In Search of the Best Programmable Universal Remote? 314
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'd say my wife.. (Score:4, Funny)
Do you really mean it? (Score:4, Funny)
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).
Re:I'd say my wife.. (Score:1)
Re:I'd say my wife.. (Score:1)
Damn this is one fucked up thread
I know.. (Score:1)
Sony RM-AV 2100 (Score:5, Informative)
Re:Sony RM-AV 2100 (Score:1)
Re:Sony RM-AV 2100 (Score:2)
Hope that helps.
Re:Sony RM-AV 2100 (Score:4, Informative)
Re:Sony RM-AV 2100 (Score:5, Informative)
First the positives.
But it also has some problems.
This is complementary to my existing remote, I still use the TiVo remote for just casual TV, but the Sony 'Remote Commander' is also by my side, and I can use it exclusively, whenever I choose. It's a good remote, and a good choice if you can live with the drawbacks.
Re:Sony RM-AV 2100 (Score:2)
Re:Sony RM-AV 2100 (Score:3, Informative)
The only few complaints I have with it are:
The backlight is not sensitive to you using it. Its on a timer..so after a while it just turns off, whether you like it or not.
Just seems to be a bit too big and intimidating for the casual user.
Eats batteries like no other... gotta keep the enegizer bunny going.
Lack of more macros.
One thing that is really awesome about it is its 4 full power infared transmitters. I wouldn't doubt this thing will be linked to skin damage or something. After trying to use Omniremote on a Palm V, you can't underestimate having a powerful transmitter to hit your equipment at any angle.
Most universal remote (Score:5, Funny)
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.
Re:Most universal remote (Score:5, Funny)
But there's a lot on TV that I wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole.
Re:Most universal remote (Score:3, Funny)
Sounds elegant, but this wouldn't work for a large percentage of modern AV equipment.
The full functionality of neither my TV nor my VCR is available from the front panel of the unit. I HAVE to use a remote to adjust the picture settings on my TV, or program my VCR.
I suppose you could affix the remotes permanently to your entertainment center, and work them with the pole from the couch, though.
Re:Most universal remote - coffee yes! (Score:2, Funny)
Perhaps if you hollowed out the pole and used it as a straw to the coffee machine also?
Re:Most universal remote (Score:2, Funny)
We didn't have any of these fancy 10 foot poles or nothin. We just hollered at one of the kids to change the channel, turn up or down the volumn, and everything else.
Note: Actually *I* was the family remote control as a child
OmniRemote/ (Score:5, Informative)
Re:OmniRemote/ (Score:1)
Now if they make a version that could program RF remotes, that would take it to the next level
Re:OmniRemote/ (Score:4, Informative)
So I'm kind if in the market for External IR, but I'll wait til the latest version of OmniRemote comes out first (in beta now.. and has been for an eternity).
JOhn
Re:OmniRemote (Score:1)
Also I love my x10 (yes, yes, the pop-up add people) 8 in 1 Universal Remote. It is a good universal remote and has x10 support which is the kicker.
gilder
Re:OmniRemote/ (Score:1, Offtopic)
Well, using a palm as a remote is the same as getting up and pushing the button with your live fingers. The range of that cute IR transmitter is fine for beaming vCards but don't expect it to reach through your entire living room. Fresh batteries might help, but what really is needed here is a soldering-iron-h4x0r punching in a more powerful IR bulb.
Re:OmniRemote (Score:2, Informative)
gilder
Palm (Score:4, Informative)
Re:Palm (Score:4, Funny)
But I thought the whole point of a remote was not having to get up and go across the room to change the channel... Besides, I've found pressing the buttons with the tip of my finger works better than mashing the buttons my whole palm...
Re:Palm (Score:2, Funny)
Tactile Response and Touch Screen Remotes. (Score:1)
With my old remotes it is easy to "feel" the number, volume, channel selector, etc. With touch screen you are forced to actually LOOK at the remote. Oh the horrors!
Anyone have experience with a programmable touch screen remove that gives the user tactile response?
Ecch. (Score:3, Informative)
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.
Re:Ecch. (Score:3, Insightful)
Very cheap units have a simple remote control with limited functionality and a few buttons. Cheap units where they want to bump the price a little has a simple remote control with limited functionality and HUNDREDS of buttons. Mid price has mediocre functionality, fewer buttons, and a LCD/swivel cover/joystick. The best stuff has high functionality, just enough buttons for that, and nothing else.
As Terry Prattchett said in Good Omens 'He had a sound system so expensive the amp was just a heavy black cube with a volume contol and nothing else' (iirc).
And no.. having a 'eject' button on a CD/DVD is not high functionality, it is a total waste of everybody's time.
Re:Ecch. (Score:3, Informative)
This remote is all buttons, but it is a totally programmable LEARNING remote. You don't have to worry about whether the button you want is preprogramed because you can "teach it" It also can do 11 macros, and even though it will control 8 devices, since you can put any function on any button you can put all the stuff you need one device and not have to switch back and forth. This thrills my wife because she only has to puch one button to turn everything on to watch cable, or a DVD.
Compared to $400 for a full GUI, I'll take the $50 buttons.
Small kids... (Score:5, Funny)
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.
Pronto (Score:1, Informative)
See http://www.remotecentral.com/tsu2000/index.html for a review
why bother? (Score:1)
at one point, i had a libretto 60ct equipped with a modified irda port controlling my tv, my lights, my blind, my vcr, my dvd player, my cd player [...] (you get the poiny).
i think the real argument these days is not how to control your equipment, but finding new and exciting equipment to control. remote-activated dimmer switches are seriously the best invention in the history of the universe.
this being true though, i do own a cambrideg audio a+ lcd remote, and it's remarkably good for its price. it's so satisfying to be able to hit a single button which ramps up the volume on the tv, dims the lights, draws the blind, and switches the stereo to surround sound mode...
mmmm mmmmm
Touchscreen bad (Score:4, Interesting)
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.
Lexicon (Score:4, Informative)
why not get a helper monkey? (Score:5, Funny)
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.
Re:why not get a helper monkey? (Score:1)
1. Banana's will be more expensive than batteries over time.
2. Helper monkey poo.
Re:why not get a helper monkey? (Score:1)
1. Monkeys are cute
2. Chicks dig monkeys
3. Monkeys love boogers. (seriously. Try feeding a small monkey a booger. They love 'em.)
Re:why not get a helper monkey? (Score:2)
You've tried this? Do you room with Tarzan, or what?
Re:why not get a helper monkey? (Score:1)
Re:why not get a helper monkey? (Score:2)
The other reasons are just additional pluses...
Re:why not get a helper monkey? (Score:1)
OK. Here is a re-write.
1. Bananas are more expensive than batteries.
Hope this clears things up for the stupidly anal.
Re:why not get a helper monkey? (Score:2)
only for the l337 h4x0rz (Score:1)
Get yourself a lego mindstorms RCX and then replace the default firmware with LegOS. You can tinker around with the IR subsystem, and possibly even have several threads running to control multiple devices at once. Maybe make youreself a nice little menu driven interface too.
Pronto (Score:5, Informative)
Jason
Pronto doesn't do it all (Score:2)
Re:Pronto doesn't do it all (Score:2)
Also, the Marantz RC2000 I do have won't even learn the codes for my cable box remote...
Re:Pronto doesn't do it all (Score:2, Interesting)
Krishna
Thanks for the pointer. (Score:2)
Re:Pronto doesn't do it all (Score:2)
If you know different, let me know!
Re:Pronto (Score:3, Interesting)
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
Re:Pronto (Score:3, Informative)
Well, you can buy a JDS Infrared Xpander [smarthome.com]. 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 [smarthome.com] or Stargate [smarthome.com] 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 [smarthome.com] 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.
Pronto (Score:1)
At the same time, I cannot justify spending ~$700 on the color version...
why no standard? (Score:1)
Standards are great... or are they? (Score:2)
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.
Re:why no standard? (Score:2)
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.
What about a Palm-based device? (Score:3, Interesting)
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.)
JensenRemotes (Score:2, Informative)
I found jensenremotes.com [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...
Re:JensenRemotes (Score:3, Informative)
It looks cheap, feels cheap and only has marginal support for each device (runs some functions but not all). Of course it was cheap, $40 CDN I think.
Universal Remote (Score:1, Insightful)
Remote Central (Score:5, Informative)
Home Theater Master MX-500 (Score:1, Informative)
http://www.universalremote.com/htm/index.html
For reviews of basically every remote worth trying see http://www.remotecentral.com/
IRMCTL (Score:2, Informative)
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
Re:IRMCTL (Score:2)
Hack it into a Tivo to allow you to say "TV, Star Trek" and presto!
I'm feeling let down that mad home-built Linux-powered solutions are not being suggested here. We are geeks! Geeks I say!
Unless a TV show comes on where someone shouts "turn off"
x10 learning remote (Score:3, Interesting)
Radio Shack 15-1994 with JP1: The Ultimate Remote (Score:5, Informative)
Re:Radio Shack 15-1994 with JP1: The Ultimate Remo (Score:2)
Re:Radio Shack 15-1994 with JP1: The Ultimate Remo (Score:3, Interesting)
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 [x10.com] (~$23) to get full RF X10 capability.
Re:Radio Shack 15-1994 with JP1: The Ultimate Remo (Score:2)
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 [hifi-remote.com] 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.
omniremote (Score:1)
my friend has the visor-cartrige version and as far as i know he's satisfied with it
no car stealing in here...
One For All - Infinitely Programmable At Low Cost (Score:1, Insightful)
Check out:
http://www.hifi-remote.com/ofa/index.shtml
You can buy a radioshack 15-1994 or Cinema 7 often for under $10 on ebay.
Marantz (Score:3, Informative)
- 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
Best Remote Ever! (Score:5, Funny)
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/spencergifts/612275.ht ml [yahoo.com]
Knobs & Levers (Score:1)
We had a LOT of fun with that remote, messing with ppl's TVs, roaming from hood to hood. Of course messing with their TVs was just the innocent start, ending(?) up in running from the police, local hill billys and the taxi-mob!
Then came the alcohol and put a stop to our imagination....
Parrents: give your children a universial remote; they'll have the time of their life!
----
Home Theater Master MX-1000 (Score:2, Insightful)
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.
WinAmp Remote (Score:2)
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.
Side note... best computer remote? (Score:2)
Re:Side note... best computer remote? (Score:2)
Comsunmer Infra Red applications for linux (Score:2, Informative)
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 [sourceforge.net] and the windows port of it is at winlirc [sourceforge.net]
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...
What if you want to go thru walls: The Answer (Score:2, Interesting)
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.
Timer anyone? (Score:2)
Are there any out there that support that kind of timed event?
Joseph Elwell.
X-10 Universal Remote (Score:2, Informative)
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!
Sony Rm-VL900 (Score:3, Informative)
Here's a review [remotecentral.com] at Remote Central:
control windows (Score:2)
My OLD HP48SX fits the bill. (Score:3, Interesting)
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:
Sony RM-VL900 (Score:2, Informative)
$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.
Simple but functional (Score:2, Insightful)
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.
Subject for a slashdot poll (Score:2, Interesting)
This would probably answer the question fastest, although you might end up using CowboyNeal.
All-for-one cinema 7 (Score:2, Informative)
From the Simpsons (Score:2)
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.
OmniRemote - if you have a handheld (Score:3, Interesting)
The solutions are their Palm hotsync module [pacificneotek.com] for Palm brand devices and their Springboard module [pacificneotek.com] 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'd rather have simplicty. (Score:2)
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?
Marantz RC-2000 MkII (Score:3, Insightful)
-Sam
Inexpensive but Impressive (Score:2)
Re:use your palm OS device (Score:1)
Re:X10 Remote (Score:1)
ur24a [x10.com].
I dunno why they bother also having the lame remote for about the same price.
Re:X10 Remote (Score:1)
Re: (Score:2)
Re:ProntoPro TSU6000 (Score:2)
Re:Pronto opinion (Score:2)