Universal IR/RF Remotes (1 Viewer)

[BenSC]

So I'm in the market for an end all be all remote. I've heard a lot of good things about Pronto's, but I'm not sure what is out there that can do everything I need. Here is a list of things I require it to operate:

Living room:
1) Sony 32" TV
2) Sony receiver
3) Panny DVD player
4) CD Changer
5) Sony DTV receiver

Pretty basic. Now the fun part, the movie room:
1) Turn on/off/change displays on Panny projector
2) RCA DTV receiver
3) receiver
4) Macros for RF HTPC ***
5) Send RF freq to turn on a motorized curtain

*** This is the tricky part. My HTPC is currently controlled by an RF keyboard/mouse. I'd like to be able to plug in Macro's that do some of the functions of the keyboard (up/down arrows, enter, and the built in media player buttons).

So, it needs to be RF and IR compliant, and needs to be a learning remote. What do you guys think?

 

[NicholasL]

Universal Remote's MX series remotes, such as the MX-500 or MX-700 (which comes with the parasound halo units), or even MX-800. They are RF and IR compliant, and are programmed via a computer program that offers an insatiable ability to customize. I'd look into the units at www.universalremote.com . You can also read reviews at them over at www.remotecentral.com. for the best universal remote that isn't $$$, I think the Sony RM-AV3000 is great, but I don't know if it works with RF devices.

 

[Ted Lee]

ditto nicholas.

i have an mx-500 and love it. i wasn't aware that the 700 was rf-capable, but i'm pretty sure the 800 is.

definitely worth a look. there is also a forum at remotecentral dedicated to the mx series remotes. you may wanna check it out.

 

[BenSC]

Yea, I don't see any RF stuff on the 700. As for the 800, it's a bit pricey, but if it will fit the bill who knows. I like how its got hard buttons, and not all LCD.

However, I dont think it can control RF components. See #2 of their FAQ:


WILL THE MX-800 CONTROL MY RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) DEVICES OR LEARN RF COMMANDS?
Although the MX-800 is an RF/IR remote, it only communicates to the MRF-200 via RF. It will not control or learn RF devices functions.

 

[BenSC]

Actually.. I just had a thought. I could probably pick up an IR remote for my computer, and a more affordable remote that doesn't do RF for much cheaper than one that does RF would be. So that broadens my list substantially.

 

[BenSC]

OK, so I'll quit talking to myself after this, but you guys have sold me on the MX-500. I read a ton of remote reviews on that website you gave me (all for hard buttoned remotes, I like them much better), and it was a clear winner. I found it online at a couple places for about $100, so that sounds good to me.

I have one question before I purchase though. Is the thumbpad programmable? For instance, I plan on getting this $20 remote for the computer that has arrows that control the mouse. I'd like to have the thumbpad on the MX-500 "learn" those arrow commands.

Thanks!

 

[NicholasL]

Sorry about the misinformation about the MX-700 being RF compliant. I would guess the thumbpad is programmable - every button should be. My MX-700 is programmable to the last button, so the MX-500 shouldn't be any different. I'm glad you're getting one of the MX remotes. They are super cool and feel great in your hand. Er...that didn't sound right.

 

[Ted Lee]

They are super cool and feel great in your hand. Er...that didn't sound right.

yep, the thumbpad on the 500 is programmable.

i think it's an absolute great remote...especially for the price. it has *completely* replaced eight (or nine?) of my other remotes. all those old ones are sitting in some basket somewhere.

i'm positive you're gonna love it.

 

[BenSC]

Cool. Its actually just enough. Once I get the computer remote, that will be 10

 

[PaulT]

The MX500 is a great remote (I have had one for a year), but it is NOT RF compatible. I would suggest searching the forum at Remote Central for "RF Compat":
http://www.remotecentral.com/cgi-bin...=180&ba=0&sm=0

The 800 communicates with an RF base (200) which retransmits in IR only (as was stated above). The 600 claims RF/IR as well, but I believe that's only to the 100 base unit, then IR after that.

Get a hold of David at http://www.bluedo.com and he'll set you straight on a unit for IR/RF use if there is one available.