Hi everyone,

I just found this site from searching a bit, and will appreciate any advice given.

I would like to purchase a remote with the following features, if possible:

- $500 or less
- can be programmed using a mac or a pc
- can control itunes on a mac
- can control front row on a mac
- fairly simple to program
- easy to use
- sophisticated enough to stay relevant for a few years
- wifi would be nice, though I would like something else also (not sure if remotes can do wifi and IR for example) in case my wifi goes down.
- color screen would be nice

Not sure which other features I should be looking into.

Thanks for any advice!!!

Stanley, your control over itunes depends on your ability to have IR control of your PC, frankly never heard of it. Be wary of wifi remotes as they frequently lose connection in the network so "waking it up", waiting for connection becomes a hassle. Intermittent operation is not a good feature for a remote.

We use URC and RTI. If you want to program it yourself, get a URC MX-### and buy it from an authorized dealer. Search for Surfremotes or Proremotes in these forums.

Brian @ Connect Source

Hi briremo,

1. What did you mean by "...ability to have IR control of your PC?"

Not sure if this is what you mean, though there are inexpensive 3rd party remotes that are available that come with sensors that allow you to control iTunes on a mac.

2. If not wifi (I was thinking it may not be a good idea), is RF signals the best way to go?

Thanks!!!

RF is only necessary if you have to go through walls or over a long distance. Then yes, it is the best way, because IR won't go through the walls. The RF signal will then be converted back to IR at the base station (sold seperately...) and emitted to the "sensor." This MUST be an IR sensor. You could learn the codes from the 3rd party remote to the URC if it's IR.

Check out URC's MX-900 or MX-950. They do both RF and IR.

Stanley, all of your electronics devices like dvd players, receivers etc, have little IR sensors on the front of the windows so you can point your remote at it to perform your functions. itunes resides on your computer, and unless your computer came with a remote control and a sensor on the front that works with the remote you have no way to control it. A wifi enabled pda device that's mapped through your netowrk might be the answer for you (though I'm not familiar with mac pda's). We've integrated that into many systems.

Brian @ Connect Source

To Control your music (itunes) you should look into a Sound Bridge like Roku or Slim Server. This is a good option to contol the music on the computer.

Looks like you can also use this to control Itunes.
[Link: store.apple.com]

I would still use a Sound bridge as it also give you more options for music

Forgot 'bout dat!

I already purchased this and it works fine. The sensor that comes with this is IR so I am guessing that any universal remote I purchase will have to interact with the sensor via IR? Is there a way to use RF with it so I can control it from another room. I am hoping to now get a universal remote that would replace this remote and also control all of my home entertainment.

I started looking at the

Logitech® Harmony® 890 Advanced Universal Remote $400
[Link: logitech.com]

and the

URC MX-900 $450
[Link: bhphotovideo.com]


I would like a remote that does everything I listed above and is fairly easy on the usability scale. Anyone have any opinions between these two?

Thanks everyone for your help and advice!!!!!

I would stick with Universal's Remote. Just make sure that it is bought from a Authorized Dealer so you can get the software. you would also need a MRF unit to do the RF. I like using the MRF-300 It cost a little more then the 250 but is much better. When you use the MRF unit, you would connect emitters (which come with the unit) to each piece of gear that you want to control. Now you would use the software to program everything you want the system to do. For the Itunes remote you will probably have to learn the codes into the remote which is very easy to do. I like the MX remotes more than the harmony because you can customize more to how you want the remote to work. I also think that the Harmony button layout is a little weird, but that is only my opinion.

Yup...the MX-900 is great.

www.Bluedo.com
www.SurfRemote.com
www.ProRemotes.com

All authorized dealers that are very helpful with purchases. B&H is also authorized.