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Review 4 of 7
Price Paid:
$30.00
from Crutchfield Summary:
I was disappointed, but that is mostly my fault. I was under the misguided impression that this was in fact a learning remote, when in fact it is a pre-programmed-only type. So, if you have components that are non-standard (i.e. not on Sony's list of supported components), you will not be able to control them.
That being said, this is a superb remote for the price. It controls 8 components, which is rare in this price class (below $25 street price), and a welcome feature if you have a tall stack of equipment like I do. To its credit, it comes pre-programmed with a code for just about every component that you could own. Unfortunately, I have a Canadian Digital satelite TV dish (ExpressVu), which is NOT supported. None of the Canadian DSS systems are supported, but there are many codes for U.S. DSS systems (DirectTV, Dish, etc.).
The unit has a backlit LCD, which is mostly useless, normally merely showing the device that you are controlling. It doesn't even have a simple clock to make it usefull. But, during programming this display can give you valuable feedback - a welcome addition. The keys are not backlit, but do glow in the dark.
Although the unit controls DVD players, there is no DVD button for the Receiver input function. So, if you want to watch a DVD, you have to either use the Receiver's remote to switch to DVD, or get up and use the front panel controls on the Receiver. That's a plain IDIOTIC omission; simply inexcusable!
The remote has a powerful IR output, and is VERY comfortable to hold in one's hand, having a curved bottom and a excellent placement of the most-used volume and channel keys. It can also be placed on a flat surface either horizontally or vertically, which makes it easy to spot and to grab.
Unfortunately, the lack of a learning function (what WAS I thinking when I ordered this thing?) means that it goes back in exchange for another model. But, that is the only reason.
Strengths:
Backlit LCD, controls 8 components, comfortable, attractive design Weaknesses:
(somewhat) limited component set, NO Learning capability, NO macros, NON-backlit keys (glow) Similar Products Used:
Many, Many
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