new remote...

Hi folks,
I've decided that I should perhaps get a new remote control that can handle all of my kit (I've got 7 remotes just now!)
I want to be able to do the usual stuff, but perhaps with a nice GUI..??

It will also be required to support my Sub which has it's own remote…

I guess the budget will be around 50, but perhaps more on a real good un'

Any ideas..?

cheers

 

Not that I have vast experience of remotes, but I know what you mean about proliferating r/c's!

I would go for something with both buttons and touch screen.
You could pay tons for a colour pronto but not worth it IMHO

I just got a CA M700 from RS. Does the job adequately for around £60. Can control up to 8 devices. It's a learning remote with macros. Though the gui is fairly basic b&w, and a bit limited in choosing different icons on the LCD. But if you generally use main functions for your devices then is fine.

RS have an exchange policy, but I don't think this means you can get a refund. But I insisted on it if didn't work with one of my devices.

HTH

ps. ask over at av forums too

 

I use one of the OneForAll jobbies. Mine's a OneForAll 6 I think.

I went for one of those rather than an LCD touchscreen jobbie because I like to have real buttons to press and not be arsing around with a stylus on a touchscreen

The OneForAll's (the better spec ones) are remarkably flexible in the ways in which they can be programmed but some of the programming sequences can be extremely fiddly and impossible to remember. Still, once you've got it all setup then that stuff's not important any more.

See here: http://www.oneforall-int.com/index.html

Looks like 6 devices is the most it will handle allthough that can be got around. For example, my CD player takes up one "slot" but I also programmed the volume control for my pre-amp into the CD player slot because that's all it needs (and the CDP doesn't have a volume control). That also means I don't have to switch "modes" just to change volume.

The OneForAlls are also way cheaper than any LCD universal aswell

Michael.

 

I agree that tactile buttons are far better than a lcd screen. Though the m700 doesn't use a stylus, your finger will do (unless u have huge digits!).

For basic controls like channel up/down, vol, pwr, mute these are mapped onto buttons. For other things like numbers, FF, menu these would be on the lcd. I think it offers more flexiblity that the all for one because of the additional display, if you think you will be using more functions. Also, you could combine the most common commands of a few remotes onto one screen for convenience.

But 60 quid for a replacement remote ain't cheap. Funny, how I convinced myself regardless. But it does a fine job

Whatever, don't chuck your original remotes!

 

I have a one-for-all kameleon which was £80.
Very easy to setup and is on a movement sensor so it switches on when you pick it up which is always fun.

Mine works fine with everything except my minidisk but thats because I haven't found the right code, it even works with my cheapo Aiwa AV amp!

Only small problem is that is drains batteries quite a bit but that may be because everyone keeps playing with it

Hope this helps

Andrew

 

yeah, thanks all for your input!!

the kameleon remote - do you think it'll handle my Sub remote control..?

cheers

 

Which sub have you got, I can check the manual

Andrew

 

Sorry, just seen your footer, will have a look in the manual for you

 

Eltax A12r sub....just a cheapy, but does the job!

 

For any of the 'learning remotes' you don't need to know the codes, as you just point the original remote at the new one and hey presto (well for each command, so still takes some time)

BTW, for most replacement remotes, they don't work on many of the NTL or telewest cable boxes ( u have to BUY a red-eye ).

 

Its not listed in the manual but there are codes on the internet for an eltax atomic surround sound system:
Eltax Atomic Surround Bok (priset (1995) finns redan)
Eltax Atomic Surround Bok utan aktiv bas (priset (1595) finns redan)

Hope this helps

Andrew

 

i'll second the kameleon reccomendation too. i believe there is even a new '8' version available in the usa which will control 8 items (not that you really need to as michael points out).
even if there are no pre programmed codes for your sub the learning function should take care of it and there is also phone and internet support for new codes.
i have an ntl cable box and my kameleon runs it no problems.
the only 2 problems i have is that the macro function cannot keep a key held down long enough to turn on my tv although it works ok if you hold the key manually and a mosquito like whine when the pad is lit up.
i think i've had to drag out my a/v amp remote once - to run the test tones to check that my speakers hadn't gone kaput when a dodgy kung fu video switched from stereo to mono half way through. all the others have stayed resolutely out of the way.
cheers


julian

 

Mine doesn't do that.

-- Ian

 

Mine makes the buzzing noise when its switched on but I can't tell when the television etc. is on, its only late at night you can really tell.

Andrew

 

I got an LCD learning remote from Maplin - the same as the Richer sounds one. Seemed a good idea at the time but even using the original remotes to programme it, it would not operate my Sky box very well - had to press each button twice and would operate my sony DAV500 DVD/AMP system at all
Might try a chamaeleon some time.
Donut

 

Another vote for the Kameleon here! Does everything I want it to and you can always 'teach' it codes for stuff that it doesn't have built-in codes for!

Mine also has the annoying whine as did the original which went back to the shop. Is it true that there are some out there that are silent (what a blessing that must be!)

 

Nope, no whining from mine.

Should I complain?

-- Ian

 

I would certainly complain, its one of the most appealing parts, especially when you nudge it when in bed.

 

does it glow in bed??

 

No, but the remote does.

-- Ian