We have had a great experience with the "One For All" Model URC8910, which is available for a fraction of the cost of most of the universal remotes that seem to command all of the attention.
Currently, this remote is running a Panasonic plasma (new last Dec), a Toshiba HD-D3 DVD player, a Pioneer VSX-D608 HT Receiver, and an U-Verse STB/DVR.
AS SHIPPED, the remote was only capable of basic controls for the TV and DVD player - not surprising as both were relatively new models. However, OFA customer service was able to Upgrade the remote - via telephone - to provide control over both of those units.
Was even more impressed when they were able to similarly provide an update capable of handling the U-Verse STB/DVR combo, subsequent to having AT&Ts new service installed.
And the Learning Capability allowed us to program one of the "L" keys to control the Aspect Ratio of the Panasonic.
Although we have not yet set up "Home Theater Mode," we HAVE set the unit up (Video Mode) to control Channel Changing, Guide & Info access, as well as Menu & DVR usage through the U-Verse box, while permitting the unit to control the Panasonic's Volume and Aspect Ratio, all without having to change devices.
These capabilities are paltry compared to the higher end URCs, but they are sufficient for us - and probably for many users - and available at a price that seemed much more reasonable.
(But then we don't buy $100 cables either.... :rolleyes:)
Have a great day!
rkistler / se mi
One For All, Model URC8910 (personal perspective)
Plus:
Can be upgraded over telephone line.
Useful back-lighting, with a dedicated "Light" key.
Useful LCD Information screen (helps confirm programming & device under control)
Learning capability
Marco capability
"Home Theater" mode, which permits access to most frequently used controls for several devices without having to switch modes.
Battery life appears at least decent (over 2 months on initial set and still running).
Fairly comfortable to hold / use, with MOST keys being spaced well enough for easy use.
Minus:
POWER button is Poorly placed, and hence too easy to hit by mistake (when operating unit by touch. Usually leave remote in Video Mode - see above - which only turns off the U-Verse STB if Power is hit accidentally. Usage DOES help...).
Keys sometimes seem 'fussy' in activation.
Not as Powerful as more expensive remotes (less memory, no touch screen - 'fixed' hard keys instead of icons which can vary according to mode...)
Lacks dedicated keys for items such as Aspect Ratio & Open/Close Drawer (although Learning keys can be assigned to at least some of those functions).
Fairly large (long), resulting from having many keys, fairly spread out...
We have had a great experience with the "One For All" Model URC8910, which is available for a fraction of the cost of most of the universal remotes that seem to command all of the attention.
Currently, this remote is running a Panasonic plasma (new last Dec), a Toshiba HD-D3 DVD player, a Pioneer VSX-D608 HT Receiver, and an U-Verse STB/DVR.
AS SHIPPED, the remote was only capable of basic controls for the TV and DVD player - not surprising as both were relatively new models. However, OFA customer service was able to Upgrade the remote - via telephone - to provide control over both of those units.
Was even more impressed when they were able to similarly provide an update capable of handling the U-Verse STB/DVR combo, subsequent to having AT&Ts new service installed.
And the Learning Capability allowed us to program one of the "L" keys to control the Aspect Ratio of the Panasonic.
Although we have not yet set up "Home Theater Mode," we HAVE set the unit up (Video Mode) to control Channel Changing, Guide & Info access, as well as Menu & DVR usage through the U-Verse box, while permitting the unit to control the Panasonic's Volume and Aspect Ratio, all without having to change devices.
These capabilities are paltry compared to the higher end URCs, but they are sufficient for us - and probably for many users - and available at a price that seemed much more reasonable.
(But then we don't buy $100 cables either.... :rolleyes:)
Have a great day!
rkistler / se mi
One For All, Model URC8910 (personal perspective)
Plus:
Can be upgraded over telephone line.
Useful back-lighting, with a dedicated "Light" key.
Useful LCD Information screen (helps confirm programming & device under control)
Learning capability
Marco capability
"Home Theater" mode, which permits access to most frequently used controls for several devices without having to switch modes.
Battery life appears at least decent (over 2 months on initial set and still running).
Fairly comfortable to hold / use, with MOST keys being spaced well enough for easy use.
Minus:
POWER button is Poorly placed, and hence too easy to hit by mistake (when operating unit by touch. Usually leave remote in Video Mode - see above - which only turns off the U-Verse STB if Power is hit accidentally. Usage DOES help...).
Keys sometimes seem 'fussy' in activation.
Not as Powerful as more expensive remotes (less memory, no touch screen - 'fixed' hard keys instead of icons which can vary according to mode...)
Lacks dedicated keys for items such as Aspect Ratio & Open/Close Drawer (although Learning keys can be assigned to at least some of those functions).
Fairly large (long), resulting from having many keys, fairly spread out...