RCA RCU1010 Universal 9 Device Touch Screen Remote Control Review

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.

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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.

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URC MasterControl RF20 Universal Learning Remote w/ RF Capability Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Wow! What an impressive universal remote (but with flaws)! Most of the buttons can 'learn' from a device's remote, or can be programmed with 'macros' (a series of button presses). For example, my DirecTV/TiVo remote has no 'OFF' button (but there's one on the box), so I programmed the universal remote's 'OFF' button for this. My Samsung HDTV has a complicated ZOOM procedure, and a complicated source selection procedure, so I simplified them for my needs. Practically all of the buttons on a device's remote can be duplicated on this remote. With cheaper 'universal' remotes, the most useful functions of a device's remote are there, but for other functions I need to keep the original remote around, so why bother. Now with this one, I can put the old individual remotes away.
But then there's the bug. One of the 'features' of this remote is 'erasing commands'. Why would you need this? Well, perhaps you decided to rearrange your screen buttons, and you didn't need one any more, so you cleared the label and deleted the command (key or macro). And here's the bug: the 'learning' method for programming buttons DOES NOT WORK, if a macro has previously been stored to the button. One would expect that any old command on a button would automatically be erased when a new command (key or macro) is saved, but that is not the case. The work-around for the bug is that you must manually erase the command first. So this is clearly what the 'erasing commands' feature is for. But that reason is not documented in the manual, and neither is the bug itself.
In fact, another problem with this remote is the manual. It appears glib and superficial. It leaves out some important details. One of the most powerful features of this remote is the macro capability, but the manual explains this only through one example, for the ON button on the MAIN page. It does not give any general step-by-step procedure for setting up a macro command on a button for an individual component. Most users will eventually be able to figure this out, but the manual should have more detail. In fact, what is missing from the manual is a chapter on how to set up macros for users who are serious about using this powerful capability. Also important is button layout, which is a design issue. For the screen buttons, for example, the most frequently used commands should be on buttons that are closer to the center of the remote -- that is, lower on the screen, whereas less frequently used or more destructive commands (such as RECORD or CLEAR COUNTER, for example) should be further away -- higher on the screen.
You should also be aware of the large amount of time that it can take to set up the remote as you might like it to be. The Pre-Programmed Code Method of setup is fast, but usually doesn't set up all of the buttons that are on the original remote. The Learning Method is also fast, once you have designed the button layout you want. You may, for example, set up the OFF button to actually do RECORD, since the ON button does the ON/OFF function for a component (this is the layout taken by one of the pre-programmed codes for a VCR). But doing the design of the button layout, and particularly learning how the various setup features work, then setting up macros, then changing things when you see how you can improve your layout -- these things can take a really long time. And the manual does not give you any help with some of these issues. And then of course you may want to document some of your layout, especially if the OFF button invokes RECORD, for example.
Yet another little 'bug' is in the manual's macro example. If the ON button is programmed in this way, then the ON buttons for the individual components no longer work as you might expect. That is, you may wish to play a CD and so you just want to turn on the audio amplifier (and the CD player). But now the AUDIO ON button invokes the MAIN ON button, so everything comes on instead. The manual doesn't warn you of these problems.
For the remote itself and its capabilities, I would probably grade it a 4.5 on a scale of 1 to 5. But because of the bug and the manual, it is tempting to grade it as a 1. So the compromise is 3.


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Controls up to 10 Audio/Video components / Provides 453 Macros buttons (up to 190 steps each / Thousands of built-in pre-programmed codes / Power - 4 AAA Batteries (included) / LCD Display Size - 0.88 x 1.88 inch / Learning Function / Backlit Keypad / Size - Depth 1 x Height 8.5 x Width 2.5 inch / Weight – 7.1 oz. (with batteries)

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Logitech Harmony RF Wireless Extender Review

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.

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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.

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Keyspan ER-V2 RF Remote for Windows Vista Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)First off, this remote was shipped quite rapidly. I received it only three days after placing the order.
Out of the box it has a light, but solid feel. The plastic feels tight and does not flex or make noises. It seems like it'll be able to stand up to some wear and tear.
I plugged the receiver into the 32-bit Windows Vista Home Premium box that I built, and it was instantly recognized and ready to use. Thanks to the RF receiver, the range on this is great. I have the receiver plugged in behind my computer and I can point the remote away from the computer and still have reception.
The functions of the remote seem pretty standard for a Windows Media Center Device. One feature I didn't notice before purchasing is that it has a button that can put the computer in and out of standby. Another cool thing I've discovered is that this remote has some limited functionality with iTunes. Stop, play, forward, reverse, and pause all work. The volume on the iTunes volume slider will not change by pushing the volume controls, though.
I'm very happy with this product and would definitely recommend to people looking for a quality remote.

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More Range! More Convenience! Introducing the new Keyspan ER-V2 RF remote for Windows Vista! Use the ER-V2 radio frequency (RF) remote to enjoy the entertainment offered by your Windows Vista Home Premium or Windows Vista Ultimate PC. Unlike infrared (IR) remotes that are often provided with a PC, the ER-V2 RF remote provides greater range and works through walls or furniture. It provides a more convenient and fun digital media experience -- and provides you more freedom when deciding where to place your PC. Use this remote with your PC to enjoy live TV, TV/video recording,movies, music, photos and radio. There is no software to install -- just plug the receiver into the USB port on your PC and it works within seconds. Highlights Controls media center TV, music, videos and photos RF signal works up to 60 ft through walls and furniture Allows you to locate the PC in an AV cabinet or closet No software to install -- works within seconds

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Noah Company MediaGate GP-IR02BK Windows Vista Home Premium and Windows Vista Ultimate MCE Remote Control, 2 Channel IR (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This remote seems to work well for the basic MCE functionality, but it has some issues that hamper its usability (for me.)
First, the "learning" feature that's been mentioned elsewhere. The MS remote for MCE has the ability to "learn" to turn your TV on/off, and to adjust the volume on your stereo (or TV.) This remote mentions such a feature in the manual ("if available"), but the version sold here doesn't actually have this feature. Having to juggle three remotes gets cumbersome, especially when the "standard" MCE remote doesn't have this problem.
Second is response time. As implied in my previous paragraph, I also have an MS MCE remote. The MS remote/receiver is quite responsive. With this remote you have to hold down each button longer for it to "register" as a button-click with the receiver. At first I thought it was an issue with the remote itself, but I later realized it's an issue with the receiver. (The receiver that came with this remote will work with the MS remote, but it still has a "sluggish" response time. No such issue if I go back to the MS receiver.) If you're used to clicking through menus (or commercials) quickly, this gets aggravating because it doesn't register some of your clicks.
Finally, this remote is extremely lightweight. It has no heft to it. This might actually be a good thing if it weren't for the learning issue, but since I'm not actually using the remote for its intended purpose, this means I can't even use it as a paperweight on my coffee table.

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Control your Set-Top Box with this Remote Control The receiver also has (2) IR Ports and includes (1) IR emitter that emits a signal that will allow you to control your set-top box with this Remote Control at the same time. 2 in 1 Function! Pefect for Media Center PCs with Satellite Set-Top Box Users!

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Compact Powerhouse X10 Plug-In RF Wireless Tranceiver Module TM751 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)People familiar with the X-10 technology know that in the USA the 110v wiring is derived from a 220v input that is split. Often part of the house is wired to one leg and the rest of the house is wired to the other leg. The X-10 signal can't jump from one leg to another leg without the help of some capacitor or X-10 bridge.
Two sides of my living room are on different legs. Side 1 was on the controller leg and worked fine. Side 2 wouldn't work. I placed Compact Powerhouse X10 Plug-In RF Wireless Tranceiver Module TM751 into Side 1 of the living room and another one into Side 2. Now X-10 control modules work on both sides of the room with the X10 HR12A 16 Device Palm Pad Remote Control for X10 Receivers.
I call this a poor man's bridge. Real X-10 bridges cost 10 times as much.

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Convert wireless signals into powerline X10 signals. This multiple device RF base works with X10's line of RF remote controls and PIR motion sensors. Wireless X10 devices need this base unit to catch the radio signals and convert them to X10 signals on the electricity line. Add as many handheld remotes and X10 wireless devices as you want to each base. As long as the transmitters are on the same house code as the base, they will all control the same devices. Be careful to have only one RF base unit or X10 security console (which also change RF signals into X10 signals for the electricity line) per housecode. If more than one base unit is used on the same housecode, X10 signal collisions may result. The expandable RF Base includes a built-in appliance module which responds to unit codes 1 under the chosen house code. The appliance module can be controlled by wireless control or from another hardwired X10 transmitter. Like other Appliance Modules, it too is rated for 500 watts incandescent, 1/3 HP motor loads, and 15 amps resistive load (like a space heater.)

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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

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.

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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

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3-pack Wireless Remote Control Outlet Switch 1200 watt 100 Feet Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Having purchased similar items from another manufacturer in the past, I was surprised to find that the item ships batteries not included. The range is also noticeably less than that of the competing product that I have purchased- I usually have to click the button two or three times just to switch the lights across the room. Also, the oversized outlet takes up two plug spaces. On the plus side, the product is much cheaper than competitors, considering that you get separate control of three different outlets with one remote. With the competitor's product, you'd have to buy three packages and juggle three remotes, so if you want separate control of multiple outlets from one remote, this is definitely the way to go.
UPDATE 2/8/11 ------------------------------------
This product didn't last very long before it stopped working. I'd recommend other alternatives. There's a reason this product is so cheap relative to the competition.

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Ideal for the remote operation of many electrical devices, including lamps, appliances, tools and more. It even works outside!With one 12-volt (Model 23A, not included) battery for the remote you are ready to go!

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Genie GICT390-1BL One-Button Remote Control with Intellicode Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The remote works as advertised.
The manual has programming directions (press "program" button on your garage opener, press the remote two times, you're done).
The four little rectangles arond the remote are a plastic sleeve that can be reversed to cover the button, so it won't accidentally open your garage from your pocket.
There's a tiny hole that lights up red when you press the button, so you know that the battery is good.
Comes with battery already installed.
The keyring was a little tough to attach.

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Deluxe 1 Button Remote Control, With Intellicode for Garage Door Openers.

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Next Generation Remote Control Extender Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Next Generation Remote Control Extender
I had a need to remote control my TiVo HD and DVD player that are located inside a closed cabinet. I tried to use an inexpensive RF remote control but I hated the remote and there is a significant amount of lag when I push the button on the remote. Sometimes the component didn't register the command at all. Very frustrating.
I did a little more research on how to control my components that were hidden inside this cabinet and I ran across this Next Generation Remote Control Extender. At first I thought this was the same thing as those stupid X-10 Pyramid remote extenders or IR repeaters, but as I read more about it I realized this was something different. In short, this system will allow you to convert your standard remote into a powerful RF remote. This is a very unique solution.
I used this system to convert my favorite Logitech/Harmony 676 universal remote into a RF remote that can control my TiVo HD and DVD player while hidden out of sight in my cabinet. It totally works and there no lag from when I push a button to the action on the screen. Love it!!!

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Infrared remotes are generally limited to line-of-sight operation and shorter ranges. This deivce from NextGen will "RFize" your IR remote, giving it a range of up to 100 feet, room-to-room control, and the other bonuses of having an RF remote.
Effectively change your infrared remote to a more powerful radio-frequency signal.

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