Showing posts with label harmony remote. Show all posts
Showing posts with label harmony remote. Show all posts

5/24/2012

RCA RCU1010 Universal 9 Device Touch Screen Remote Control Review

RCA RCU1010 Universal 9 Device Touch Screen Remote Control
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I don't understand everyone else's negative reviews about the learning feature of this remote. For most of my components it took a little extra time and patience, but it got there eventually. The most trouble I had was with my Apex DVD player; the remote preset code wouldn't work and I had to program each button individually. The functions were "forgotten" a few times, but I patiently kept reprogramming and now it finally seems to have stuck. Sure, if I had paid a ridiculous amount for it, this would be unacceptable, but you ALWAYS get what you pay for. I've learned that lesson time and time again.
When I tried programming a second DVD player onto Aux, it screwed up the main player's settings. I haven't tried it again since successfully getting the first to stay in there. There are 4 Audio buttons which unfortunately only offer soft keys suited for audio operation, not adaptable to DVD players. So for now I'm holding onto my lesser-used player's remote.
The pros:
Programming wasn't difficult, I don't think I even bothered reading the manual.
I like that the permanent hard keys are play, FF, rewind, as I need those for 3 of the 5 components I am operating. The prior touchscreen remote I tried (Sima) had those as soft keys, which was annoying.
The response time for the keys seems adequate.
The blue-lit screen looks very high-tech and buttons aren't too hypersensitive about hitting the wrong one.
I love the punch-through feature for the volume keys. On the Sima I had to constantly switch back to TV to change volume.
The touchscreen material makes it very easy to wipe fingerprints off. Keeps it looking newer longer.
I love the PDA look of the unit.
I love FINALLY having only one remote on the coffee table, rather than two or three.
The cons:
The biggest con I can see is the placement of the hard keys. Being at the bottom, it is impossible to use this with only one hand. Would have been better to reverse hard keys and touchscreen (or provided longer hand grip underneath hard keys).
Not able to relabel soft keys for special functions. But from what I have read, only the top-of-the-line models let you do this. Again, you get what you pay for.
Kind of silly to have a "mute" button so prominently placed in the center of the hard keys. Our family never uses it. I wish it could have been reprogrammed for an important Tivo function instead.
Backlight doesn't stay on long enough, and impossible to see screen in the dark without it. Time will tell what kind of wear this puts on the batteries.
Overall I'd say this is a great value for the price. Some people who are more demanding with higher expectations might want to look at higher end units, though.
****EDIT****: 9 months later the remote has forgotten all my codes repeatedly and now nothing will stick. It's back to operating only the TV. Guess you have to pay top dollar to have a remote that is really and truly universal. Subtract 3 of those stars.

Click Here to see more reviews about: RCA RCU1010 Universal 9 Device Touch Screen Remote Control

Manufacturer's Part # RCU1010RFThis product is Brand New.Experience the ultimate incontrol with the RCA RCU1010RF 9-device LCD touchscreen learning remote.

Designed with a built-in RFtransmitter, this remote comes preprogrammed with the most popular codes. Itoffers customizable keys and quick access keys to provide easy access to themost used commands. Perfect for any home entertainment system, it works for mostbrands of TV, VCR, DVD, Sat/cable, and audio components.

This unique universal remote control transmitscommands to your entertainment system with both IR and RF signalssimultaneously. RF transmissions allow this remote to operate up to 9 componentsin your home entertainment system without direct line of sight. RF signalstransmit up to 100 feet/30.5 meters* -- through walls, floors, ceilings, even toyour patio outdoors! The Universal Learning Remote with Touchscreen and Built-inRF Transmitter offers the ultimate in control and flexibility for your homeentertainment system. *Up to 100 feet/30.5meters, dependent upon homeconstruction. The RCU1010RF includes one universal learning remote withtouchscreen and a remote sender cone.

Features include:

Preprogrammed with the most popular codes
Fully EL backlit including hard keys
Expanded code library
This product is Brand New and comes with a 1 year warranty.


Buy NowGet 46% OFF

Click here for more information about RCA RCU1010 Universal 9 Device Touch Screen Remote Control

4/12/2012

Gemini GRCE-1 IR to RF Remote Control Converter Review

Gemini GRCE-1 IR to RF Remote Control Converter
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I'm sure this product works great, but it would have been nice to know that it only works with remotes that use AA batteries. You can't use it for a AAA battery remote.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Gemini GRCE-1 IR to RF Remote Control Converter

GEMINI GRCE-1, IR TO RF REMOTE CONVERTER

Buy Now

Click here for more information about Gemini GRCE-1 IR to RF Remote Control Converter

3/29/2012

IGI IRB-1 i Got Control Remote Adapter for iPad iPod touch and iPhones Review

IGI IRB-1 i Got Control Remote Adapter for iPad iPod touch and iPhones
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Pros:
-LARGE code database included within the remote software, which is free on I-tunes!
-App that actually learns the codes you need to use from other remote controls (IE: TV remote RF sends the codes to be learned. Look at website for tutorial).
-Macro buttons are easy to setup and have a delay feature to ensure that the buttons work properly.
-Cost as cheap as other remote controls, but uses software instead of pre-installed hardware chip with codes.
-Small adapter to I-phone/I-pod/I-pad (not too bulky)
-Active support team that is located WITHIN THE USA!!!!!!!!!!!!! (trust me, this is a BIG perk).
-Website video tutorials
-System wide power button feature that allows you to push one button to turn on multiple products (For example, turn on your TV, Cable, and Audio all by pushing one button)
Cons:
-Costs money :) (still, its worth the purchase)
-Some codes are not programmed within the existing software (but you can use other remotes to get the codes you need)Summary: TRUST ME! If you can find your old remotes, or find the code already within the software, this is the only product you will ever need.
It is truly awesome!

Click Here to see more reviews about: IGI IRB-1 i Got Control Remote Adapter for iPad iPod touch and iPhones

IR Remote Control Accessory for iPhone/iPod touch and iPadWith its built-in worldwide IR database and learning capability, the IRB1 turns your iPhone or iPod touch into the most powerful personal remote control ever devised. The IRB1 accessory and its associated iTunes application (i-Got-Control) combine to turn your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad into a universal remote control that can virtually control any Infrared device! There is no need for a home Wi-Fi network; just CONNECT, SELECT and CONTROL your A/V components.Features:
Built-in IR library with 1000's of remotes pre-installed
IR Learning capable for codes not found in library
Use to control AV Home Theater Components and Home Automation IR devices such as lights, fans, AC, etc.
Includes IR codes for iTunes and Front Row
Portable - take the IRB1 on-the-go to control devices in Hotel Rooms, the office, friends house, even the local pub! Take Control wherever you go!
Easy to setup: just Connect, Select, ControlSpecifications:
Dimensions: 50mm(L) x 29.6mm(W) x 10.4mm(H)
Weight: 0.5oz (14grams)
Power: Powered by iPhone/iPod Touch (No Batteries required)
Connection: Apple 30Pin Connector
IR Output: Distance: 30ft
IR Dispersion angle: 30degrees(+/-15degrees off Center)
IR Library: Contains IR codes from 1000's of Consumer Electronic devices from around the world
IR Learning: 30kHz to 100kHz Carrier frequency
IR Learning Capability: depends on iPhone/iPod Touch Memory (virtually learns unlimited).
# of Devices supported: (from Library or Learned) Unlimited. Organized via Pages. 9 Devices per page. pages automatically created as needed.
LED Indicators: 2 Led's: GREEN = GOOD, RED = BAD

Buy NowGet 30% OFF

Click here for more information about IGI IRB-1 i Got Control Remote Adapter for iPad iPod touch and iPhones

2/08/2012

Logitech Harmony RF Wireless Extender Review

Logitech Harmony RF Wireless Extender
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
The Logitech Harmony RF Wireless Extender allows your RF-equipped Harmony Remote (the 890, 895 or new 1000) to control components without having an IR "line of sight" to the components. One RF Wireless Extender is included with the Harmony 890, but it is unfortunately not included with the Harmony 1000.
Make no mistake, this device is an absolute REQUIREMENT for any large room or complex setup. In my configuration, the Harmony 1000 didn't have the strength to power all of my components through IR from 20 feet distance. The RF extender solved this problem, and now I can control my entire setup even from another room.
One RF Wireless Extender can control up to 8 components within the line of sight of the unit, or within line of sight of the 8 included IR emitters. You can add multiple extenders to your configuration if you have components in different rooms or areas that could not be served by one unit. Annoyingly, even if you have more than 8 components within the reach of the unit or the emitters the Harmony software won't let you assign more than 8 devices to a single extender.
IMPORTANT: You should try to setup and verify your Harmony configuration using IR-only if possible before adding the extender, even if you have to sit near your components or have cabinet doors open. This is because the Harmony software makes you connect and disconnect both the extender (which must be unplugged from AC power) and the remote each time you make a change. Setting up the Harmony first, by itself, with IR is much easier to make changes to the configuration.
After verifying I could control my components using IR-only, I added the RF Wireless Extender to my setup. The Harmony software updated to the latest firmware, and I have had no problems configuring it using both Mac OS X and Windows clients.
Setup is very easy. If all of your components are behind a cabinet, you can simply mount this "blaster" unit inside, at least 10 inches from the front of your components. Or, you can attach the 8 included wired emitters (in 4 pairs of 2) near the IR receivers of each component. The wires for each of the 4 pairs are roughly 7 feet long, splitting into 2 emitters that must be placed within 25 inches of each other. Also good to note is that the tape is strong enough to attach to your component, but not strong enough to leave any residue should you need to remove them.
Within the Harmony setup, you then assign each component to either IR or RF Extender control. Optionally, you can assign each component to a channel (A,B,C,D,blaster) which corresponds to the 4 sets of 2 wired emitters and base, or all channels which sends all commands to all emitters. I chose to specifically assign each component to its channel, which seems to give better performance. (TIP: label your emitter wires!)
Once configured, you connect the RF Extender and the Harmony Remote to your computer to download the configuration. Then, you must plug the RF Extender into the wall, and optionally attach the IR emitter wires. The Harmony remote must initially be "paired" with the RF Extender, which is done by pressing the "Connect" button on the extender, and following the prompts on your remote.
Operation was flawless. I could control all components from around my house! And, the performance of startup was much faster, I believe because I had assigned each component to a specific channel on the extender.
In my configuration, I was pleasantly surprised to find the RF extender is fast enough to send the repeated command sequences needed to accelerate up and down through the menus in my AppleTV. Great job, Logitech!
If there was one area where Logitech could make improvements it would be the supplied documentation, which attempts to be user friendly but in the process is so oversimplified it is of little use. Since Amazon doesn't allow half-star increments, I stand by my 5-star review, documentation withstanding.
Based on the large number of problems people had when this was first released a year ago, I was expecting issues, but it would appear that the latest firmware (RF Extender v2.4, Harmony 890 v4.7) and Harmony client software (v7.0.2) have resolved all issues for both Mac OS X and Windows users.
All in all, a highly recommended product - and a great value bundled with the matching Harmony 890 (see my review there). I have since upgraded to the Harmony 1000, but kept this extender to use with it. It's a shame that Logitech doesn't include the extender with the 1000, as it really is a requirement.
I would recommend this without hesitation.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Logitech Harmony RF Wireless Extender

Gain complete control of components that are hidden behind cabinets or walls. With a range of up to 100 feet, you can place your equipment out of sight, or even move it to the next room. Designed for use with the Logitech Harmony 1000 or 890 Advanced Universal Remotes, Z-Wave (RF) Technology enables remote control of audio, visual, lighting, climate, and security systems without direct line-of-sight.Use additional receivers to control multiple entertainment systems.

Buy NowGet 32% OFF

Click here for more information about Logitech Harmony RF Wireless Extender

1/31/2012

Ramsey RRW1AC Wireless IR/RF Repeater Transmitter Kit Review

Ramsey RRW1AC Wireless IR/RF Repeater Transmitter Kit
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
your marketing sucks.
seriously. it sucks.
I don't mean your lack of adverts on abc or anything that trite. I mean that you sell components that _require_ other components, and you fail to make those requirements known.
here, let me elucidate.
I have a projector. this projector is behind me. the video is fed to the projector by an AV receiver which is also behind me. leaning over the couch and trying to point the right remote at the right device (do I need to pause a dvd? do want to skip to the next selection on my apple tv? hell, do I want to adjust the volume on my stereo) is awkward. I have to imagine that this is a pretty standard predicament for someone to be in when they go searching for this sort of product. so I went looking for something that would transmit my IR signal at the front of the room (where the image is projected) to the back of the room (where the AV gear is located).
amazon, to the rescue!
the least crappy/most flexible of the products appeared to be the ramsey products. cool. for 30$ something, I ordered the IR/RF transmitter. it comes and it turns out that this is a DIY setup. ok, that's not what I was expecting. It would've been nice if the description said DIY somewhere. My bad for not correctly interpreting 'kit' to mean 'solder this yourself'. But what the hell, I get a soldering iron and get it setup.
nothing happens.
ok, I see that I only got the transmitter. crap. I guess I need a transmitter and some sort of repeater/receiver. would've been nice if ramsey had mentioned that on my initial purchase.
so I order the repeater. another $30 (and another 10 days). I'm expecting a DIY kit this time, and this time, I'm not disappointed. soldering gun at the ready, and I get it going.
repeater, works just fine. transmitter, still nothing. Not amount of futzing can get these two devices to talk to each other. odd, b/c my amazon research lead me to believe that these were the two I wanted. I figure I must've set the transmitter up incorrectly (it _was_ my first device. I was less experienced and the actvity indicator LED's act differently. when the repeater recieves a signal, the LED blinks on. when the transmitter recieves a signal, the LED blinks off. something must be crossed in the transmitter).
so I toss the transmitter and buy a new one. $90+ invested now, in a DIY kit.
setup. plugged in. LED blinks. still, no dice.
what could possibly be wrong?
Oh, when buying the RRW1A wireless transmitter, I also need to buy an RRW1B reciever (according to the manual). except that on amazon, it's called an RRW1BC wireless RF/IR Repeater Receiver (try searching amazon for "RRW1B", all I get is two random books when searching "all departments")
Riiiight.
So, Ramsey, your marketing sucks. you utterly fail to make known what components are needed for what to work. you have, however, inspired me to simply move my a/v receiver to a location that isn't quite so awkward to point at from the couch. yay, you.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Ramsey RRW1AC Wireless IR/RF Repeater Transmitter Kit

Have you ever been frustrated with the range of your remote controls? Tired of having to bounce your IR remote off ceilings and walls? Do you want to run your system from another room or floor? This is the answer to your prayers! Extend the range of your remote controls through walls, around corners, and even from outdoors. Unlike store bought units, error correction can be turned on for pulse width regeneration. The foolproof IR repeater! Take advantage of wireless technology with this practical kit, which almost anyone can use. The RRW1A and RRW1B pair allow you to rebroadcast your AV Infrared remote controls wirelessly on 433 MHz up to 100 feet. Broadcast through walls, doors, floors, and ceilings. Use the pair to control the satellite receiver downstairs, and watch it upstairs! Be outside and control the tunes on your stereo system in the living room! Use multiple RRW1A s to broadcast from multiple locations in the house to the single RRW1B receiver near your equipment. Feed the control freak in all of us! Both units operate on 7-18V AC or DC. For continuous operation, use our AC125 AC power adapter. Sleek matching cases measure 5 W x 1 1/2 H x 5 1/4 D.

Buy Now

Click here for more information about Ramsey RRW1AC Wireless IR/RF Repeater Transmitter Kit

8/15/2011

Universal Remote Control, Multi-Brand Use, (Operates up to 4 Components, Including TV, VCR, Cable Box or Satellite Receiver, and DVD or AUX), RCU404, by RCA Review

Universal Remote Control, Multi-Brand Use, (Operates up to 4 Components, Including TV, VCR, Cable Box or Satellite Receiver, and DVD or AUX), RCU404, by RCA
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This is waste money, I have wasted lot money on reversal remote and they work for a while they give out. this remote I couldn't program it to my Toshiba DVD Recorder because the code was to new. Stick with the unit remote then adding these remotes.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Universal Remote Control, Multi-Brand Use, (Operates up to 4 Components, Including TV, VCR, Cable Box or Satellite Receiver, and DVD or AUX), RCU404, by RCA

Universal Remote Control, Multi-Brand Use, (Operates up to 4 Components, Including TV, VCR, Cable Box or Satellite Receiver, and DVD or AUX), RCU404, by RCA

Buy NowGet 76% OFF

Click here for more information about Universal Remote Control, Multi-Brand Use, (Operates up to 4 Components, Including TV, VCR, Cable Box or Satellite Receiver, and DVD or AUX), RCU404, by RCA