Help! I'm new & confused to the universal remotes. I'm looking for some suggestions for picking a possible remote based on what I have. Any suggestions on some possible remotes? Like the hard buttons & Blue LCD displays.
Here's the equipment: A Samsung DLP 50" HdTV, Samsung progressive scan dvd/vcr combo, Denon AVR-2801 theater Amp and Comcast Cable.
Here's some of what I do know I'd like to have the remote handle.
1. On the TV side, must be capable of switching between video connections, i.e. DVI, componet, Si-video. Of course the basics(on/off-volume) along with display features such as PIP, normal, widescreen, zoom etc.
2. Cable side: All basics along with channel guide selection and "DVR" control. I am going to be using a dual tuner/DVR cable receiver.
3. Combo Dvd/Vcr unit: Any problems with programming?
4. Will this work with a DVR/DVD recording unit should I consider purchasing one in the future?
What does Macro mean or relate to?
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Confused
Pgh Larry (GO STEELERS!)

a Macro is the ability to do a lot at the push of one button. Some of the more popular macros are channel macros so instead of pressing 1 then 2 then 3 to go to channel 123 you just press one button that has a macro with 123 set on it. If you decide to go with a touch screen remote you can use that with a logo


if it has buttons you can relable then you can name it abc or cbs or fox.....

the other type of macro is activity macros, let's say you want to watch a DVD what do you do? turn on TV, turn on amp, turn on DVD, change the Amp to the DVD input, change the TV to DVD input.... so why not automate it and only need to press one button.

Now before anyone can guide you, would need to decide some stuff.

1) how much are you willing to spend, decent learning remotes can go from under 50$ to over 1000$?

2) should it be easy to use = some kind of screen that lets you find logical names

3) should it be easy to set-up that can be done in minutes or are you willing to spend some time to get an extraordinary remote

4) do you like touchscreen (to be able to do something like the pic I showed) or do you want a push button remote


some of these questions might give contradictory info, for instance there are some good 30$ remotes, but you will never get them to have the right label. The Pronto a touchscreen screen remote can give you logos and stuff, but takes time to set-up, also if you want original work that looks great it can take a long time, Dale said he spent more then 50h creating "easy theatre" on the other hand he did upload his work to this site and so editing it to fit ones need takes nowhere near as long

Anthony,
Thank you for your reply. I had picked up a remote last week from Radio shack. I purchased the Kameleon 6 in 1 for $59.00. I am not all that happy with it and will be probably returning it. I spent about 2 hours setting it up and still have not programmed the dvd/vcr combo unit. It doesn't state in the manual any codes for these units. There is a number to call to set up items that aren't in manual, but I haven't had time to call. The remote's physical size is too cumbersome to hold & use. However, it taught me some things about programing and what I'm looking for now. I know I definitely like the light up feature. I want a simple to program remote for basic use. I only need maybe 4 macro features that will setup some 1 step activity use. Like, hitting "DVD" and everything is ready to go; i.e.Tv comes on & switches to componet mode, Amp turns on & goes to dvd pro logic setting, Dvd/Vcr unit turns on & is ready to play a dvd. Another Macro button simply turns on/off cable & TV without Amp.(wife likes this). Any suggestions? I can pick up a Sony Rm-V1000 on Ubid for $26.50 including shipping. Not sure from what I read about the light up & programming. Thanks for responding. Larry (Go Steelers 10-1 )