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


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

5/05/2012

Universal Remote Complete Control MX-3000 IR RF Color Touch Screen Remote Control Review

Universal Remote Complete Control MX-3000 IR RF Color Touch Screen Remote Control
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
We splurged on a $20K home theatre bonanza, all of which is pretty awesome except the mx-3000 universal remote. There is a constantly fluctuating variation in the sensitivity and latency of the touch pad. I feel like the biggest sucker in the world sitting here on the sofa having to make 10 attempts at pressing channel "500." After 3 seconds it takes whatever you've been able to successfully press .. so, a few times is is only "5", then "50", then "500", then "800" (oops, you dropped your finger too close to the 8!). I promise you, it is the most frustrating, annoying thing you will ever pay $1000 for. We are very close to throwing it away and fishing out all the remotes our installers left somewhere in the theatre cabinet.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Universal Remote Complete Control MX-3000 IR RF Color Touch Screen Remote Control

SS-750RPX PET CONTROLLER KIT - WOODSTREAM Corporation

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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

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

3/18/2012

Hot Link Xl CAT-5 Ir Repeater System Review

Hot Link Xl CAT-5 Ir Repeater System
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I've bought many things online over the years and have never bothered to leave a review, but after purchasing this product I just had to.
The product is really great - it does exactly what it says it's going to do, it's easy to set up, and it lives up to all the hype.
But even better than that is the customer service! I accidentally ordered the wrong version - the one that doesn't extend with Cat5 cable. I shot them an e-mail and asked them what to do, and they sent me the XL without even waiting for my exchange product to get back to them - I had it in two days! They also included a SASE for me to return my incorrect purchase in.
On top of that, when I received it and plugged it in it didn't seem to work - but after conferring with Microsmith we determined it was a problem with my Cat5 cable, and he helped me troubleshoot the whole issue.
The product is top notch, and the service is even better. Just buy it now!!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Hot Link Xl CAT-5 Ir Repeater System

CONTROLS GEAR UP TO 200 FT AWAY THROUGH CAT-5 WITH ALL THE FEATURES OF HOT LINK PRO; ROUTES IR SIGNALS TO OUT-OF-SIGHT EQUIPMENT; ENHANCED REMOTE PERFORMANCE FOR MULTIPLE A/V COMPONENTS; SLIM DESIGN, SIDE SENSORS & 6-FT SENSOR CABLE FOR FLEXIBLE POSITIONING; INCLUDES 6 LED EMITTERS FOR UP TO 6 A/V COMPONENTS, EXPANDABLE TO 24; RECEIVER EYE WORKS WITH VIRTUALLY ALL A/V COMPONENTS & CAN BE MOUNTED OUT OF SIGHT; INCLUDES POWER SUPPLY, MAIN AMPLIFIER BOX & REMOTE EMITTER/POWER ENTRY BOX, 6 EMITTERS & HYPERSENSITIVE RECEIVER EYE

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3/04/2012

URC MasterControl RF20 Universal Learning Remote w/ RF Capability Review

URC MasterControl RF20 Universal Learning Remote w/ RF Capability
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.


Click Here to see more reviews about: URC MasterControl RF20 Universal Learning Remote w/ RF Capability

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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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.

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

12/30/2011

RedEye Universal Remote System for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad Review

RedEye Universal Remote System for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Companies have been coming up with new and innovative ways to use the iPhone ever since the iPhone was available and particularly since the App Store opened. ThinkFlood has introduced their own creative use for the iPhone called RedEye, a hardware and app solution that turns your iPhone into a remote control for, well, pretty much darn near anything that uses an infrared (IR) remote signal.
Because the iPhone is not an IR transmitter, it cannot work directly as a remote for devices that use IR technology for remote control. The hardware portion of the RedEye solution is a small box, slightly larger than Apple's docking station, that also doubles as a charging station.
I'm a sucker for good packaging and ThinkFlood did a nice job with the RedEye. In the box are the RedEye station, the power cord, and inserts that make the various versions of the iPhone or iPod Touch fit snugly in the station. I have a thick skin on my iPhone and was able to use one of the inserts with my iPhone without removing the stick-on skin. One thing that would have been nice is if each insert has some sort of labeling to indicate which version of the iPhone or iPod Touch it was for.
Once plugged in, the unit emits a blue light to indicate it has power. To use the RedEye, the RedEye app (free from the iTunes App Store) must be installed on the iPhone or iPod Touch. When you first launch the RedEye app, a tutorial video launches explaining how the unit works and how to set it up. This was very nice as there are some tricks to setting the unit up that wouldn't be intuitive to the beginner. I did not have any difficulty setting the unit up other than getting the network setup, which was fully explained in the tutorial had I watched that in full first. And once you set up your first device, the rest come naturally.
Once I was correctly networked, the rest was a breeze. You start by configuring what ThinkFlood calls "Rooms." In my case I set up a room called "Basement." Within that room, you can have any number of activities, for example "Watch TV" or "Watch DVD" or even customized activities. You are only limited by what devices you have that accept an IR signal. Configuring which devices to control couldn't be easier. Simply select the manufacturer from the list in the App, send some test signals to the device, and select the signal that works.
Once you are fully configured, your iPhone works exactly as a stock remote would, perhaps better. The screen on your iPhone looks just like a remote. You can also use multi-touch gestures for commands to your device. For the advanced and not so common commands (for example, adjusting aspect ratio), there is a separate command screen that appears to cover any command that your device is capable of accepting. It was quite simple to set up the devices I tested and I was pleasantly surprised how all-encompassing the list of devices is. I tested televisions and stereos from 3 to 10 years old from various manufacturers and had no problems.
ThinkFlood provides wonderful support for their RedEye product. On their website you can find FAQs, video tutorials, the manual and email support. The video tutorials are particularly useful for setup. As a consumer, I appreciate companies that provide thorough support as ThinkFlood does.
At $188, the RedEye is a bit pricey. However, if you compare what this unit can do to something like the Harmony universal remotes, the price is definitely in the ballpark. One drawback is that, although you can configure several rooms, activities and devices, you would need a RedEye base station in each room assuming your rooms are physically outside the IR range of 35 feet or so. On the flip side, you get an extension of sorts because your signal to the Redeye is WiFi, which has a much farther range depending on your wireless setup. So you could centrally locate your RedEye unit between rooms to maximize the IR + WiFi range.
For someone looking for a remote control solution without having to have a dongle or device attached to the iPhone, this is the answer. The device is unobtrusive, only requires one cable for power and is simple to use.

Click Here to see more reviews about: RedEye Universal Remote System for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad

With the RedEye system you can use your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad to control your TV, stereo, cable box, DVD player, and many other devices that receive standard (infrared) signals. In other words, no more hunting through your sofa cushions for all those different remotes - all the control you need is right in your pocket.

Buy Now

Click here for more information about RedEye Universal Remote System for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad

10/14/2011

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

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

Click Here to see more reviews about: Noah Company MediaGate GP-IR02BK Windows Vista Home Premium and Windows Vista Ultimate MCE Remote Control, 2 Channel IR (Black)

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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Click here for more information about Noah Company MediaGate GP-IR02BK Windows Vista Home Premium and Windows Vista Ultimate MCE Remote Control, 2 Channel IR (Black)

9/07/2011

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

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

Click Here to see more reviews about: Compact Powerhouse X10 Plug-In RF Wireless Tranceiver Module TM751

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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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

8/01/2011

Hot Link Pro Remote Control Booster System Review

Hot Link Pro Remote Control Booster System
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
To all:
Thank you for your interest in this feedback forum for Hot Link Pro.
Following are some answers to the problems, questions, and suggestions that have appeared on this forum.
We make every effort to make certain clients can contact us with support questions. The web site and phone number are molded into the bottom of every unit. In the case of this forum we have yet to make contact with those who have had less than a stellar experience with Hot Link Pro.
Hiding the Eye:
We intend no holes to be drilled for the Eye to see through. There is a Velcro Kit and a screw tab for mounting the eye. This screw is meant for non-visible, internal surfaces, not the outside of a cabinet.
Hot Link Pro does not work "hidden behind a cabinet door", it works great behind a cabinet door "slot". It also works on the back of flat panel displays, behind speaker grills and cabinets. It does not need direct line of site. The Blue LED is separate from the Eye so that the Eye may be hidden while the LED may be mounted in a visible location.
Compatibility:
Hot Link Pro is the most compatible IR repeater available. Works with all IR remote controlled DVRs, Sat Boxes, DVD players, CD players, Xbox, etc. It works with all the new 58Khz carrier based gear like Scientific Atlanta 8300, the new AT and T VIP1200, Hughes, Motorola, HR20, etc. It even extends IR Keyboards and mice.
Only a few devices that use 455Khz carriers will not work. Some Kenwood high-end receivers and a couple of Sony high-end "ES" receivers. And a few older pioneer Elite Receivers.
Many professional installers prefer Hot Link Pro to multi-piece systems because it is broad band, works better with flat panel displays and does not need to be visible like other IR repeaters.
Reliability/Quality:
Hot Link models have been in the field for 15 years with extremely few failures. When something does go wrong, we repaired or replaced units for free. Even when the customer cut or removed or damaged parts. While Hot Link Pro will not work if an emitter is cut off, the warranty is not void if a client splices and extends the emitter for the purposes of running it to a ceiling mounted projector. (Usually with great success.) Total overall failure rate is less than 1/4%.
Rugged Design:
When the emitter wires peel apart they do not damage the wire. It is our specification that the wires not tear the insulation while being separated. Consider the alternative, 7 connectors which reduce reliability, and 7 individually bundled wire sets. The whole product uses about a ¼ of a watt, lowering the risk of damaged components from heat, over time.
Remove-ability of Emitters:
Emitters on Hot Link Pro apply with high-grade 3M thick clear tape that is easily removable and replaceable and does not harm plastics. Place thumb and finger on opposing side corners at the lower part of the tape and peel up emitter and tape together. Or push sideways to break adhesion. Using foam tape as suggested on this forum has 2 other consequences: Heat inside cabinets often causes these tapes to fail especially "removable" tapes. Also heat and age cause some foam tapes to stiffen making removal difficult, possibly scratching the surface of AV equipment. Much research has gone into the tape selected for Hot Link Pro. We offer free replacement tape on our site.
The plasma/LCD compatibility question:
Sometimes the "noise" causing the blue LED to stay on is from another source in the environment like a laptop LCD screen or compact high efficiency florescent lamp.
Hot Link Pro has worked with almost all plasma TVs with the known exception of 60 and 61 inch Plasmas and the Sharp Aquos 37 inch LCD NTSC model. Even though Hot Link works with the Aquos 42 and 45 inch and the smaller Aquos LCDs. The 37-inch NTSC model emits to much IR radiation for most IR repeaters to function properly. Hot Link Pro will work with the IR and RF- noisy Sony XBR series.
The 60 and larger plasma displays will work if an Eye with Y Kit is used with the Hot Link. Recommended Eye mounting procedures will be on our site. Noise indication during warm-up of LCD TVs is easily mitigated. Turn on LCD TV after cool down. While standing to one side so as to not add local reflection, place the Eye on the back of the TV and roll it until the Confirmation LED turns completely off.
Since an IR repeater must be broad band and many of the frequencies that cause noise are very near the remote frequencies, multiple direct frequency filtering is actually less effective than power vector filtering accomplished by mounting the Eye in a hidden location. The energy in the vector of the remote going forward is greater than the vector of the noise of the TV reflecting back toward the TV.
Doors open and not functioning properly:
The Hot Link Pro does work with the doors open as well as closed, unless noise is not mitigated or if the LCD or Plasma TV are sending out IR noise directly to the AV gear and affecting remote performance.
Remote To Eye Distances enhanced:
Hot Link Pro enhances useful distances of remotes. Comments to the contrary are often because of not mitigating noise or misplacement of emitters. In the case of the Scientific Atlanta 8300HD which has poor IR range to start with, distance is often enhanced when 1 to 5 layers of masking tape are placed between the Hot Link Pro emitter and the 8300HD IR receiver eye.
We make every effort to make installation as easy as possible with the recognition that some installs are easier than others and we provide great customer service to help with the trickier installations. Please call us for help at 800-999-8846.
At your service,
Marcus, Microsmith Inc.


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ROUTES IR SIGNALS TO OUT-OF-SIGHT EQUIPMENT; ENHANCED REMOTE PERFORMANCE FOR MULTIPLE A/V COMPONENTS; HIDDEN SLIM DESIGN, SIDE SENSORS WITH 6-FT CABLE, EXTENDABLE WITH RG6 TO 31 FT; BLUE TALK-BACK LED CONFIRMS IR COMMANDS; HYPERSENSITIVE RECEIVER EYE CAN BE MOUNTED VIRTUALLY ANYWHERE, EVEN ON THE BACK OF FLAT PANEL TVS; 4X AS SENSITIVE THAN STANDARD RECEIVER TARGETS; REPEATS CARRIER FREQ OF 18 KHZ120 KHZ; DOUBLES USEFUL DISTANCE OF REMOTES UP TO 70 FT; INCLUDES IR RECEIVER EYE, 6 EMITTERS, AMPLIFIER BOX & POWER SUPPLY; INCLUDES 6 LED EMITTERS FOR UP TO 6 A/V Components

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6/26/2011

My TV Remote Two-in-a-box - A universal remote on your iPhone with 2 infrared devices Review

My TV Remote Two-in-a-box - A universal remote on your iPhone with 2 infrared devices
Average Reviews:

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I've used this now for a week in two rooms, and it works as promised. It saves me from having to use multiple remotes. The only downside is that adds pop up briefly in pop-up windows that block the bottom of the display, which makes it hard to see which remote keypad is displayed (TV,cable box, receiver, or DVD). It has been worth the money! It's nice that it allows you to set up configurations for each room separately. Hope that future software upgrades allow access to more of the customized features of each device such as selecting surround sound options on your receiver while watching TV. Currently just selects the default. Highly recommended.

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My TV Remote gives you and your friends a virtual couch for watching TV together. No matter where you are or what you are doing, enjoy your favorite programs with your family and friends.Ryz Media connects the TV with mobile devices to provide a richer TV watching experience. While other solutions utilize the TV screen to interact with end-users, Ryz Media enables smartphones and tablets to become an integral part of the modern home entertainment experience.At Ryz media, we believe that the TV screen is optimized for watching content. When used for browsing the Electronic Programming Guide (EPG), search, social interaction and other content related functions would compromise on the basic lean back TV watching experience.Mobile devices are a natural platform for such functionalities incorporating a display, a keyboard and an Internet connection. When multiple viewers watch the same TV, this separation of functionality becomes even more important.My TV Remote is the first easy-to-use application for the masses which combines a universal remote control with a TV program guide and a social networking experience. The application uses a small external device that plugs into the audio jack of an iPhone or iPadallowing them to control your various home entertainment devices.My TV Remote goes beyond the passive experience a universal remote provides. In addition to controlling devices from a single control point, My TV Remote allows se

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5/18/2011

Terk Leapfrog Remote Control Extender Kit LFIRX Review

Terk Leapfrog Remote Control Extender Kit LFIRX
Average Reviews:

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I purchased the Terk Leapfrog to control my Tivo from the bedroom, after running cables for the audio/video through the wall. In the end, this has worked excellently for me - so let me explain why it doesn't get the full 5 stars.
Initial setup with this product couldn't be easier. You simply unpack the two pieces, plug in the two included AC adapters - and that's it! I was surprised there was no programming it to accept certain IR codes... it just picks up whatever the remote might be throwing out, and relays it appropriately. When I first unpacked it, I set the one unit right in front of my Tivo, sitting about 2 inches from the Tivo's IR receiver. I took the other one into our bedroom and plugged it in. Presto - I could control the Tivo from the bedroom.
Now that I'd confirmed it worked, I went back to my living room to try and find a nice, out of the way place for the Terk Leapfrog to sit. It obviously had to have a clear line of sight to the Tivo... which I figued left me with plenty of choices. I tried putting it on a bookshelf, that was on quite an angle from the Tivo - but with no luck. I tried hiding it behind a picture frame (where is still had a clear line of sight to the Tivo) on a table that was closer to the Tivo... but again no luck. I went on to try 4-5 other places around the room, but could never make it work consistently.
Finally, I placed it *behind* the tivo, and used the included IR 'extender' (which is a little cable, with a peanut sized IR transmitter on the end). I snaked this little cord under the tivo, and then attached the little IR transmitter so it's aiming right at the Tivo's IR reciever. This, finally, worked. Just for comparison, I can aim my Tivo remote almost anywhere in the room and have the signal picked up by the Tivo, so I'm confident that the Tivo is not the problem here.
So... The good thing about this product is that it does work... the bad thing is that it seems it needs to be aimed by a professional sharpshooter to get the signal to your device.
Pros:
-Super fast setup
-Works great with your Tivo
Cons:
-Hard to get the 'placement' of the IR sender just right.

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Model- lf-irx vendor- audiovox electronics features- leapfrog ir remote extender extends the range of any remote control and operates through obstacles from up to 120 feet away. Freestanding units works with most remote controls and a/v components. Installs easily expandable system: add an additional receiver (lfirx-rx) and/or transmitter (lfirx_tx) sold separate.

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4/25/2011

Next Generation Remote Control Extender Review

Next Generation Remote Control Extender
Average Reviews:

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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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4/10/2011

X10 POWERMID Remote Control Extender Kit PM5900 Review

X10 POWERMID Remote Control Extender Kit PM5900
Average Reviews:

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MY father recently remodelled his home, and had all the electronics hard wired behind the walls. It's a real clean installaltion, however all the equipment (reciever, cable, DVD, CD etc) are all out of infrared range.
After figuring out he needed a universal remote, as well as needing r/f capability, the search was on for his christmas present. I had a lot of trouble finding a universaal remote that would set up easily for him, has well as have the R/F capability.
In the end, i opted for the infrared remote i really wanted, and the x-10 system. the leapfrog system appeared to have a few bad reviews, and i figured spending the extra money might make the difference (only like $10)
Turned out to be a great decision. I was concerned about the system b/c the front of all the components in the media closet are very close to the door. I purchased 2 extra extender eyes (plug into the back of the R/F recieving unit, and can be stuck right on the I/R eye of your component) but i didn't even need them. One pyramid in the closet ssomehow still controls all the componants w/o even being in direct line of sight of the i/r eye on each piece of equipment.
I would reccomend buying an extra transmitter (the pyramid w/o the antenna) as you might want to be able to control from other places once you see how convenient this is. My dad has 2, one in the living room, and one in the kitchen, if he wants to control music while cooking.he'll probably end up with another for the patio outside during the summer months.
overall, highly reccomended product.

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Use your remote to control VCRs, cable boxes, even stereo equipment in cabinets in another room with Powermid's whole-house infrared remote control extender! Lets you control your audio/video products from anywhere in your home. Powermid Transmitter converts your IR signal to RF and transmits up to 100' through walls to a Powermid Receiver, which converts RF back to IR to control your equipment.

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