HomeTheaterMaster MX-500 VS. Sony Rm-AV3000 Remote

Lam Nguyen · 05-14-2003, 11:01 PM

I've narrow my remote search down to the HTMaster MX-500 and the Sony RM-AV3000. At first I was planning on getting the sony remote because how cool it looked with the big LCD, and the high tech look. But after reading about how happy people are with the MX-500 and how easy it is to use, I m really confuse as to which I should pick.

Also, the MX-500 has been out since 2001, will there be a replacement soon?

Please help me make a decision, should I

a) Buy the Sony because I like the the way it looked, and people would compliment on how cool my remote is.
or
b) Get the MX-500 because I think hard buttons are easier to use and because of all the good review I've read & wouldn't mind having it.

Let me know what you think, Thanks in advance.

Chuck Kent · 05-15-2003, 08:48 AM

This still comes down to touchscreen vs. buttons. Either will run nearly every HT setup out there. I don't think there's anything that any of us can say that would automatically be THE right choice for you.

My experiences in this decision were...

I ran a Sony 2100 (the 3000's older brother) for several months. I got tired of needing to hold it with both hands. I got tired of needing to look at it if I wanted to change more than the volume or the channel (this is what kills a Pronto for me too.) I didn't like having some lcd keys not quite labeled correct (IOW, the Sony's have a limited label set for the lcd keys. The 3000 does have 4 labels per device that are customizable but the others are still limited in what they can say.) In the end, for me, I wanted something alot more intuitive to use. (I must admit the Sony looked (and the new 3000 looks) really cool! IMO, the Sonys look better than anything out there until you get to a Crestron or a color Pronto.)

I went to an MX-500 and haven't looked back. (I did buy an MX-700 too, which is a hotrod version of the 500. But recently, I have went back to my 500.) It holds all of my commands. The buttons are labeled correctly so I know exactly what each function is. The buttons are sized and located so that many evenings, I can run it without ever looking at it. And now if a 500 user has some extra $$, you can buy a PC interface for it and program it from/back it up to a PC. (http://www.irclone.com) All this in a easy to hold, one-handed size.

Based on your post it kinda sounds like you're looking at the Sony because of how it looks. One thing I would not do is to buy a remote just for looks. (Of course, looks won't hurt if the features are there too.) If you're considering the Sony mainly because of it's looks, you may be highly disappointed. If you buy it, buy it because it offers you a good day-to-day means of controling your HT.

The 500 has indeed been out for a couple of years. HTM has traditionally kept models in the line for several years. The SL-9000 is still being sold and it's been around for 5 years or so (although IMO, it's key "structure" is outdated.) So I think the old MX-500 still has a few good years left. (There is a 500 with rf capability (it is called the MX-600) coming out later this year but it's an addition to the line, not a replacement.)

I hope this helps some. But as I said above, my experiences may not translate to your's at all. Do as much research as you can and try to get a handle on the button vs. touchscreen thing. Then you'll be ready to buy THE right remote.

Alf S · 05-15-2003, 09:10 AM

You want the "cool factor" and functionality for <$100?

I'd go for the new One For All "Kameleon"

I got the Radio Shack version and LOVE it..plus very wife friendly.

I may upgrade to this new one when it comes out in June.

Here's a link discussing it:

HERE

Stephen Tu · 05-15-2003, 10:20 AM

Quote:

The 500 has indeed been out for a couple of years. HTM has traditionally kept models in the line for several years.

Note also that HTM makes small refinements to the remote over the years, e.g. they've tweaked the button material and menu joystick pad several times to get it closer to perfection.

Kameleon -- This one has significant limitations compared to the MX-500. It's harder to find/operate these membrane touchpad things by feel than real buttons. You are limited to the labels they picked on the pad, guaranteeing mismatch between function & button on some devices. There are fewer buttons, fewer macros (no device macros IIRC, a drawback in ease of use), less learning memory. One might feel it looks cooler but in practice it's more difficult to use. I wouldn't even consider it unless a lot cheaper than the MX-500, and even then I think I'd rather get the Sony VL-1000.

I think the MX-500 looks cool and is the easiest to use. You can certainly disagree with me on the aesthetics, but if you tried the thing I doubt you'd disagree on the actual functionality.

MikeSRC · 05-15-2003, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Also, the MX-500 has been out since 2001, will there be a replacement soon?

Maybe next year. There will be a replacement for the SL9000 first.

**HTF Ads**

Lam Nguyen · 05-15-2003, 01:33 PM

Thanks for all the comments and advice, please keep them coming.
I'm hearing more good things about the MX-500, how do you all think it looks, the LCD does light up right?

Jason W · 04-21-2004, 07:53 PM

I would definitly go with the MX i have the mx600 which is the RF one. I had the sony before and like may others I hated having to use two hands to hold it. Also with the sony u must look at the screen to find the button u want to push. With the MX the hard buttons are great. The MX remote is also considably easier to program & gives u the option to relabel items to say whatever you want them to say. I even have the high end denon remote which is like a pronto & costs around $500 and I would still stick with my mx. Good Luck!

JohnMW · 04-22-2004, 01:11 PM

Quote:

I'm hearing more good things about the MX-500, how do you all think it looks, the LCD does light up right?

Yes, the LCD and buttons light up with a nice color of "blue". There is a button on the right side to toggle it on/off. I've had my MX500 for a couple of years now and it's the best remote I have ever used. You can do most functions by feel instead of having to look at it each time.

http://www.universalremote.com/htm/mx500/

Ted Lee · 04-22-2004, 02:20 PM

Quote:

This still comes down to touchscreen vs. buttons.

yep ... that's the most important thing you'll want to think about.

for me, mx-500 all the way. i have two of them myself...

Chris KAudio · 04-22-2004, 03:00 PM

Can this remote do everything?

For example, when I want to watch a DVD, I have to use my TV remote and go to the main menu and switch to Component 1, and then I have to push the dvd button on my reciev