OK...I am just starting to look into universal remotes and could use some advice. Tell me where to start and what you might recommend for my gear.

Arcam AVP-700 Surround Processor
Marantz DV7010 DVD player
Adcom GCD-575 CD player
EchoStar Dishplayer 500 Satellite Receiver
Panasonic DMR-E95H DVD recorder
Mitsubishi TV - soon to be upgraded

It's a challenging Eclitic bunch.

Thanks,
Chris

Well, there's a whole world of remotes out there. What is your price range?

Good question...I'd really like to spend $150, but I know I'll end up closer to $500 once I figure out what they'll do. I will not be looking over $1k. How's that for a range?

Part of the question for me is...what remotes will support this range of gear?

Well, any fully customizable, learning, PC programmable remote will work in the setup.

First, let's attack a few more questions.

(1) Do you want RF (ability to transmit through walls, doors, cabinets, etc. to a base station that emits the IR signals)? I'd reccomend it even if you don't plan on using it right away.

(2) Do you want a touchscreen, a touchscreen and hard-buttons, or a non-touchscreen LCD?

(3) Do you plan on programming it yourself? How well would you be able to handle the programming? How good are you with this sort of thing?

Answers to questions....and more
1) Yes
2) I don't know. It seems the touch screens are more flexible, but don't feel as much like a remote.
3) Yes, and I think I could handle it pretty well.

The more...I stopped at my local Magnolia Dealer to just touch the remotes and see what they feel like. I bought a Phillips Pronto TSU7000 demo that was pretty much prestine, just a few finger prints, for $150. I have 30 days to return it. First impressions were that I liked the feel of the URC remotes better, but I couldn't pass the price comparison.

What do you think of these? Can you recommend a place to find a compatible Rf extender? Any advice on approach to programming?

That is a great price. Prontos are great remotes, but I agree that I like the feel of URC remotes better. The MX-900 and MX-950 are the best in my opinion, although the slightly older MX-850 also is a great remote.

It depends on what you want to do...keep the price or get a different remote that you like better. It is a hard price to pass up.

What do you mean by "RF extender?" I'm assuming that you want an RF basestation to transmit the signals directly from the remote, although you could also be referring to an IR extender.

I didn't realize there were different options on "extenders". I have a satellite reciever that has to be in my den. Occasionally, I like to watch TV in another room. The TV is fed via the output of the Satellite reciever through coax. The remote for the Satellite reciever is UHF and works sometimes in this other room. It's marginal. I'd like to have a remote that is more dependible.

In order to control the receiver, it also must be controlled by IR. Can you confirm that it is?

I would put an RF basestation in the room where the receiver is. It will work well.

If your not reall expirienced with programming try getting the ulitmate pronto guide from: remotequest.com

"RF Extender" is the terminology for the Philips unit that does what you're speaking of. The extender, RFX6000 for use with the TSU7000, receives signals from the Pronto in RF and then re-emitts them in IR. It has a blaster and hard wired emitters that can be attached directly to equipment.

I suggest you give the Pronto a try, now that you have it. For the price you paid you can play with it for some time and still flip it for a profit. I'll second Ali's suggestion to purchase the Ultimate Pronto Guide. I'm fairly computer savy and it saved me many, many hours. The cost is small and well worth it. Add it on to the what you paid for your Pronto and you're still way ahead in the game.

If you are going to utilize the RF capability of the Pronto right away, you shouldn't have to hard a time getting your hands on one of the extenders. I've seen auctions go for and personally paid well over $300USD for your model Pronto and extender.

Best of Luck...!

The MX-900 would be a great remote for your setup. It is certainly more than powerful enough, but not overkill by any means. You have he option of adding RF capabilities, if you prefer to have your components in a closet or behind closed doors. It's quite flexible.

We also offer programming services if you are interested.

If you have questions about how this remote works or how we can help you, please call me at: (914) 509-5360.



Thank you,
Damon DG
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http://www.ProRemotes.com - Authorized Dealer & Remote Programming Services

Hey guys,

Thanks for the advice on the programming guide! I will definitely pick one up. And I have been watching ebay for the RFX6000. It's not clear to me if other models like the RFX6500 will work with the 7000 as well.

Thanks again!
Chris

In theory it should Chris. The only changes were to memory and tactile feel of the buttons. Do a search on the ProntoNG forum to see if something has been mentioned.

Have Fun...!

Hey, I went back to that same Magnolia store andasked if they had any RFX6000s and they did. They are selling out thier stock at $50 ea. What killer deals for anyone thinking of trying these. I got the TSU7000 for $150 and the RSX6000 now for $50!

Thanks for all your help guys. I've read through the remotequest guide and I'm now working up my configs. Thanks for the jumpstart!