Finally:a non-overengineered but functional universal remote
Written: Oct 11 '00 (Updated Oct 11 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Sleek/ergonomic/handsome; great value/inexpensive; controls 8 components; powerful programmability (preprogrammed / learning from other remotes / macro)
Cons: Could use a status display and LED illumination of keys (though they do at least glow in the dark)
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| karasa's Full Review: Sony RM-VL900 Remote Control |
First there was darkness. And then Sony said let there be light. Infrared light. And the light came to be and it was making various pieces of electronics do useful things by remote and it was good. But different pieces needed different remotes, and frustration and confusion have set upon the world. And then came universal preprogrammed remotes, but they could not control all the pieces or do some useful things. And then came the programmable remotes, but they were bulky and expensive and hard to use. And Sony said let there be the Good Remote that was Empowering yet not Confusing, Full-featured yet Sleek. And so the RM-VL900 came to be and the joy has spread across the land.
For the longest time I shied away from getting a universal remote. The units that had the flexibility of being programmable were bulky, heavy, expensive, and, to be honest, not all that great to operate the way remotes are supposed to be operated - on a tactile level. And they ate batteries for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and an occasional snack or two.
On the other hand, the sleek and reasonably priced universal remotes typically did not have the learning (from another remote) capability or macro capability.
Well it all changed when Sony introduced the RM-VL900. Here's why:
- Its component selection keys could carry a pre-programmed command, or same plus a sequence of other keys - i.e. a macro. E.g. if you press the VCR select key to control it, you could get your TV to automatically switch to video1 and your receiver to the audio inputs that connect to the outputs of your VCR. Whichever way your system is hooked up, this remote should enable you to control it like a good conductor controls a good orchestra.
- There are also three dedicated macro keys that do the same but not tied to component selection "context". Mine are programmed for "System ON for TV", "System ON for DVD", "System OFF" - for true one-button-press setup.
- There are nice touches that used to be available only on higher end remotes - such as an option to have volume control affect the amp / receiver volume (as opposed to TV volume), even when TV is the "current" component. This is great for everyone who has TV sound going through the sound system rather than TV's own speakers. Also, speaking of TV, there is a full complement of PIP (picture-in-picture) controls.
- You get to control up to 8 components. But since any button can learn a custom setting, you actually can get it to control more than 8 if you need.
- Lots of components are pre-programmed (remember, you can still override specific keys) which make setup faster. If your component is not listed, try a similar unit by the same manufacturer or by the OEM manufacturer (e.g. Onkyo for some Toshiba amps/receivers).
- The IR range and angle of coverage are good. Better than your average remote.
- There's a grippy rubber ridge running around the perimeter of the unit that makes it secure in your hand and, in case it does fall, protects the unit and whatever it falls on. The unit feels very solid and well made.
- The keys are well positioned and easy to navigate by touch alone. The component keys light up when pressed and the main keys glow in the dark. It would have been even better though if the main keys had been electronically illuminated - the glow is somewhat dim. Good enough to see the remote and the keys but not to easily read the labels.
- All this comes in a slick 8 1/4" x 2 7/8" x 1 1/2", 5 1/2 oz. (155g), silver colored package.
What can I say - I am now in a remote heaven!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
karasa
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Member: Alexander Karasev
Location: New York, NY
Reviews written: 23
Trusted by: 12 members
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