I'm looking for an inexpensive (less than $100, preferably much less), simple to use remote control for my parents to use. Right now we have three remotes - TV, DVD, and reciever. The reciever actually can control all three, but it is a pain in the ass (there's an LCD screen and you have to flip open the lid to press numbers - it's a mess.) My parents have a very tough time trying to play a DVD since you have to press so many buttons to get to the right input mode.

I'm looking for a remote that, when you press the DVD button, switches to the right inputs and turns on the appropriate devices - same with Tuner, CD (which is DVD without the TV on), etc. The Harmony SST-768 is exactly what I want, except that it's so darn expensive. I know I could probably find a cheap remote that I can create a macro with, but my parents won't remember which button to press that has that macro. (If it's a macro to turn on the DVD player, it has to say DVD on it.) Anyone have any suggestions?

A cheap One For All or Radio Shack remote would serve your purpose, except for the fact that the macros would have to go on a button other than the device buttons (ie, the button labelled DVD, etc).

However, if you are prepared to put a little effort into this, I would recommend getting the $30 8 device Radio Shack 15-2116 remote and a $15 JP1 cable. With JP1 you can put macros on the device buttons. You could then do all the hard work yourself programming the macros, etc for you folks.

The other added advantage of using JP1 is, if you folks need their remote re-programmed and they have the JP1 cable, you can do the programming at your place and send them the new programming by email. This is what I do with my father in law and his RS 15-1994 remote.

Here's where you can get a JP1 cable for $15 shipped (till father's day)...
http://www.hovisdirect.com

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

Hmm, I think I'll do that. I have all the parts around my house, so I'll just whip up a JP1 cable and grab one of those remotes. Thanks a lot!

I went to Radio Shack and looked at that remote. It's so big and heavy - I really don't like it. I picked up the 15-2115 instead, but unfortunately it doesn't have that JP1 interface, so I'm going to return it.

Are there any other remotes out there that are currently being sold that are comparable to the 15-2116 but are less bulky (size and weight)? Perhaps the URC-8811?

Thanks

The URC-8811 is the same size as the 15-2116. Maybe what you're looking for is the URC-6011. It's a much smaller 6-device remote. You used to be able to get it at Wal-mart but I think they've stopped carrying it. (They call it URC-6012).

This remote is not JP1-ready out of the box, because you need to solder both an EEPROM and the 6-pin header into it, but it sounds like that's not a problem for you.

If you have trouble finding it, I have some available with the parts pre-soldered, so drop me a line if you're interested.

Rob

Hey Rob,
That sounds like it might be good. How tough is it to put on the EEPROM and the header? I have some soldering experience (actually my father helps me with most of it). Are there good instructions if I were to do it myself? Also, what would I have to buy?

I'll send you an email about the parts you have available.

Thanks again!
Mark