Does everything I need in 1 remote.

Number buttons are too close together. Bad for people with big fingers or like my wife with her beautiful long fingernails. That's why it gets a 4 star rating instead of 5.

Great remote.It replaces all my others.1 thing though,when naming inputs,say something other than cable box, when naming that input on your tv or receiver. It flips out Harmon Kardons data base.Just name it video whatever where your cable box is connected to your tv or receiver. This caused me many hours of grief when I first got this remote. A call to a HK tech straightened my mess out.

Customer Service

Good

Similar Products Used:

None

Easy to program the remote. Handles up to 15 infrared devices. Some incredibly absurd number of activities. Buttons glow and LCD screen lights up when tilted. Battery strength meter. Controls all types of devices. Has renameable buttons to get rid of useless functions, etc. I would rate this remote a 10 in the ratings however the scale only goes to 5.

Buttons along side of the LED screen are small. Must be kept charged, and it takes a long time to charge a dead battery.

Awesome remote! I had a little trouble initially setting up because of firewall issues I had with Norton internet security. Anyway, the remote works great. For those of you who have never seen or used anything like this, it is a pretty cool set up. To program the remote, you have to install software onto your computer. This software takes you directly to Harman Kardon's website. On the website, you list what make and model of any component you have. Plug the remote into a USB port on the computer, and your remote is automatically programmed to run whatever devices you have. That is not the end of it. You can create what are called activities. For example, let's say you want to watch a DVD and listen to it through your stereo. Turning on and controlling all of the aformentioned devices (TV, DVD player, stereo), for example, would be classified as one activity. One can via the website tell the remote which audio, and visual componets they want to turn on at the press of a button. Not only do they turn on, the components are also set to the right inputs/outputs. Great idea! No more table clutter from several remotes laying around. Also, a technophobe can operate a complex system with ease.

Customer Service

Great! Helped me with initial problem getting remote configured/set up.

Similar Products Used:

None. Every remote control from every other device that I ever bought.

Very flexable, ease of use, current price and durability. Microsoft program used and is PC programable. All the info you need is current on remote central and that web site is a good thing for A/V gear heads!!!

It's sad they never kept up the software aon this remote. Remote is sub-par without the fantastic modifications. Takes some getting use to, but after some break-in time....yip-pee!!!

I must say that after some quilty time spent using this remote, I can't deny that I truly LOVE this remote. You can get them on ebay & various websites for DIRT cheap. You should use www.remotecontrolcentral.com as a blueprint for modifying, programing and tweeking this remote. I have the Radio Shack LED modification and also the Tadiran 3.6 volt lithium batteries. I use my remote to control my entire system which you can read about under review for the HK Signature 2.0 I was a little skeptical at first after reading these reviews but once I went Remote Central I found the light. I can do anything with this remote from controlling my remote fan to theater lights to controling the fireplace. After thr modifications my screen is bright & range is ridiculously broad. Althoug the Pronto's my be a little better (because they still make firmware) they too are a pain to work with, read the reviews. You should buy one and use that website and I gurantee you'll love it, besides you get a $400.00 remote for around $50.00 so you can't be but so angry, come on people lighten up, nothing is fullproof!!!

Similar Products Used:

Sony, Pronto, Sima and RCA.

The built in codes worked well for most of my components. The learning capability allowed me to program most of the advanced functions for my components. The macros are easy to create and extremely useful. The PC interface is easy to use and provides quite a bit of customization. This actually did replace my other remotes.

There are only 6 buttons. These can be programmed but careful planning should be used when assigning functions. Although it is universal, it is not as "convient" as the remotes that shipped with your components. Ths is because your component remotes probably have a button dedicated to every function but you will need to split the buttons accross several screens when you program the Take Control remote. The display could have been stronger but after adjusting the contrast, I don't have too much of a problem. The touch screen has a limited number of buttons. They recommend not using a stylus (like the Palm) and the lack of a pointer could be frustrating if you have larger fingers. I sometimes use a stylus anyway... The response is noticably slower than my Dish PVR box and for some macros, I had to set certain buttons to be sent twice so that the box would receive it properly. When pressing the number buttons, it is necessary to hold a little longer than on the remote that shipped with the Dish PVR. It could not learn the commands to change the sound fields on my Sony receiver. Not a big drawback, I don't change them that often. Pretty big and heavy.

I wanted a remote to replace the 4 I use on a regular basis and, after programming, this remote was able to replace them all. The built in codes were adequate for all except my Dish Network Echostar PVR box and I couldn't get it to learn some more advanced functions of my Sony remote or my off the shelf Radio Shack remote for my lights (may not be IR). The product can be more cumbersome than the remotes it replaces but with some forethought, tweaking, and riding the learning curve, this can be a powerful tool in the home A/V arsenal. With the macros, I am able to power up or down the entire system with a single button. I also use the macros to switch the A/V and TV inputs so that I can play my XBox. A macro switches them back for me when finished. Although significantly heavier than any other remote I have used, it is not too unwieldy. It will take a bit longer to get to some remote functions than with the remotes with dedicated buttons that it replaces, but some planning can minimize this. The PC interface is extremely easy to use and offers an incredible amount of customization. I spent quite a bit of time tweaking the control. For example, you may not think having the same button in the same place on a touch screen makes that much of a difference but there is a reason the File menu is always the first on the left... I spent a good amount of time figuring out just what was the most useful grouping of buttons on what screen and added shortcuts to other screens. I kept the function of the roller pretty consistent and was able to change the mute button to pause the DVD or pause live TV. The more I have used it, the more I have been able to refine the set-up and increase its usability. To get around the limitations of the number of buttons on the screen, I programmed general navigation for my cable box into one screen (or activity as they are called), controls for the live TV recorder into another, and put the number pad on a third. Each screen has shortcuts to the other. Requires a few extra key presses but it is not too "painful". I was quite used to finding the keys on my old remotes by touch and it is a little discontering to have to look at the screen instead of the device I am controlling. This is mostly a learning curve on my part. Although completely irrelevant to functionality, it also looks cool. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with it.

Similar Products Used:

Several all purpose remotes over the years ranging from non-learning $50 remotes to semi-learning $100 remotes.

programming, combining of remotes, upgradable software, cool looks, hard to loose because it''s so bulky

heavy, can''t see touch pad, slow to implement functions, and my wife laughs at me for spending so much every time I use it (she uses the old one)

When Ubid started selling these for $89, I had to buy one (though Harman Kardon now sells them for less on Ebbay). My previous experinece is with the Universal Home Theater Master. So what can I say. Does it program multi- functions-yes. Combine remotes-yes. But the real question is, as eveyone else has noted, it is convenient? Unfortunately I have to say no. The basic ergonomics that I rely on in a remote control, just aren''t there. The touch pad isn''t that sensitive and apparently my fingers are too big to hit the right channel numbers (yes my Palm is no more sensitive, but I''m using that in bright office light and it comes with a pointer). Next- the functions happen just way too slow- my tv''s standard remote changes channels and adjusts volume faster. And lastly, the screen is just too dark, even with the backlight, to see while watching tv/ videos. During the day I struggle to see the touch pad. At night I hold the remote near a lamp to find the right buttons. And.... last but not least, its heavier than any other remote I''ve ever used. Thus, I cannot recommend this remote simple because even though it may be smart, it''s just plain impractical. My take is that it was best of class when it came out several years ago, but life has passed it by, and that''s why Harman Kardon/ JBL/ Madrigal is blowing them out of here.

Similar Products Used:

Home Theater Master Universal

Price Ease of Use PC Software

Button Layout Physical size

I was looking for an all purpose remote for some time. Based on what I had read, I was leaning toward a Pronto or a Harmon Kardon/Microsoft Take Control, but the cost was stopping me in my tracks. When I came across the $97 Take Control Remote deal (through the Tech Bargains link - $102 shipped), I couldn’t pass it up, especially since it’s through Harmon Audio which has a 30 day return policy – so if it didn’t cut the mustard, I’m just out the shipping. Anyway, I’ve received it and have to say that I like it. At first I was extremely concerned about the cons listed on several posts at remotecentral.com; I was prepared to swap out the IR LEDs, but the weak LCD fix (larger batteries with a major battery compartment modification) just seemed too messy. The unit I received was the JBL version and had already been upgraded to the version 1.5.065 software. As for the complaint’s I’ve read about, here’s my take on them – · Week IR - My sitting position is 23 feet away from all of my equipment, and all of my equipment is behind a set of smoked glass doors. The remote has absolutely no problem controlling my Dish Network satellite receiver, new HK A/V receiver (which, interestingly enough, the canned codes in the remote didn’t work), Panasonic DVD player, Sony VCR or Mitsubishi projection TV. Granted I do need to point the remote in the direction of the equipment, but I had to with the remotes this replaced, so this is nothing new. Perhaps at a closer range you don’t need to be directional, but I’m not at a closer range. · Dim LCD - The LCD is definitely nothing to brag about, but it is adequate; not the brightest display I’ve ever seen, and yes it’d be nice if it was indeed brighter, however it’s easily on par with any of the three Palm PDA’s that I’ve owned, and probably better than the m505 I have now. It’s adequate in daylight, and more than acceptable in a totally dark room. · Button to transmit lag long - I honestly can’t say that the “lag” between pressing the remote LCD buttons is anything excessive, perhaps a ½ second delay at most. The scroll wheel has virtually no lag as far as I can tell; surfing is a breeze. · LCD screen timeout a pain – It can be, but then you can just set the time out option for a longer duration - What’s the issue here? Other comments - The software is easy to understand (and it better be – there aren’t any instru

The Take Control was easy to set up and is one of the most creative products I have seen. Unfortunately, it failed at what is most important – it was unable to change channels at distances more than 3 feet away from the TV. Also, Should have supplied an extra rocker switch for the channel changer like the one supplied for the volume. The roller is gimmicky, and the volume rocker had much better feel. If HK and Microsoft keep at it and improve it, it has the potential to be the best.

The only remote that I need to use now. Macros. Take Control editor.

Expensive. Display could be brighter.

I was somewhat hesitant to purchase this remote based on some of the negative reviews posted here. But when the volume button on my current universal remote went bad and the dealer wanted $140 to replace it, I decided that I would step up. First let me say that the set-up was very easy. I was able to add all of my devices (Mitsubishi TV, Sony DSS, HK tuner, Toshiba DVD and Panasonic VCR) without having to touch any of the remotes. The only remote I had to manually add was my old Sony CD changer. Setting up the activities was also a snap. All I need to do now, is set up a few Macros (which is easy, thanks to the provided computer software). The IR strength seems to be excellent, I have not had to resend a code yet. Overall I would highly recommend this remote to. The one aspect that I don't care for is the sensation of actually pressing a button on a remote. The screen works adequately, but where I used to be able to select a button by feel, I am now required to look first. However, the screen does provide a lot of flexibility and I am sure that I will quickly adapt. I am will give it 4 stars for value, because to me $250 seems like a lot to pay for a remote. But I will am giving it a 5 overall, because I believe that it is one of the best (innovative as well) remotes currently available.

Similar Products Used:

Various universal remotes.

Amazing range of available codes, convienience.

Amazing range of UNavailable codes, eats batteries quickly, more below...

I've had the TC 1000 for about 9 months now and I must admit when I first got it, I was really awed at its versatility. But as the months move by I find that this thing gets less and less praise (and use)and the 5 remotes I tucked away slowly make their way back to the couch.
My complaints outweigh my strengths and that's a rare thing for me. I'm usually pretty easy to satisfy when it comes to gadgets but this was not worth $275. It's not worth $75.

My big complaint is that it usually requires 2 or 7(!) presses on a button with surgical precision to actuate a command. If you have to "rapid fire" a channel for a DSS station (3 digits) its a crap shoot that you'll get it the first time. Ergonomically, this is a failure in a big way. It's heavy, clunky in size and shape, and HUGE! The design is limiting in that you have to read the display at nearly a 90 degree angle or you cant see the icons. While holding it to read it like this, the transmitter is now pointing very nearly directly over your head! So you have to read the remote screen, place your finger on the "button" then tilt it away from you and fire, then tilt it back to read, find the next button, tilt it away and fire again.......
If the transmitter was simply moved to the "back" of the remote instead of on "top"....worlds would be changed. Okay no....but you wouldn't have to mount your entertainment equiptment to the ceiling to control it!
The computer programming is hell. It works fine to do basic set up but I've yet to plug the remote into the PC and not have it completely wipe the remote clean. I don't even bother anymore.

It does learn very well from other remotes and it can easily unify a mess into a cohesive neat controlling package, but it is a slow and frustrating piece to use.

The idea is fantastic but the execution is not something that feels natural at all. The rolling "barrel" button a first was very cool, but the fun wore off fast when after only 3 weeks it developed a "short" that causes it to many times confuse it's "up" roll with a "down" roll. (No nothing was spilled or dirty and it has never been dropped)

The next evolution of this is probably going to be beautiful if things like this are read by the manufacturer.

Similar Products Used:

Many other programmables (Sony Pioneer)

Reduces 8 separate remotes to 1. Accompanying program makes setup easy.

Weak IR signal. Too directional. Horrible button response.
Incompatibility with some computer OS's.

1.First unit received was defective. Returned/Exchanged.
2.2nd unit OK. Programming program incompatible with my new
Dell PC--consistently jammed and caused automatic reboots
of PC's operating system.
3.Took it to work, programmed it easily--apparently version
of software provided was more compatible with Windows 95 than Windows 98.
4.Tactile response from buttons varies, but cannot be made "light". Buttons at edge or corner of screen require at least twice as hard a push to actuate.
5.Pushing the right button often results in wrong action. Reprogramming fixes for a while, then starts mis-operating again.
6.Unless you are meticulous in cleaning screen, low contrast on screen makes reading buttons very hard, which leads me to
7.Brightness cannot be turned up to a high enough level. Even in a well-lit room, I end up using the backlight to read the screen. I'm a VERY experienced Palm Pilot user, so I'm familiar with touch-sensitive LCD screens. This unit needs to be at least 6X brighter to make use easy without backlight.
8.Battery life is OK, but putting new batteries in returns contrast to original unreadable state, requiring resetting.

Improvements needed:
a.brighten the screen A LOT.
b.eliminate errors in button actuation
c.support screen farther out so edge buttons can work as easily as center buttons. Perhaps make screen 1/4" larger than edge of outside buttons.
d.double or triple strength of IR beam

Say, does anyone know if a PalmPilot can be programmed to act as a......Oops, almost gave away a million dollar idea.

Similar Products Used:

Universal 9000