Sony RM-AV3000 Remote Controls

Sony RM-AV3000 Remote Controls 

DESCRIPTION

Universal Remote Commander

USER REVIEWS

Showing 1-10 of 21  
[May 06, 2004]
Worf101
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Ergonomics, layout, fit, finish, most of the presets actually work and the "learn" function does what it's asked to.

Weakness:

Manual is awfully counterintuitive. Some touchpad keys are a little small for grown ups.

Like previous reviewers I have a multi-brand, multi remote jungle in my living room. My system is as follows: TV: 1992 Mitsubishi 35-inch Behemoth AVR: Onkyo 898 VCR: JVC something or other. DVD: Denon 3200 CD: Yammie 675 All these thing have remots that, to put it charitably, don't play well together. After reading the reviews here I decided to go with a slightly used Sony 3000 and see if I could actually find a "universal remot". If you detect cynicism in my tone, you are correct sir!!! I've been down the "universal remote" road before and been burned more times than Sunday Breakfast. So needless to say I approached the Sony 3000 with less than enthusiastic vigor. Manual- Sucks, worst written piece of drivel I've ever seen. Back and forth, back and forth to get things done. Written by a chimp. As counterintuitive as you can get with a manual. Remote Fit and Feel - Solidy without being porky and you can make it do things without having to point it at the TV or things. You can "cock" it up for easy reading and still punch the touch screen and have it work. Definatley not a one-hander but good overall ergonomics. Tounchscreen keys can be a little small for the sausage fingered among us. Set-up - This things marvelous if you have Sony products, if not, it's less than great. The presets provided managed to work out as follows: TV - Outstanding didn't have to add a key. Receiver - So so, will have to keep the Onkyo's remote around to do calibration and alike. DVD - Not bad, preset did most of what I wanted right off the bat. VCR - Poor, the three year old JVC should be covered more closely by presets but not so. CD - Good, most keys came right off the preset. Adding function and keys by the "learn" method is easy and well done. Setting macros and mulit-functions weren't bad either. If I didn't have a technical background and weren't a bit of a "grognard" (I built my last two computers) I'd have thrown up my hands with this days ago. I cannot see "Joe NASCAR" figuring this thing out with the manual as it's written. You have to be able to read, comprehend and then be a little compusavvy to make this thing work.

Similar Products Used:

Too many to mention

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
3
[Nov 20, 2003]
robtr111
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Attractive, hefty unit gives impression of quality. Decent signal output, better than many original remotes.

Weakness:

Display smudges easily. User manual poorly organized and confusing. Codes supplied for other products don't necessarily work.

My multiple - brand and multiple - component home entertainment system needed a dose of user-friendliness so that my wife didn’t always have to ask me how to switch between broadcast TV / DVD / VHS. Based on the reviews here, this product seemed to be the ticket (macro capability), and the price wasn’t too bad. Programming macros in the RM-AV3000 was a chore, because the user manual is poorly organized, and one has to jump around between different sections of the manual to find out how to accomplish a single task. For example, to replace a factory preset, you have to first erase the factory preset, then reprogram it: Go to Page 32 for programming info... then, See page 37, then go back to Page 32. It would have been better if the preset could just be erased and reprogrammed in one step. The same thing happens when you want to change a program you’ve created - except the procedure to erase your program is different than erasing the factory preset! Go to Page 32 for programming info... then, See page 35, then back to Page 32. All of this is unnecessarily complicated - but is typical for a lot of home entertainment products. When are the manufacturers finally going to get rid of nonintuitive, nested setup menus? Unfortunately, this product is among the worst I’ve seen in this regard, and this is one case where you do not want to lose the user manual. Thankfully, there is a Quick Reference Guide that takes a tutorial approach and is a helpful supplement to the manual. It was annoying to find that none of the “JVC” component code numbers supplied (in a separate booklet) worked with my 2-year-old JVC VCR (I have several other, older JVC VCRs, and all the remotes are all interoperable, so there is no excuse for not providing a working code number). Fortunately, the learning mode worked very smoothly. The factory presets worked for my Sony DVD player (no suprise). The optical output of the Sony remote was stronger than the remote that came with the JVC VCR. I managed to lock up the unit. I tried to program the functions from a Hauppauge WinTV PVR remote, using the learning mode to replace the factory satellite presets (STB) of the Sony remote. The unit seemed to learn the remote codes ok, but pressing the newly-programmed channel up button on the Sony caused the transmit indicator to display continuously, and none of the other buttons responded. I had to pull the batteries (which means having to reset the clock) to get it to function again. I was able to reproduce the problem, and trying to reprogram the unit again didn’t solve the problem. The touchscreen backlight isn’t needed in a well-lit room. The touchscreen smudges very easily. Cleaning it is a problem, because applying pressure to the touchscreen activates functions, even if the unit was previously powered off. The unit has the same form factor to a remote I have for an old Sony big-screen CRT, but has a “heft” that conveys an impression of quality. This makes it a pleasure to handle and operate. All in all, the RM-AV3000 accomplished what I wanted. My wife can press one button to select broadcast TV, one button for DVD, etc.. And it eliminates the clutter of the other remotes. However, the difficulty of programming it almost counteracts the joy of using it.

Similar Products Used:

Manufacturer - supplied remotes only.

OVERALL
RATING
3
VALUE
RATING
4
[Aug 02, 2003]
Donald R
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Everything can be programmed and re-labeled. Bright backlit screen. LCD panel easy to read. Touch screen is nice to use - even if you have fat fingers.

Weakness:

There is no way to delete single characters short of substituting it with the space character - very frustrating if more than one deletion required. LCD panel buttons are pre-configured, with Sony's CLIE technology - this should have a no-brainer. Shame on you Sony.

Excellent product! An expensive product if brand new, however, mine is refurbished (www.ecost.ca) - Sonystyle list price is CAN$299 - I paid flat CAN$147. I used remotes that claim to be "compatible" with many products - but this remote sets itself far above the rest with few exception. I'd recommend this if you have the cash. Everything about this remote can either be pre-set or programmed or learned. Too many macro functions are available - 33!. 18 components can be controlled. The LCD is not the technology that should be used in this remote - however it does work well. Maybe the future AV-4000 with 320x320 pixel & USB support and software that designs custom labels & buttons?

Similar Products Used:

VL-900, RCA all-in-one,

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
2
[Aug 01, 2003]
kenche
Casual Listener

Strength:

Programming and intuitive operations

Weakness:

Erasing codes and macros sometimes does not work

Works as advertised. The learning and macro functions were outstanding. This remote "learned" codes for peripherals that other could not.

Similar Products Used:

All in one Kameleon.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
4
[Jul 22, 2003]
sevendust1276
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Great controller,gets rid of unwanted remotes, easy to use after programed

Weakness:

Hard to program, battery's dont last long.

Its a great remote, its good looking and quite easy to use after it is programed. Is kinda hard to program and gets kinda confusing while programing. Sony says batterys last 5months, not true,more like 2 to 3 months. I think its worth $200.00 and cleans up unwanted controllers. I have everything down to airconditioners programed in to remote!!!

Similar Products Used:

mitsubishi remote.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
3
[Jun 21, 2003]
Brian Merz
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Will fully control all functions in your gear as long as you still have the original remotes.

Weakness:

Cannot preset operate older gear. It does have a search option by type of gear that cycles through a large number of trials, but it didn't work for any of my older equipment. Fingerprints are surprisingly annoying on the screen. I didn't believe other writers on this topic, but my three kids sure make a sticky mess of the screen. Even my clean hands leave highly visible fingerprints. Hard to read screen except in bright sunlight. I use the backlight very frequently.

Above price is in Canadian Dollars. I was very happy to finally use a single remote on my main entertainment center. The presets were good for all of my latest gear. Some of the detailed buttons required it to learn from the original remote to enhance the basic presets. Example: the page up/down channel buttons for my cable box required learning (aim original remote at AV3000 and press buttons), but the single channel up/down came preset. I was significantly dissappointed that my older gear with missing remotes couldn't be operated. This was one of my reasons for buying it: I have a DVD player without front panel buttons for menu functions that only the original (now broken and not replaceable) remote could activate. I still can't access the menus to permit movie playback. It now only works as a CD player. Other older gear requires you to still have the original remote to learn from. If you have many remotes to switch between, this one will eliminate all of them very nicely. Not a good way to replace a missing or broken remote unless the equipment has a common brand name and is reasonably new. Rather expensive, but it's in constant daily usage.

Similar Products Used:

Learning and preset remotes provided with expensive gear. Learning remotes do not control a large enough number of other items. Preset only remotes are inadequate as they often cannot do your favourit

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
3
[Jun 10, 2003]
evrqst123
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Cool Design. Easy to Use. Lots of functions and customizing capabilities.

Weakness:

Horrible manual. Can't see screen well without light on.

Cool remote. Manual is confusing and poorly written. It's almost easier to try to figure out on your own. Remote operates very well. The LCD is tough to see without the light, but it's really not too big of a deal. The design of the remote makes you feel important while using it. I would recommend to anyone with too many remotes.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[May 25, 2003]
Darin
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Intuitive, easy set-up & programming Macros (more than you'll ever need) Aesthetically hip

Weakness:

Can't read the screen w/o the backlight umm, I'm reaching here...

Terrific unit! Very easy to set-up and program. By far the most user friendly for the price. The macros (1 button will execute a number of commands) are very intuitive and wife friendly. B&H has a killer price and I received the unit in three days, factory fresh. The only downsides are that the signal to the equipment could be stronger as you need to make sure you're aiming it at the equipment and the display is pretty much useless without turning on the cool blue backlight.

Similar Products Used:

The ridiculous unit that came with my Denon reciever. Why do you think I bought another?

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[May 08, 2003]
GreatDane67
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Good looks( for my taste). Trouble free operation ( so far). It has so many learning features that I still haven't found a use for them all.

Weakness:

It's a little too big for one-handed operation while holding it. Learning how to use every feature(with ease) took me well over 6 hours total over a 3 day period, but then again, remember that this thing has many cool tricks.

I've been using this remote for over 5 months and haven't had any problems with it yet. I chose this remote based on price and style, I love the look of it compared to most others. Using it has made my HT experience so much easier...everyone needs a good remote such as this one.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
4
[Mar 06, 2003]
GregC75075
AudioPhile

Strength:

-Unbeleivable amount of macro options; you can program system level, component level, or even channel macros (I'm using combinations of them all now and barely tapped the possibilities). -Price, I know $199 seems like a lot, but compared to the headaches I've been dealing with for years it's worth it - Ability to customize labels on buttons (some only have four choices, but the label buttons can have any text). Four choices are still four more than any other universal remote I've had has been capable of. - Lots of buttons for each component, and 12 programmable labels.

Weakness:

All are minor nit picks - I'd like the display to be a little easier to read. Tthe text is medium blue on a light blue/gray background, black text would have been nicer IMO - I'd like to be able to label any button on the remote, but I know that is asking for a lot - It's too large to operate all the functions with one hand, unless you set it on your lap. However, you can pick it up in one hand and channel surf!

Yeah, I paid full price. I have a Denon receiver, a Mitsubishi TV and many Sony components. One day I got fed up with digging remotes out of my remote box to change the group setting on my CD changer and went to Best Buy and bought this remote. Everyone gives you a 'universal' remote when you buy a component. If you have a substantial investment in equipment, do yourself a favor, throw all those remotes in a box and get a real universal remote like this one. I now have every function from every remote (7) programmed into the RM-AV3000. It's great! I'm even ready to get more components now. If you want specifics on the remote, see some of these other reviews, or Sony's site. For those worried about hitting two buttons to turn something on, just program a component macro instead of 'learning' a command. It took a while (two days) to setup all of my macros (I read the entire manual and found some nice goodies). However now that I have everything setup, I only use one button to switch everything to work with any component. Here is a sample of what I can do: Note: Component Macros are used by holding the button for two seconds. Mine assume the TV and receiver are on (that was my choice, not a limitation of the remote). - System 1: Turns on/off Tv, Turns on/off Receiver, sets Receiver to TV input, sets TV to TV input (neither are Sony). Notice when I use this to turn the TV and receiver off, the other commands are ignored since the components are now off :) - System 3: Changes the input on my TV (nice to have it handy) All of my components have macros and I only use one button to setup everything for a component. - TV Macro: Switch Receiver to TV, Switch TV to my favorite channel (SciFi), leaves remote on TV component (Good for going back to TV after playing a DVD, etc...) - DVD Macro (all other components are similar): Turn DVD on, switch TV to DVD input (component), switch receiver to DVD, switch remote to DVD section, pull up DVD menu It's amazing! Even with the Denon remote, I always had to press a min of 4 buttons to turn anything on. My wife and visitors could never do anything other than watch TV.

Similar Products Used:

Sony universals, denon universals, Mitsubishi universals, etc...

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
4
Showing 1-10 of 21  

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