Recommendations for a universal remote

[Fatbob]

Hi folks,

I just got my 5900, and I'd like to get a universal remote for it. I'm currently using an One For All 8017, and it controls the 5900 quite well, the only things it can't do is the PVR functions. Well I can set a PVR event via the guide, but I can't pause or rewind live TV or a recorded program, and since my 8017 is starting to fail (it's fallen one to many times), I'd like to get a new one, preferably one that can perform all the of the PVR functions.

I'm considering getting the One For All 8811, which doesn't not officially control a PVR, but it's a learning remote, so I assume that I can program the 5900's PVR commands. Has any one tried this? I'm also looking at the 9911, but again it is not officially a PVR remote. Keep in mind that I do not want to spend more the $50 or so (which is a pain given the 9911 is $80).

Thanks!

[57]

You may wish to look in the Harmony section if you want to control all of your devices.

[Fatbob]

I'd love to have a Harmony remote, but they're way out of my budget. They start at $200 at Future Shop. But I hear they are great remotes.

[new-guy]

If you are on a budget you can go for one of the remotes you mentioned.
In this case I highly suggest you visit:
JP1 Remotes Forums
JP1 general info

Some of the generic remotes like the one for all can be programmed to do almost anything. The folks on those forums are very helpful

[alou]

Fatbob,

Watch for one on eBay. Sometimes you can get a deal.

The Harmony remotes are wonderful, especially if you have any remote-ophobics in the house (i.e. wife, children, etc.). Be sure to check the upper-end ones with dedicated PVR-type buttons.

Al

[billw]

I have a Sony RM-AV3000 remote. It will replace "any" remote. (save UHF). LCD touch screen, learning, macros. I use it with my whole home entertainment system.
Good Luck
Bill

[dawtcalm]

Originally Posted by Fatbob

I'd love to have a Harmony remote, but they're way out of my budget. They start at $200 at Future Shop. But I hear they are great remotes.

The 628 is $135 at Costco.

[Vidman]

I tried a Harmony 768 & 659, but I went back to my Home Theatre Master MX-500.

I liked the idea of the Harmony, but found that the MX-500 worked better for me. It can be had for around $80 US, and with the Cdn $ being as good as it is, that's a steal!
I got mine from www.bluedo.com Great service & Prices...

You can check out reviews for most universal remotes at www.remotecentral.com

[Nuje]

I have to second the MX-500....GREAT remote; does things the way I want it done, and doesn't over-automate things.

I tried three different Harmony remotes, but always liked the ease, learning, customizability, readability, and the in-depth programmability of it.

And I prefer it to the higher-end MX700, MX800, etc. because it has both the (for PVR use) FFD/REW as well as SKIP AHEAD, SKIP BACK keys around the selection keys; the "better" ones only have FFD/REW and you have to find another pair of keys to serve as the SKIP FWD/BWD (or chapter skip on DVDs) button.

Got it for $100US on ebay a couple years ago - couldn't imagine living with anything else.
(And even the wife has it figured out!

[Eclipsed]

I have the Kameleon Remote 6 in 1 and like it. Not the best and battery life is not the greatest, but does everything I need.
I control a Panasonic TV, Pioneer DVR-220, Panasonic VCR, Bell 5100, Technics DX-940 Receiver and Techincs CD Player.
Controlled everything out of the box with exception to the Pioneer DVD recorder, and a call to the tech line fixed that with an update to the remote over the phone.
I have seen the 4 in 1 Kameleons at Walmart for around $40.

[mtmaccormack]

I got the Harmony 5900 for $100 during the Boxing Day sale at Future Shop. It is awesome! My old RCA universal remote had such a limited memory I could only use the guide and arrow buttons for my second satellite receiver. With the Harmony I can control ALL functions of ALL my devices. And it is very easy to add more functions or devices. When we watch a DVD I press one button. All inputs are selected, it puts my TV in widescreen mode and turns the volume up 10 notches! All I need now are remote control lights so the remote can dim the lights as well!

[Fatbob]

Thanks for all the replies guys.

The MX-500 looks pretty interesting. I assume it has no problems with a PVR? I'm not sure if I like the lack up buttons compared to the OFA remotes. I mean like the OFA has dedicated DVD buttons, so they're easier to find. Somehow I think my wife would find a OFA easier to control compared to the MX-500. But still the MX-500 looks very interesting.

The Harmony 628 at Costco is also another very interesting remote. A bit out of my budget, but still worth a look.

[Eclipsed]

Before my Kameleon, I had a non-learning OFA 7in1 remote. It did everything with some moving of commands to other keys. But it is good. Its down fall is that I could not add to it. My VCR was sacrificed for the DVD player, and it could not change my audio rcvr to TV after. But that was it.
It cost me $20 at Walmart about 3 or 4 yrs ago. My wife hates the blue wonder, and continues to use the old OFA.

[NZ]

I've got a Harmony 628 and LOVE IT. You can program it to do everything online. Mine controls my 5900 PVR, big screen, stereo, dvd and even makes toast and coffee in the morning. WOO HOO!!

Now here is the deal. You must prey upon a technophobe with lots of money. In my case, my father-in-law could never figure out how to run his home theatre and my mother-in-law was even worse. So, he bought 2 Harmony 628's, one for him and one for me. I got it for free on the condition that I set his up for him...what a deal.

[Fatbob]

Can you get your father-in-law to buy me one?