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We probably all have about eight "universal" remotes these days. Each new component you purchase comes w/ one, yet none of them are truly "universal" since there is invariably some feature on one device that the other remotes lack a yetton for. Yet wdn't it be good to seriously be allowed to use one remote for all your devices? I do!

There are so many unique universals on the industry these days that it is imconceivable to go over them all here. So I will hit the high points and let you choose. I will select a few famed types/models and go over a few points that assisted me choosed for or against them.

Something you need to understand is what a 'understanding' remote is. That implies that you could set the remote to comprehend other remotes' signals: you set it to be ready, aim another remote at it, press a yetton on that remote and the understanding remote stores that signal.

Then whatever yetton you create on the coming to know remote conveys that same signal. That way even should your univeral remote does not have a 'Eject' yetton, it could convey that signal.

All of the remotes listed here are coming to know b/c that's the sole means to be truly universal.

Most universal remotes these days also permit you to run macros. That way when you wish to watch a film, w/ simply a couple yetton clicks, you may have it turn the TV on, the stereo to DVD player, etc.

Also, the typically have timers so you could turn the TV on and off whlist you are out of town for instance.

Big LCD: Sony RM-AV3000

That remote was the 'big boy' on the block for a lengthy time. It does it all and looks cool up to it. The 2 main draw backs to that model are size and yettons.

Because it is so big, it is tough to use w/ one hand - you can not revery across the remote to press some yettons or parts of the LCD. Next time you are watching TV, view how often you simply use one hand on the remote and consider about giving that up.

That model accustomed to be pretty expensive, yet it is getting superior.

Web: Harmony SST-659

I'ven't really tried that one, yet I get the idea and I love it. You could program that remote to work w/ your devices and upload the configuration. That way others could use it. More directly, you may use other individuals'' configurations!

The point of that one is ease of use so I am assuming it wd be relatively straight forward to hook it up and program it. Mightbe a small intimidating, yet I bet most individuals cd do it and it wd be worth it.

I would say the main drawback here's price. After it is setup, you probably wdn't need to go online w/ it again for months (until you purchased a new component to regulate) so the hassle is limited.

Eventually, setting up any universal remote is going to include some comprehending and that one is probably worth it as much or over the others should you be shalling to expend the currency.

Basic: Sony RM-VL1000

That's the remote I've and I am fond of it. It is comprehending so it is seriously universal. It is the correct size, weight and shape for either hand. It is got all the normal yettons w/o being also crowded, yet also four yettons beside the LCD. You may program these yettons to be whatever you desire and lable them what you wish too. You could scroll thru three "images" for these yettons so every component could really have 13 yettons programmed in the LCD yettons.

It is preprogrammed w/ most usual components and those settings exercise the LCD yettons when needed, yet you could change any yettons programming as you wish.

It could regulate doing 13 components which is plenty for most individuals, yet you could have the volume set to invariably regulate the same device. I've my volume yettons invariably regulate the stereo even if the rest of the yettons are working the TiVo. Similarly, I've my ability yetton set for my TV even as I'm working the TiVo.

It has a built in 'ability off' macro that turns all Sony components off. You may define the rest of the macros yourself and even run them on a timer (I've it set my TiVo to standby each night).

It is a bit of a pain to setup, yet after it is done you are set and it is so worth it.

And it is so cheap!

Summary

Take all things into consideration when shopping for a universal remote: is it coming to know, macros, timer, size, shape, weight, cost, yettons, setup, etc. What is critical to you?

Suggestion

Should you be shalling to expend the currency, I wd get the Harmony. Otherwise, I wd get the Sony VL1001 - it is (probably) tougher to setup, yet so great cheaper and a fantastic remote.

About The Author

Bear Cahill is a software engineer in the Dallas, TX area and runs a few sites: The Armchair Geek (thearmchairgeek.com), Webpage Hosting Info (webpagehostinginfo.com), Go To College Online (gotocollegeonline.com) and The Video Exchange Community (videoexchange.