How advanced are remote controls? Can they handle my A/V setup?

[cjchaps]

So, I have a pretty complicated A/V entertainment setup I think. I have a hodgepodge of old and new technologies. Here is what I have:

-A Doblby Digital compatible pioneer receiver with regular composite video inputs/outputs only(no component or s-video).
-A Tivo
-A replayTV
-A regular cable box
-A HDTV cable box
-A HDTV RCA widescreen TV.

Right now, I have the receiver hooked up to get sound only, I am not passing any video through it.
The regular cable box is hooked up to the Tivo
The tivo is hooked up to the TV via s-video
The HDTV cable box is hooked up to the ReplayTV via s-video and the RCA TV video DVI.
The ReplayTV is hooked up to the TV via s-video
The audio for the Tivo, Replay, and HDTV cable box are hooked up to the receiver and the RCA HDTV.

SO, if I wanna use the Tivo, I have to switch to "Vid2" on the TV using the input button on the TV, and then I have to pick up the tivo remote and use that.
If I wanna use the replay I have to again use the TV remote for the input button, cycle through the inputs to Vid1, then use the replayTV remote to control things.
If I wanna use the HDTV cable box directly, I have to cycle to the DVI input, and so on.

If I want to use the receiver for sound, I have to switch to the correct input via the remote on the receiver.

Overall it's a little confusing at times, and my fiancee is getting annoying with me for making everything so complicated. I guess a newer receiver component switching could solve most of my problems, but I don't want to buy one of those yet.

Can I get a remote control that will allow me to hit a single button, which will switch the TV to the right input, change the receiver to the right input, and then the functions on the remote control will control the Tivo for instance? Are remotes "smart" enough to remember which input they are on?

 

[Amused]

Yes. Probably the least expensive and most widely available option that would do enough macros for what you need is the Sony RM-AV3000

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start;sid=RWaXm9XGBKGXtpWK5SGdkJrWcIXrmxVQ-qc=?CategoryName=hav_HAVDepartmentAccessories_Remotes&ProductSKU=RMAV3000&Dept=hav

You can set up macros that will turn everything on/off, switch your audio and video settings when you switch sources, etc.

And it can be had for around $100 on the web.

An example of a macro:

I have the remote programed to do this when I hit and hold the DVD button:

Turn on DVD player > Switch receiver to DVD input > Switch TV to Input 2

Hit and hold the STB button:

Switch receiver to Sat box > Switch TV to input 1

And you can have up to 18 devices programed. All with their own macros.

 

[NutBucket]

Seconded. I love that remote

 

[EvilYoda]

w/o reading your entire post, I'd still venture a "yes"...various universals will have 90% of your components built-in, where you just have to enter the right IR code. The other 10% you can just teach to a good remote, using it's learning ability. I like the Home Theater Master (from Universal) MX500 and MX600. Not too expensive, but really easy to use, nice and accessible macros, indiglo backlight, RF if you want it (in the MX600).

 

[Kelvrick]

Originally posted by: Amused
Yes. Probably the least expensive and most widely available option that would do enough macros for what you need is the Sony RM-AV3000

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start;sid=RWaXm9XGBKGXtpWK5SGdkJrWcIXrmxVQ-qc=?CategoryName=hav_HAVDepartmentAccessories_Remotes&ProductSKU=RMAV3000&Dept=hav

You can set up macros that with turn everything on/off, switch your audio and video settings when you switch sources, etc.

And it can be had for around $100 on the web.

Jeez. Thats the cheapest? I really like it though.

 

[Kelemvor]

Got one of those for Christmas. More of a remote to show off, but the macros are nice. But how long does it really take to turn on a few items and such. But you can program in any codes not included in the remote and such.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: FrankyJunior
Got one of those for Christmas. More of a remote to show off, but the macros are nice. But how long does it really take to turn on a few items and such. But you can program in any codes not included in the remote and such.

Once you learn how to fully program it with all the macros and all the commands (including menu commands) of your equipment, it is FAR more than a "show off" remote. I have found no cheaper remote that can do everything it does.

 

[MrDudeMan]

lol...can a remote handle your "setup"

generic walmart universal remotes could do most of that. if you want a cool remote, get a touch-sensitive LCD. we have a big screen tv, 6.1 surround receiver, and then various A/V stuff like a dvd, vcr, xbox, TiVo, DSS, etc. and it can do it all. sure, ours was like $400, but something 1/4 as expensive can do it all the same. good luck.

 

[RossMAN]

I'm not sure if this remote can handle your setup but it's cheap and powerful, the RadioShack 15-2116.

 

[Ameesh]

home theater master mx-700

 

[Namuna]

I recommend the Phillips Pronto


I have the 2nd generation (TSU2000) and it's made my life A LOT easier! What's particularly cool about these remotes is that the icons and screens and such are customizable. It handles macros and will learn pretty much anything IR you throw at it.

Can I get a remote control that will allow me to hit a single button, which will switch the TV to the right input, change the receiver to the right input, and then the functions on the remote control will control the Tivo for instance? Are remotes "smart" enough to remember which input they are on?

That's how I have mine setup, the 'home' page has a bunch of custom-made Batman icons and several single buttons for 'Watch TV', 'Watch DVD', 'Listen to CD' (you press the one button, the remote goes through the sequence of turning on/off and switching that you tell it to in the background).

You're question about a remote being 'smart' enough to remember with input? There's basically no such thing, that would require a 2-way transmission and while that's possible to have in the specific remote that came with the device, you're not going to see in a Universal Remote...What you want is called 'Discrete Codes', which sends a SPECIFIC code for a SPECIFIC item (ie...If you want to have your receiver to switch from TV to DVD, a Discrete Code would be to send a specific signal to switch to DVD)

check out RemoteCentral for good info:


Admittedly, it took a considerable amount of time for me to learn the ins and outs of programming that remote...But the effort was WELL WORTH IT! My Wife was on the verge of killing me with all the components and switching that and turning this on/off, when I brought the Pronto home she scoffed it as just another 'tech toy' I brought home. But once I had it setup, she LOVED it! Just point the thing at the components and press a button.

Good luck!