5 comments about ESPN "The Ultimate Remote" Universal Remote.

1. Yes I agree that this is a monster to program, something I left my boyfriend with when it arrived but it was mostly for him so I figured it would be okay to let him bond with it properly! He'd the sports maven, I mostly resort to basketball so it's a fun gadget, I don't even know how he finds time to always check scores, must be a man thing : ) but he no longer has to get up from the tv to see that his favorite teams are battling some sort of a frustratingly tight score to beat...
   
   Remote is relatively easy to use and even though I still use the Harmony one ( which broke after few months - just random act of anger from the Electronic Gods) whenever it feels like cooperating but I like the way this looks and feels. They keys don't make noise and the remote looks cool. I will update the review if it starts to disappoint but so far so good and the remote works well - the signal always reaches the tv and I no longer have to waive my hands around for the channel or volume to change!



2. You can't blame the ESPN "The Ultimate Remote" Universal Remote for not being the Harmony One from Logitech. But the comparisons are inevitable. When a remote claims to be "the ultimate" it begs comparison to the top of the class. And, unfortunately for "The Ultimate," it falls short.
   
   My first impression of the remote, as I removed it from the package, is that it doesn't look as nice in real life as it does in the pictures. It seems both thicker, wider and more square. Still, it's not a bad-looking remote and, if you care about such things, you can be sure that people will notice it. Before you can use it, you'll need to plug it in to a USB port to charge the battery. Why they chose to make it charge via USB rather than a standard plug is beyond me. I suppose many TVs do have a USB port now, but it seems a rather strange decision. I also noticed that there was no manual included (beyond a small quick setup guide). This is not an easy device to setup! Once you register at the web site you'll find some online documentation, but it is spread over many different HTML files and is not nearly as helpful as a printed manual would be. So figuring out the remote is likely to be a bit of a chore.
   
   As with all remotes of this kind, you will need to spend a good bit of time doing setup. You'll want to configure the remote to access your wireless internet connection and then setup each of your devices. And this is where the Ultimate Remote falls furthest behind the Harmony One. The process of adding devices is long, tiresome, time-consuming and confusing. You will have to add each device manually and then have the remote search for the proper code set for your equipement (hoping that it has the proper code set in its database). You may need to go so far as to check each key one-by-one to ensure it works properly with your device. Logitech's PC-based solution is far more elegant and is really superior in every way in its power, its ease-of-use, and its available database of devices.
   
   Once you have all your devices properly setup, you'll find that the remote works quite well. It responds quickly (and maybe even a tad better than the Logitech in some cases). However, you'll also note that the remote is not very well built. Many of the keys are "shaky" (the number keys, most notably) while others are "spongy" requiring too much effort to press. The remote is not very comfortable in the hand--it is heavy and wide. It certainly lacks the comfortable, tapered feel of the Harmony One.
   
   Really the only benefits this product offers over the Harmony One are the gimmicky ones. Do you really need to see TV listings on the little LCD screen? Why not just look at the listings in a bigger and more convenient format on your TV screen? Sure this remote offers the ability to send text-messages, but are you really going to do this? Do you really need to check the sports scores from your remote and do you really want to surf the web on this little screen? These are all interesting functions, but I doubt too many people will use them on a regular basis.
   
   This remote is a step in the wrong direction. It is ground-breaking for 2006, perhaps, but when going head-to-head with the Harmony One, it loses out on just about every comparison. I can't think of any good reason to recommend this over Logitech's far superior remote. It's not that this remote is so terrible--it's just that there are better products available for less money. So why would you bother with this one?



3. Here's a product that would have brought sports fans sobbing to their knees 10-15 years ago. Easy access to relevant game and player stats, an intuitive interface allowing one to find broadcasts quickly and easily. Reasonably quick and easy set-up. Attractive aesthetically, even if Michigan Wolverine fans might disagree (that red and silver may be casually confused for scarlet and gray, by those with the proper eye). This is not, of course, to suggest that the remote is not relevant today, just that an increasing number of homes have laptops or phones with mobile broadband, and much of the same information may be accessed, and often in deeper and more attractive form, through those devices.
   
   So I came into this product thinking: (1) I have to program it the "old" way, giving it product codes and hoping for the best, not doing it through my computer. (2) Why do I care about its connectivity and access to stats and info when my laptop is always handy? (3) Setting those considerations and its unique features aside, can it stand up in terms of convenience and use against other modern universals?
   
   Before I was able to really tackle any of these questions, I had to contact my local heavy equipment rental outlet in order to procure a chainsaw, high temperature torch, and the jaws of life. Once these arrived and I was able to extract the remote, the charging stand, and documents from their sealed plastic tomb, I was well on my way. No initial charge, no wasting a day getting ready to go, the remote was on before I intended, and I started playing right away. The programming process took longer than I would have liked, having (as many other reviewers here have) programmed the Logitech Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote I did feel like I was taking a technological step backwards by going the old "match the hardware to the code" route, but it went smoothly and I was controlling my components without any problems before long. Over the next few weeks, I used this exclusively, putting the Harmony One out of casual and easy reach, and it really grew on me. It's comfortable, attractive, intuitive, and (little surprise) easy access to data through the remote is quicker and easier than dragging the old laptop out, turning it on, and loading up a site like ESPiN. The remote does indeed stand up to its peers, like them, it could certainly use a little more polish, but that can come (as it can for most devices these days) through software upgrades.
   
   I will be going back to the Harmony One, but this will certainly be put into use in another room. It's now my second string remote. It seems to me that the ESPN Universal Remote may be a better gift than a buy, one of those things where a sports fan will love to have it, but might be less enthusiastic about laying down the rather high (but comparable with its peers) price -- but when is that not true? This remote really grew on me, and it's on a shortlist of gift ideas for certain family members.



4. 
   The ESPN "The Ultimate Remote" Universal Remote is a great unit for sports junkies and puts a lot of information at your fingertips. But AV and universal remote junkies are not going to be satisfied with the manual setup process and will be better served getting the Logitech Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote or another remote in the harmony lineup. For my needs this is a good unit that will hopefully continue to improve with firmware updates.
   
   Pros:
   + The screen is attractive and functional for basic surfing and TV listings
   + Nice backlight for buttons and remote functions
   + Great content integration for sports fans and information junkies
   + Nice extras like texting and emailing from the remote
   + WiFi performance is good and customizable for secure wireless
   + Great software design allows for frequent updates
   + The nice mix of functions will allow me to use my laptop and cell phone less
   
   Cons:
   - Pricing is somewhat high
   - The remote buttons are busy and require manually learning some functions
   - Hard plastic buttons are less functional than rubber buttons
   - The directional pad and second 4-way pad are redundant and should be combined
   - Setup is painful and requires a long manual process for most devices
   - Remote logic requires some work
   - No RF and Blue Tooth capabilities
   - Lacks a touch screen which some people prefer
   - Battery life seems weak
   - Poor product packaging
   - The device database seems difficult to navigate and incomplete
   - Alternatives like the Harmony lineup offer more maturity for AV remote junkies
   
   Device Setup
   
   Removing the remote from the package is a chore. Normally I wouldn't even mention that, but removing this packaging is literally dangerous and time consuming. Scissors alone will not be the best option.
   
   The instructions imply that you need to fully charge the unit before setup, but my unit was ready to go before charging. Setup starts with wireless networking, which will auto discover broadcasting wireless access points but will allow you to enter your WEP/WPA password for secured networks. After entering your location data, you must register your remote to activate the web features.
   
   Device setup is the weak point of the device. You have to set-up each component by manufacturer and search through codes for the specific models. This is a terrible process for most devices because getting the exact code will require tons of luck and way too much time. The auto-discover feature is basically useless because it will identify devices based upon the power function alone. You will think you've found the right one when the power button works, only to discover that other functions do not. Some other methods to find the codes exist, but this basic method is a huge con. The option to manually learn the additional functions is also less than ideal.
   
   Setting up activities like "Watch TV" or "Watch a DVD" is also a weakness. Users must manually map out functions and program them. The questionnaire that the remote uses to walk you through this setup is bare-bones and not very helpful, leaving much of the manual configuration to the user. Follow all this up with trial-and-error testing, and you've got a very long process ahead of you. Again, contrasted against the simple PC application that the Harmony uses to intuitively set up its activities, the ESPN Ultimate really falls short in the ease and flexibility departments.
   
   Looks
   
   The LCD display looks good, but is not designed for full web browsing. It's just a very convenient way to get sports scores, weather, etc. True, I normally always have my laptop with me. But having this will allow me to use my laptop less. And being able to get channel listings without stopping a DVD is also an unpredicted convenience I am very happy about.
   
   The buttons are back-lit, but I'm not crazy about the solid plastic feel of the unit. Standard soft remote buttons would have been better in my opinion.
   
   Performance
   
   As a remote, the ESPN Ultimate is good but doesn't include RF and Blue Tooth, which are necessary for certain next gen devices. I know that won't be a deal breaker for everybody, but basic IR requires line-of-sight to work and is a definite weakness.
   
   Having to switch your device to perform basic functions is also annoying. When you're watching cable and go to change the volume, it automatically adjusts the cable volume instead of the TV volume. You have to switch to the TV or AV device and then change the volume. A simple example of something even my stock remote does better out of the box.
   
   Another basic TV function that was annoying was that this remote didn't automatically understand the difference between the info button and guide button for scrolling through TV listings.
   
   However, the excellent feature of TV listings on the remote's screen more than makes up for that. You can see the channel guide and directly select right off the remote.
   
   The web surfing feature is very good. I already am familiar with the differences in mobile web sites versus the regular web, and this is the same web that my old cell phone uses. ESPN is probably one of the few mobile sites that's well designed, and there are also links for Yahoo news, WSJ.com and Amazon.com.
   
   The unit seems to lose battery power much quicker than I would like. Plan on docking this thing in the charger nightly. Only two days without docking will result in a low battery indicator.
   
   Conclusion
   
   The web browsing capabilities are the saving grace of the unit and will probably be in competing devices before long. The remote control functions are not the best in class, but they are adequate once you invest the time in setting everything up. Areas for improvement include adding PC setup capability, improving activity logic, and improving the feel of the remote.



5. I don't know if I'll agree wholeheartedly that this is the ultimate universal remote. It comes close, but there are too many issues with it that I believe I'll stay with my Logitech universal remote.
   The setup is easy enough, but not really as easy as with Logitech. The ability to browse the web is nice, but the window size really limits much viewing and the agent technology used is, I believe, the same kind as on a PDA or a telephone which also limits capability.
   
   One part of the setup which was indeed easier than with Logitech is that I didn't need to connect up to a PC for initial setup, but that may mean I will not be able to update the device at a later date. I don't know. What I do know is that I'm quite satisfied with my Logitech Harmony One.
   
   A 3 star effort.

5 comments about RCA D 770 - universal remote control ( D770 ).

1. This remote was a direct replacement for the remote that came with our television. It worked perfectly, and easily switches back and forth to control both the TV and the satellite dish.



2. This remote doesn't have the same buttons (functions) that my original remote had to use with Directv DVR. If, like me, you subscribe to the old "Ultimate" Directv this remote isn't an exact copy even though it looks very similiar.



3. was sent wrong remote and never got a reply
   I called 4 different times and no tech suport
   finnally got customer service to refund the total cost and shipping



4. The RCA Multi-Remote Control is EXACTLY the same as the orginal and works EXACTLY as the orginal did. This product and the supplier performed exactly as expected. Thank you very much for the prompt service I received with this order.



5. This was the perfect replacement for my RCA TV. I didn't even have to program it. It worked perfectly straight out of the packaging.

5 comments about URC MINI Remote-n-Go Mini Keychain Remote.

1. ...Just got my 2nd one from RiteAid around the corner for less than 8bucks! The 1st one a guest who loved at 1st sight while visiting us is using at their place, and very happy w/ it! I have a regular RCA stereo TV and both times I got it programmed in less than 60sec...
   
   Don't pass it being fooled w/ bad reviews: believe me this is a 1X 2.5in. neat product, maybe less than 1oz, w/ 2025 cell battery.
   
   You can keep it on your pocket (mine is on a cotton string, not a key-ring) while at home and change channels (only up or down), mute sound, whatever, whenever the phone rings, your spouse or kids talk to you, or it's time to change clothes!



2. I bought mine for 10 bucks at Rite Aid drug store yesterday. I have only used it for the TV(not cable etc...) and it has worked fine so far. I set it on the window sill next to my bed where the original remote will not set because it is to big. I may velcro a strip to the wall and remote for even more "ease of use".
   
   I also plan to use it mischieviously at some point.
   
   The cashier at Rite Aid said they sold out at Christmas and restocked only after "months" and they display them at the check-out area because they are so popular.



3. This well designed litte keychain remote works very well. I also brought a similar priced remote with "The Shtummer" written on the box that didn't have nearly the same quality and didn't work as well. Both you can spend a few minutes initially programming as you cycle trough all the possible combinations of brands and TV's etc.
   
   The TV and CAB/SAT buttons light up when pressed and in programming mode.
   
   Comes with a small paper sheet with programming instructions. You'll need to keep that carefully in order to remember how to program the thing in the future, although the more tech savy would eventually figure it out.



4. The R2-MINI is a great universal remote that includes only the necessities--channel control, volume control, on/off for both cable boxes and tv's (though I was confused about the cable box button, I didn't realize that since most tv's nowadays are cable-ready, meaning that the cable plugs straight into the tv, all one needed to do for cable-ready tv's was program the tv button and all the functions would work) and the almighty mute button. It is great for travels and hotels(don't you hate it when they don't give you a remote!)and works with just about any tv. The instructions are a little confusing, but it is very simple to program once you get the hang of it. However, I use it for pranking people--since it is so small, it easy to hide your friends will never guess that it is you who keeps turning off the volume or changing the channel during their favorite show. This is best in sports bars. In the case a game-winning play is about to be made, simply change the channel. The crowd around you will erupt into a chaos of mad drinkers. Overall, however, I was very pleased with this product and would reccomend it to anybody looking for a simple universal remote that is easy to program and easy to carry.



5. The R2 MiNi is a very fun and entertaining toy to play with, use as a cheap replacement remote, and to prank your friends or strangers. When I first tried the R2 MiNi I followed the instructions word for word on 5 different televisions and it did not work. I realized after reviewing the instructions again, that in step 3 where it says "Point the remote towards the device and press CH+ or CH- with single button presses" that you need to press/hold the channel button until the television shuts off, then press TV or CBL/SAT. The reason for this is when you press CH+ or CH-, it is not some kind of code, but a way to scan for the particular type of IR Code that your television has. I hope my explanation was clear enough to understand. Enjoy your R2 MiNi Remote Controls.

1 comments about Belkin Universal Remote Control for XM Satellite Radio (F5X019).

1. This is a great replacement if the one you have stops working. It works better then the original

5 comments about Sony RM-AX4000A Home Theater Remote Control.

1. I have all Sony product except an Onkyo receiver and Hd cable box. I used the op-pc and no luck. Tried manual and only get part of the controls. Logitech Harmony has a better remote however the battery life is so short.



2. the only problems i have with this remote are that it does not work with my sony cdr/cd player recorder, deck A plays cd's and the remote works with that deck, but deck B records cd's and the remote will not work with it. also this remote has no drivers or upgrade support for windows vista when you try to program the remote. thank goodness for my old pc that still uses windows xp. all in all im happy with my purchase.



3. I find the remote almost totally useless for my modern tv setup, (even if all the other units are sony. It is supposed to be touch screen,(it would take a hammer to fufil that designation. I have purchased a Harmony remote which is completely functional for all needs. the sony unit isin the corner gathering dust.



4. For sure you have to read the manual to understand how to program the remote unit. Make use of the setup CD to program your remote can prove easier via PC than manually learn the code from remote controllers. With PC setup, you can maximise the use of program xpress and airslide function.
   
   The setup CD software able to store/backup the setting in case you lose the setting when changing battery.
   
   Not recommended for consumer that prefer a off-the-shelf gadget and use it right-away.



5. A fantastic product as usaual. A little difficult to program.Need updated program for Windows Vista

5 comments about Monster MCC AV100 Activity-based A/V Home Theater Controller.

1. The Monster MCC AV100 remote control was easy to set up, is easy to use, and best of all,operates all my TV/video & stereo equipment from my new Sony plasma to my 20 year old Carver stereo components. I'm very pleased and would highly recommend it. And Amazon's price can't be beat.



2. I had to toss my Harmony 550 into the trash after numerous programming events that ended in frustration. I researched and was ready to order the Sony RM-AX4000 when I happend upon the Monster.
   
   This unit is nicely weighted and balanced. It is MUCH easier to read than the Harmony.
   
   Programming took less than 15 minutes once the online account was set up. My nine year-old has already figured out how the Monster records/watches shows on the PVR, and this from a kid who is limited to 60 minutes of TV per day.
   
   The tactile feel is excellent. I'm not crazy about the rechargeable battery/recharging base but if that is my only major compromise, it is acceptable.
   
   You will find the placement of buttons very well thought-out with the exception of the Channel/Volume up/down buttons. They are sideways! Up should be UP and down should be DOWN.
   
   The screens are easy to navigate and easy to read. I paid $159 on Amazon in Jan '08 and am very pleased with my purchase.



3. I have used many universal remotes over the years (including most of the first universal remotes on the market many years ago), and I really like this remote. Screen resolution is OK, but otherwise no complaints. I had a problem with the remote, and Monster replaced it. I have since purchased a second remote.



4. This product completely replaced five remotes for various devices including the Apple remote for my Apple TV.
   
   It couldn't have been any easier to setup. It took about 20 minutes to walk through the setup process and the software did all of the work. The menu and key layouts are quite intuitive - even our eight year old can activate the entire system and go right to his favorite cartoon channels.
   
   I highly recommend this product to anyone tired of the frustration involved with trying to find the right combination of buttons needed just to watch a TV show - or for just trying to find one of the remotes that always seem to disappear between the couch cushions.



5. Once setup correctly, this home theatre controller is excellent, the best part is just having one remote for all activities, it is however a little time consuming during setup.

2 comments about weemote TV Remote for Kids, V7.4.

1. This is a wonderful product that allows the parents to program a remote control just for the kids. It allows the kids to turn on the TV and/or cable box, satellite box, Tivo, etc., control the volume (or this feature can be turned off) and pre-sets the channels the kids can watch. The instructions are easy to follow and if you happen to have DirecTv, the kids channels are already programmed for you. This WeeMote controls the latest and greatest A/V equipment and I have to say my children have become addicted to the power! We had an older model for our old TV but it didn't work with our new HD set up. So we got this for their birthday they love it...and we love it. One thing to watch, though, is that if you program certain channels like Disney and Discovery Kids, they change to more mature programming later in the day and the Weemote will still allow the kids to go to those channels. We monitor them more closely in the evenings for that reason.



2. Small boy has a beater TV that doesn't even say the manufacturer on it. Took less than 15 minutes to set it up with Time Warner Cable. He cant break it (yet) and seems to grasp the concepts already.

5 comments about Dynatron Miracle Remote for Toshiba TVs - MR120.

1. I have a 1997 Toshiba 27" television set. The remote broke long ago and finding a replacement produced a, 'no longer available'! Even the Toshiba company had stopped manufacturing this item long ago. Every effort brought me to a dead end. What I should have done was come to Amazon first! I received my Dynatron MR120 today and it is everything the manufacturer advertised. It has all the options that my original remote had including all the PIP settings, surround sound, and menu choices. I consider it a fantastic deal at a very reasonable price.
   Victor G



2. Our dog thought our original remote was a chew toy, so I bought a cheap universal remote as a replacement. The universal worked basic features like volume and changing channels, but we dearly missed our picture in picture! The Dynatron Miracle Remote was the answer. It is an awesome product. It's not fancy. It looks a little cheap, but it does everything it promises. I must be honest & say that the first Dynatron remote I ordered had a glitch that prevented the power button from functioning properly. It happened within the first 30 days but it was too late for me to return it to the online retailer I purchased it from. I contacted the Dynatron company directly & they asked me to send my remote in for a replacement. I did & they replaced it for me almost immediately, with no hassel, dispite the fact that I didn't have a receipt and didn't purcahse it directly from them. I was very impressed with that & the new remote works perfectly.



3. The Miracle Remote not only has all the functions that the original remote had, but it's easier to use. Great product!



4. We lost the remote to our 36" Toshiba Cinema Series television that was manufactured in 1998. The remote control for my Dish satellite would turn the TV on and off, change channels and volume, but I could not access any of the TV's advanced features such as PIP, surround sound settings, etc.
   
   As soon as I took the MR120 out of the box and put batteries in it, it worked just like the original remote did. ALL TV features are now accessible. Works beautifully.



5. I have a 2002 Toshiba TV and the remote doesn't work at all. I'll try exchanging it but by the time shipping adds to the cost this isn't such a good deal.

4 comments about One For All URC 3021 Value Line 3-Device Universal Remote Control.

1. It's my first universal remote, so I can't compare it to others. I wanted a basic remote that could control my cable box, dvd player and TV from bed - most importantly control the volume and power off the tv. This remote does that and more. It also works from a good distance - I've tested it from approx. 20ft and it's able to transmit. The manual is easy to read/ program. My electronics are popular brand name. I had my TV powering on/off, volume control, dvd player and cable box programmed in about 5 min. Programming the "master power" on/off sequence and "volume lock" was also a breeze. I haven't tried programming fav channels or sleep timer yet, but it's looks pretty simple to do.
   It's slim and long, with a the lower half being slightly thicker - I would have preferred it to be a little shorter/smaller. The construction feels durable, and the buttons are rubber and easy to read find, although there is no back lit.
   It's an uncomplicated, basic universal remote, that works great.
   
   If this review helped you please vote for it...



2. It controls my TV and my DirecTV, but not my DVD player/VCR combo player. The manual lists codes for 11 DVD/VCR brands, but not mine. It doesn't make sense that they would leave Phillips off the list.



3. I purchased this remote to control my TV, DVD player, and DirectTV box. We needed this because we lost our original TV remote and couldn't use the sleep timer. It controls the TV as it should. However, I could not get it to sync with my DirectTV box despite trying ALL the codes included with the instructions. Also, it did sync with the DVD player, but doesn't control most of the functions. Be weary if you need this remote to control all features!



4. If you're looking for an inexpensive remote control, you've found it. This is a simple device that is easy to operate. No complaints whatsoever!

4 comments about RCA 6-IN-1 Universal Remote Silver.

1. This remote is the same as the original that came with the tv.



2. I LOVE THIS REMOTE, IT'S EASY TO USE, PROGRAM, AND THE OVERALL PERFORMANCE IS EXCELLENT. I'VE USED SEVERAL UNIVERSAL REMOTES IN THE PAST, BUT THIS ONE'S OUTSTANDING. EVEN THE SHAPE AND DESIGN MAKES IT COMFORTABLE FOR YOU TO CONTROL.



3. Unless you want to continue to have to re-program the stupid remote, this is a waste of money. At least 5 times a day I have to re-program the stupid thing and then it will shut on and off but never actually change the channel.
   
   I am super disappointed.



4. works great! You can disable the terrible Guide Plus function which is inherent in RCA TV's