Sima SUR-20 not ready for prime time
Written: Apr 18 '02
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Can operate 8 devices. Has macros to combine functions. Light-sensitive backlight.
Cons: Devices and their functions are predefined. Can't add new buttons.
The Bottom Line: The SUR-20 might be for people with a few unsophisticated devices, but I don't recommend it for customers with a larger selection of electronics with sophisticated, frequently used features.
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| ronin20850's Full Review: Sima SUR-20 LCD Touchscreen Remote Control |
Are you starting to collect a clutter of remotes for your TV, VCR, stereo, DVD, cable box, DVR, and etc? While there are many so-called universal remotes out there capable of taking over the functions of 2, 3 or more devices the ideal device should be programmable and flexible enough to keep you from going back to your original remote to carry out one unique function. A couple of manufacturers have attempted to tackle this challenge, one of them being Sima with it's SUR-20.
The SUR-20 with its LCD touch screen will display the layouts for the remotes of up to eight different devices. These remote functions can be added by entering pre-programmed manufacturer codes or by taking the SUR-20 through a learning process. The SUR-20 can learn a device remote's functions by pressing each button on the device's remote while pointing its infrared transmitter at the end of the SUR-20. You can also combine multiple functions using macros you create yourself. Thus you can press a macro to turn on your TV, the VCR, and play a tape.
The major flaw with SUR-20 is its designed inflexibilities. Your choice of devices are limited to seven specific devices plus an auxiliary. Each device has a predefined set of buttons. The flexible AUX button allows you to operate two TVs, two VCRs, or two of something else and allows you to borrow functions. While you can remove unneeded buttons for a device you can't add new ones. If your VCR is like mine and has a remote eject function that Sima doesn't provide for you're out of luck. I would have liked to have copied the eject button from the DVD or CD functions but the SUR-20 does not have that capability. What SIMA should have done was make ALL of its device buttons AUX-like buttons and allow me to label them.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
ronin20850
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Reviews written: 3
Trusted by: 0 members
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