I suffered the usual problems of remote clutter - I couldn't set a coffee cup down on my coffee table without having to sweep aside (count 'em) six remote controls (dvd, vcr, cable box, amp, tv & receiver) of different makes, models, and ages.

And in the dark, when a dvd or tape was over, it was always a scramble for first this controller, then that one to switch everything back to normal cable tv & audio settings.

I looked at all of the fancy, behemoth universal remotes with giant LCD screens - they were outrageously expensive, many costing more than any one of my given home theater components!

I'm proud to say I learned about this fantastic remote right here on epinions. The positive reviews inspired me to visit my local Circuit City and pick this remote up - for less than $60.00.

I won't re-invent the wheel here or try to "top" any of the other reviews - I just want to let people know that if you have doubts about so-called "universal remotes" you might have acquired in the past that could only work a select few components of a complete home entertainment system, don't doubt this one. It really delivers what it promises.

I will say that I really had to study the documentation. I mean, it's adequate and lists some useful examples, but much of the instructional language is vague, and at one point during the set-up of the device, I was ready to pack it up and return it to the store - or call Sony and let'em have it because I had bought a lemon.

I hadn't, I just had to experiment with it because the instructions were messy and vague.

It recognized my Sony TV right out of the box. I thought "Great, now for cable box."

I was stunned that they had no factory codes in the reference table for the standard Cox digital cable box, manufactured my Motorola.

"What?!?"

I tried the "search for code" command sequences - none worked, and gave me no feedback as to if I had even performed the search correctly (note, make one slip with this remote during set up and it starts blinking like cockpit of a airplane that's flying onto a mountaintop).

The search did not find my cable box - after I reassured myself that I had done it correctly on the third attempt.

The one key selling point that sold me on the unit earlier was that it could "learn" signals from other remotes. Reluctantly I attempted to "teach" it.

It worked! I was immediately relieved, and then the whole set up process became kind of fun. I could program any key with any function and set it up the way I wanted it to work, not the way some arcane engineer wanted me to work it.

I was able to program it for every single device in my system, no matter what dubious heritage a component had - even that old Kenwood 200 CD Jukebox that I had owned for a very looooong time. And I've got two component slots free for when I finally break down and buy that TIVO or wire up an infared controlled thermostat in the house (well, maybe I'm not actually that lazy).

=)

Macros are the best part of this deal. I'm still tweaking them, but with a single press of the thumb, I can switch from my cable tv mode, change video imput, switch my amp to optical dvd sound, and play the disk.

All of this for less than 60 bucks. I couldn't be more pleased.


Recommended: Yes