Help me choose a good universal learning remote...

[50]

Hello, my new HK AVR 230 remote is making all my other device's remotes going crazy. Thus I need a good all in one remote. I don't mind buying a used remote as long as it is in good condition. I would like to keep my budget under 75 dollars. Here's my system...

Harmon Kardon AVR 230
Samsung SIR-TS160 (HDTV Directv receiver)
Samsung 26" TV (can't get the model # right now)
Panasonic VCR
Sony 5 DVD changer

I looked at the Harmon Kardon/Microsoft TC-1000. I've seen it being sold for 50 bucks used all over the place and thought it was a nice looking remote. However I read many bad reviews on it (anyone have any opinions on it?). I then thought about the Marantz RC5000i or Philips Pronto TS 1000. These look like nice remotes and have big LCDs. They look like they are going for about 120 used(I wouldn't mind paying a little extra for a nice remote like this). What I am mainly concerned is for a big graphical lcd with backlight, many macros, ability to connnect to computer, doesn't kill the batteries/charger, learning capabilities.

 

[3point14]

check out my sig

 

[NutBucket]

The ones you've listed are usually recommended. I personally have a Sony RM-AV3000 and I like that a lot. The one thing I don't like about LCD remotes in general is its hard to get a tactile feel for them, ie you have to look at them when pressing buttons.

 

[50]

Originally posted by: NutBucket
The ones you've listed are usually recommended. I personally have a Sony RM-AV3000 and I like that a lot. The one thing I don't like about LCD remotes in general is its hard to get a tactile feel for them, ie you have to look at them when pressing buttons.

Yes but I usually look for the buttons on my regular remote anyway. The main thing I'm concerned about with LCD's is being able to hit the right button. BTW is it a bad idea to buy a LCD remote used since it's probably been touched a lot and the screen will look really used?

 

[sillymofo]

MX500

 

[amnesiac]

Anyone who spends more than $50 on a remote is a chump.

Buy a $31.99, 8-in-one remote from Radio Shack, model 15-2116
If your devices aren't supported, buy or build a $20 JP1 cable and hook it up to your computer.

In a couple hours, you will have figured out the interface (http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/jp1) and have your remote programmed EXACTLY the way you want.

 

[MustISO]

MX500 is very nice as is the Intrigue Technologies Harmony SST-659.

Check out http://www.remotecentral.com for some good information.

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: 50

Originally posted by: NutBucket
The ones you've listed are usually recommended. I personally have a Sony RM-AV3000 and I like that a lot. The one thing I don't like about LCD remotes in general is its hard to get a tactile feel for them, ie you have to look at them when pressing buttons.

Yes but I usually look for the buttons on my regular remote anyway. The main thing I'm concerned about with LCD's is being able to hit the right button. BTW is it a bad idea to buy a LCD remote used since it's probably been touched a lot and the screen will look really used?

I've had mine for a year and there are 3 of us in the house that use it. We certainly don't abuse it. Only thing I have to do is clean the screen every so often. And, as you are using your fingers it shouldn't get scratched.