I don't know if this question will be found annoying or not (if so, i apologize). I'm looking for thoughts on the best remote for my set up. here are my criteria:
1. must be able to control 5 components.
2, must have macro capability.
3. must be able control components discreet power (i think this is the right term - in other words, if i have a macro set up to watch a dvd and i'm already watching tv when i hit the dvd macro, it should not turn the tv off. on the other hand, if all components are off and i hit the watch dvd macro, it should turn it on).
4. must have rf capability - would like to be able to turn off lamps, control curtains, etc.
5. ideally it would have a base/charger - though this is not essential.
6. i'm not terribly concerned with programable icons, etc (I have a mac - so not really an issue)
7. would like to pay under $300.

any thoughts or redirects would be greatly appreciated.

thanks,

George

You don't need to spend $300, unless of course you want to! Also, you don't need RF to control your X10 stuff.

First the X10 stuff. The only remotes that send the correct RF signal to control X10 gear, using an X10-RF controller, are X10 remotes like this one but these remotes don't support "advanced codes" which you will need to generate discrete codes.

Instead, you'd be better of controlling the X10 gear with a $20 IR543 box, then you can use any IR remote to control your X10 gear.

In order to be able to generate discrete codes (assuming the OEM remotes don't have buttons for them) you will need a remote that supports "advanced codes", such remotes are sold under the "One For All" and "Radio Shack" brand names.

I would recommend the $25 OFA URC-8811 to you.

Rob
http://www.hifi-remote.com

Rob is right, except for an X10 remote no other remote will controle X10 RF (except if you are in Europe)

George, I concur with Rob's assessment.

I have that X10 remote (a two year old one), and think it's pretty much trash. It's a learner, but I found it could learn only a handful of codes (half a dozen?) before it started losing codes. My Sony RM-VL700 can learn a different code to every key, for every component!

On the other hand, you don't really need to have X10 on your main remote, and you probably want X10 control from any point in the house. I have an X10 RF receiver centrally located, and a bunch of those small (and cheap) X10 transmitters scattered around the house, and it works great.

If you really want to have X10 on your main remote, go the way Rob suggested (IR543). Otherwise, just look for a remote that suits your other requirements. If you find one you really like, but it doesn't have advanced codes, you can always get an inexpensive OFA or RS remote to teach the advanced codes to your new remote, and still be well under $300.

I'm using one of the old Radio Shack 15-1994 remotes, and what's great about those remotes is that they actually have a "Plug & Power" device button. Not only do I use this to control my lights, but I also have a CD player that has a push in/out POWER button, that can't be controlled from the remote, so I hooked it up to an X10 box, and voila, now I can power it on and off from my remote.

Building on PCs suggestions, you could get an IR543 and the RF version, that way you can control everything from your main remote, and you can use an X10-RF remote from other rooms in the house if you like.

Better yet, chose an OFA/RS remote that has RF, like the OFA URC-9910 and the RS 15-2117, that way you can use the one remote from anywhere in the house, to control everything! However, the RF range on these things can be severly interupted by metal in the walls and mirrors, so YMMV.

Rob