Page 1 of Universal remote controls

Anyone struggling with getting a (cheap) universal remote control..
I couldn`t resist when I found a One-for-all 5 in Dixons at £22.50, even though it didn`t list DVD support (or mention the Dolby decoder I`ve got).

So, trial and error later, and a bit of `learning` from the original remotes, and I`ve got the whole of my (main) home cinema on the one remote, menu, widescreen, and DVD functions et al.
That`s a Panasonic VCR, a Grundig Sky Digibox, a Scan SC2000 DVD, a Videologic Digitheater, and a Ferguson W/Screen TV.

Anyone else tried this with a cheapish remote - I know the LCD remotes are nice, but try using one round a 2 1/2 year old (or have beer/popcorn/any foodstuff near one)

I thought about getting one. The idea`s really good especially since some of the good DVD players out there are let down by s***e remote controls (i.e. MICO - btw does the MICO have bookmarking features anyone?)

It saves having to use 5 remotes to watch something. Are they any good though - i.e. easy to use, let you control what you need to etc?

007.

This one is spot on.. If you`re not sure, go get one form Argos/Index, and take it back if you don`t like it.. I nearly did that, but found it cheaper in Dixons.

It takes a while to get used to what button does what (but you can shift them round if you want), but if can work your current controls in the dark, then you`ll manage OK.

NB. No matter what it says on the outside of the packaging, there aren`t just 4 programmable keys - all the keys (apart from 1) can be reprogrammed/learned (subject to memory on the controller)

I`ve been very pleased with my Cambridge Audio M500, from Richer Sounds (no I don`t work for them!). This cost 30GBP and is a learning remote, but its robust (no touch sensitive screen), supports 10 devices and has a readable LCD display with "normal keys".

I think its much better value than the all-for-one remotes as apart from anything else it has 10 programmable macros (each has 20 steps)... nice :-)

Garble

I didn`t like the m500, it`s a bit of a brick, and I couldn`t really be bothered with opening the flap at the bottom all the time (not that I wasn`t impressed by the rest of it.. It just needed an artist to take a look at it rather than just an audiophille)
The macro facility on the One-for-all is better than they make out.. It seems to be limited to RAM, but I`ve got 4 programmed (the longest being about 15 steps) and 20-odd buttons in learning mode. There doesn`t seem to be a way to insert pauses, say if you want to wait for a menu to appear, but the spacing is OK by default (about 2 commands a second) for most tasks.

What do people use macros for anyhow (other than turning everything on and off with one button)?

This item was edited on Thursday, 18th January 2001, 14:46

Anybody got one of these cheaper remotes to work with the Wharfedale/Lecson - which apparently have "cycling" codes which make them tricky to emulate.....?

Any recommendations for a remote with "nameable keys" for under £100??

If I cant rename the keys I would find I would still need the original remote which defeats the object.

I have seen some for £250 but I cant afford this!
It needs replace 5 devices

Any help appreciated

The cambridge audio M500 can be bought from maplins for £25. It is quite good but it takes ages to programme and when i press vol down, it always activates channel down instead.

This item was edited on Friday, 19th January 2001, 19:31

LCD / named keys

Sony do one for around £100 - £120. I think it is not supplied by Sony UK, (import?) although it popularity is growing, it can be bought mail order from various hifi places and even Miller Brothers - have a look at web site: www.millerbros.co.uk

Good question about the Warfie/Lecson.

I was thinkin of getting the Cambridge M1+ from Richer Sounds. Is this remote compatible with the Lecson, and if so is it any good. I suspect that batteries wouldn`t last very long with the size of the screen on it.

I also saw a Sony remote in RS for about the same price, again does this work with the Lecson & is it any good?

Finally if both of these fail does anyone know if Omni-remote on the Plam Pilot will work with the Lecson?