Universal Remote Controls

[HoustonHorn]

The remote for my receiver broke, and instead of paying $100-150 to replace it, I've been thinking about getting a universal remote to control the TV, Receiver, DVD, Cable/DVR, second tv and TIVO.

The guy at the a/v store recommended a Marantz 5400. There are two main factors:

1. The remote must be able to set up a second zone for my Denon receiver, which for some reason cannot be done with the main unit and must use the remote.

2. The remote (once programmed) must be easy to use so my wife can use it.

Does anyone here have any experience with or recommendations for universal remotes?

What features should I focus on or look for?


Thanks.

 

[Summit104]

My brother-in-law just bought a Harmony universal remote and has been extremely satisfied with it. By pushing one button (Watch TV, Watch a Movie, etc.), it will change all of his inputs for him. He even set it up to watch off-the-air HD channels.

One of the best features, IMO, is its USB port. You can talk to someone at tech support about how you want to configure your remote, they do all the work on their end, you hook up your remote to your computer and click "Update Remote," it its done automatically.

They are expensive, but worth it. Especially if you have non-home-entertainment-center-friendly folks in your house. Hope this helps.

 

[AUinAustin]

for years and love it. There are different types of universal remotes. The marantz I have requires your old remote since you are programming indiividual buttons from one remote to another. I love mine because I can put only the buttons I like form the TV, stereo, VCR, satellite and stuff all on one remote. and put them where I want them.

 

[autohorn]

I also recommend the Harmony remote. I have owned one for about a year now and love it. It is very easy for non-technical people to use. It's also easy to program- you install its software on your computer, then enter in the wizard what AV components you have and how they need to be set to do certain activities (eg. watch a DVD, listen to music, watch tv, etc.). It takes less than 5 minutes, then the software programs the remote via a USB cable.

 

[HoustonHorn]

Thanks! I will definitely research the Harmony. The only reason I was looking at the Marantz was because they said the Marantz would allow them to download the Denon information to setup the second zone without me buying a new Denon remote which is over $100. Hopefully the Harmony can do that too.

Two questions:

1st: Did you guys program your own remote controls...it sounds like the Harmony is pretty easy to download controls, but is it individualized to run all the dvd/dvr/tv controls, i.e., switch songs, ff/rev songs, switch cds, switch audio formats (dvd, tuner, tv, etc.), control viewing options on the tv (normal, expand, etc.), control volume, switch and control my outside patio speakers, and also control a 2nd tv/receiver/vcr? How is the Marantz? The a/v guy told me it would be $300 or more dollars for them to program everything, including tivo. I would prefer to set it up myself if its fairly easy, but if I'm just going to screw it up, I'll pay the money to not hear my wife ***** that it doesn't work right

.

2nd: Is there a real difference or preference between "real" buttons and a touch screen pad? I only ask because the touchscreen looks cool and seem to have more features, but if the features aren't real useful and the touchscreen is a pain in the ***, then I will avoid it.

I appreciate the info!

 

[HoustonHorn]

auto:

The harmony definitely sounds easy, but the biggest problem I have is getting my outdoor speakers to work - they need the Denon remote to set up the 2nd zone. They said that the Marantz would setup the 2nd zone without me buying a new Denon remote - can the Harmony do that.I realize that's a pretty technical question which I will probably have to ask them directly. Thanks!

 

[HoustonHorn]

Since I can't seem to respond in one or two messages, here's another.

The harmony sounds like it automatically changes all the settings for all the equipment to run say a movie, watch tv, or listen to music. Does the Marantz automatically switch all of the a/v settings for whatever you want so you don't have to switch to dvd, switch the tv to video input, switch the receiver to play the sound? Will it automatically start playing the cd/dvd? One button control seems like the best thing for ease of control and wife happiness!

 

[autohorn]

The Harmony remote's buttons are arranged by activity (watch tv, listen to music, watch a dvd, listen to radio, etc). When you push the button for an activity, the remote turns on components and switches the a/v settings according to how you program it. For example: When I press Watch a DVD, the remote turns on my tv, receiver, and dvd player. Then it sets the tv to the S-video input and sets the receiver to the DVD input.

I don't have a Denon receiver so I'm not absolutely sure about this, but I'm pretty sure you would set up your patio speakers by making them a separate activity in the remote. IE. you would have a "Listen to Music- Inside" activity set up with your indoor speakers active and a "Listen to Music- Outside" activity set up with your patio speakers active. Maybe a Denon owner could enlighten you further on this.

The Harmony remote does pretty much everything that my original remotes do. When I watch tv I can change channels, adjust volume, do picture-in-picture, etc. When watching DVDs I can navigate through screens and make audio adjustments. When listening to audio CDs I can change the cd, navigate among the songs, and adjust volume.

Hope this helps.

 

[lnghrninlubbock]

can't go wrong with sony. I have the rm-av3000. I had a marantz previously. i like the sony more. Easy to program, intuitive controls, and reliable.

 

[hellbunny]

I bought the rm-av3000 for a friend. He loves it but the shape/interface may throw off your wife if she's not quick with the toys.

Here's a link to a review:The Link

And reviews of the other remotes mentioned (or newer) here:The Link