One of the major drawbacks of universal remotes in the past was having to control different components, and switch between them to do tasks. This remote does it for you. When you want to watch TV, you simply push the "Watch TV" icon on the color touch screen. The unit will then do all the tasks, turning on the DVR, TV, Sound system, etc, you had to do separately. It is really neat, and a nice time saver.
If you are having trouble, and the system is not working as desired, you can either hook the unit back up to the software or you can utilize the on-remote help. The remote will guide you through some dialogue boxes on the color screen to help you resolve your problem.
Remote Operation: The remote works well with a surprisingly large number of units. The remote is designed and programmed so that with most devices the controls work in an intuitive fashion. I use a DVR and the buttons seemed laid out perfectly for DVR operation. It also worked my VCR and DVD recorder/player as if it was designed for it, unlike most universal remotes I've used.
It also worked a few things things I never thought of. It works my Sirius Starmate Replay, which I have in its boombox on the living room table. It also worked my relatively cheap Durabrand amplifier as if it was designed for it. For each of these speciality items, special control buttons appear on the touch screen for controls that are specific to that unit and that unit's remote.
Another nice feature is the motion activated backlight. The unit itself is a shiny jet black, and in a dark room you would never be able to find the buttons. But simply pick up the unit, and it lights up, buttons too, for you to easily control.
The only negative I've found is that it doesn't have RF support. I have a Dish Network DVR, and the second television needs to control the DVR through RF, which this unit cannot utilize. So be warned if you need RF, this unit will not do it.
Bottom Line: Few glitches aside, I was extremely impressed with this remote. It is smart, sexy, and works great. From those of you with just a few items to control, to those with dozens, this remote has more than what it takes to control all your audio, visual, and other household units.
Article comments
1 - Jamison
Have universal remotes improved in the past 5 years or so? I stopped spending my money on the years ago, they never seemed to work right... though I do not have the latest and greatest gadgets... I still record Lost on a VCR... (GASP) Yes, not a DVR.
2 - Tom Bux
This universal remote is above the bar. It is expensive, but much better than those $20 remotes at Wal Mart and other stores.