I am looking for a remote that is capable of controlling basic functions for the *Yamaha HTR-5650 Digital AV Reciever*. The only functions I really care about is power,volume and input. I tried the universal remote for the HUGHES Direct TV receiver but it did not work. I am curious to know if there is a universal remote that is capable of working without having to shell out a bunch of cash. I have seen some programmable remotes in the $150-$200 range but I am hoping to spend no more than $50 for a Universal Remote. I can't seem to find much information about it. Any help is greatly appreciated.

-Z

This message was edited by ZEEK on 08/27/04 13:46 ET.

I have a yamaha HTR-5680 and I purchased a Home Theater Master 500 and I have all the functions programed on it to operate the receiver. You will need to spend about 90.00 for this remote now they used to run over 100. This is a very good hard button remote and bluedo.com is a good place to purchase from with there extended warrenty and all. So you will know there are very few if any universal remotes that will have the same program as the yamaha remote so you will need to use the learn function and all in all that will take less than 30 min. to do. I don't know if this helped or not but good luck on your decesion.
Ralph

I think a decent One For All (OFA) or Radio Shack (RS) remote would be able to do what you want. The forum for these remotes is here.

That said, I second rlhickox's proposal for the MX-500. This is an exceptional remote for the price - and my personal favourite. Be sure to check out the user reviews of the remote here.

Doesn't the learn function require that you send the signal from the original remote source over to the Universal Remote? I bought this receiver for $100 on Ebay but it came with no remote.

-Z

This message was edited by ZEEK on 08/27/04 13:46 ET.

All remotes mentions have a database of codes. One should work your Yamaha. I have a Radio Shack 15-2116. It offered basic control of my Yamaha RX-V1000. I didn't try the database with the MX500 or MX700.

That said, I would give the edge to the OFA/RS remotes as they have a larger codebase and are more likely to have the codes you need. You could also delve into the world of JP1 for greater customization for some of these remotes.

I appreciate it. I will go to Radio Shack on Friday and get the 15-2116. Can always return it if it doesn't work. I hope the Yamaha is just picky. I'd hate to have to sell it because I can't get a remote to work(YES I AM LAZY) :)

Zeek,

You can definitely find a remote to work the Yamaha, but price may be your issue. I have a 5650, and I use the Sony AV3000 to control it. I paid about $100 and love the remote.

JoeT

Thanks Joe. If I cant get the RS or OFA to do what I need I'll give the Sony a try. 1800NICEBUY.com has the Sony for $73.90. I was hoping to get feedback from people that have the same receiver as me. looks like I'll get what I need one way or the other.

I appreciate it,

-Z

Zeek,

If you end up with the Sony, let me know. I can give you the codes that I used to control the receiver. It might save you some time.

The Sony is in a completely different league from the OFA and RS remotes. Check out the reviews on the Sony (I wrote one last year). If you want all hard buttons, the OFA or RS are good choices (I also have an OFA for another room, but don't control my Sony receiver with it). If you want macros, a touchscreen, and the cool factor, go for the Sony.

JoeT

Well I ended up paying $10 for a OFA from Walmart. It's the OFA URC-6012. To my surprise it works enough for me. The only issue I found was that the receiver requires that I program the remote with 2 different sets of codes in order to get sufficient functionality. I had to reprogram the DVD button and change it to a *second*receiver function so that I could use it. No big deal since the OFA won't control my DVD player anyway ( LITE ON LVD-2002 with Firmware v3.02 ) Thanks everyone for the info.

Joe,
A bit off topic but I am curious if you are happy with the sound quality from your HTR-5650? I bought the Yamaha to replace my RCA STAV-3870 which I bought to replace my Sony STR-D450Z. There is no question the Yamaha sounds better than the RCA and Sony alone but an EQ can do wonders for sound and the Yamaha doesn't seem to have a Monitor function or other means to connect an EQ to it. For this I am disappointed. I did end up connecting the REC OUT to the 6.1 input to get the EQ to work but it isn't exactly perfect. Am I missing something or is this just something Yamaha missed?

Anyway, thanks for the posts.

-Z

Zeek,

I am happy with the sound of the Yamaha. It's not the best receiver I've ever heard, but it is the very good for the limited money I had to spend.

We use it primarily for TV/movies, and sometimes for music. I've got a set of JBL speakers that I like a lot (again, bang for the buck).

The only adjustments I make are to lower the treble slightly on the receiver, and raise the bass on the subwoofer. It definitely works for my ears.

Many of the settings are hokey to me. The stadium and concert hall settings give echos and sound tinny. I use the 5 channel setting for TV, and the Enhanced Movie for DVD's (sorry, I don't remember the exact name for each).

JoeT